At the time Kabir's call came to Veer, Veer was sitting with his grandfather, discussing a topic. Suddenly, Kabir's call came in.
After Kabir hung up, Veer's grandfather asked, "Who was it?"
Veer replied, "Grandpa, it was Kabir."
Veer's grandfather said, "What a wonderful boy he is. He's also working on some kind of project, right?"
Veer said, "Yes, Grandpa, he's working on a multiverse project."
Grandpa asked, "Oh, what's that?"
Veer explained, "Grandpa, I told you before, there are worlds just like ours, existing in other dimensions. Those worlds are called the multiverse."
Grandpa said, "Oh, I remember. So, why was he calling you?"
Veer replied, "He needs my help to find such a world." Veer then narrated the conversation he had with Kabir to his grandfather.
The reason Veer wanted to work on this project was simple: he longed for a world where life was peaceful and free from pollution, where people prioritized protecting the environment. He dreamed of a place where everyone thought twice before taking actions that could harm nature.
Veer was greatly influenced by his grandfather, Mr. Prem Kesari, who was a devoted environmentalist. Veer's father, a cashier at a bank, had always wanted Veer to study and become a scientist, which is why Veer pursued a Ph.D. However, he grew disheartened by the environmental changes around him. His grandfather often participated in events and meetings advocating for environmental preservation, and Veer started accompanying him to such programs.
After completing his Ph.D., Veer received excellent job offers but decided to start an NGO focused on environmental conservation. Over the past eight years, his NGO had developed a model to make multiple cities cleaner. His grandfather also worked alongside him for the NGO.
One afternoon, Veer and his grandfather were having lunch together. Veer said, "Grandpa, don't you think this world's history is filled with destruction and despair? We've done nothing but exploit nature." His grandfather listened intently as Veer continued, "Every year, billions of trees are cut down just for us, but we plant only a fifth of them. Sometimes, I feel like we were better off as animals—at least back then, the trees, wildlife, and air were safe."
Grandpa replied, "One day, everything will be fine, Veer. Just have some patience."
Veer added, "Sometimes I feel like we've already lost. I can't understand why we chase after meaningless things. Everyone is trying to become someone with money, power, and status, no matter how they achieve it. I wonder, what will happen when none of this remains?"
Grandpa said thoughtfully, "That day may never come because humans always find an alternative. One such option is Mars."
While eating, Veer remarked, "Sometimes, I wonder what kind of life we should be living. But I have no answer. All I know is that the environment should come first, and everything we do should revolve around it."
His grandfather replied, "I know how you feel when you see the environment being destroyed. But you need to keep working honestly. When I was your age and saw the world being ruined like this, it made my blood boil. But someone told me not to waste time on people unwilling to change and instead focus on those who value the environment."
Veer asked, "Did the government play any role in keeping the environment clean during your time?"
Grandpa said, "If they did, things would've been clean by now."
Veer asked, "What do you mean?"
Grandpa replied, "I mean, the government's contribution was like a drop in the ocean because votes weren't earned through work but through who could sell themselves better."
Veer listened carefully as his grandfather added, "We can't change everyone, nor can everyone be changed. We can only keep trying."
Veer agreed, "I believe you're right, Grandpa. But unless every person contributes to the environment, nothing will change. We're not asking people to clean the entire world; we're simply asking them to throw their waste into dustbins. Even that seems too much for them."
After thinking for a while, Grandpa said, "Veer, what's wrong with you today? It seems like you're frustrated with these people. I'll say it again: we must keep doing our work. Don't focus on those who don't care about the environment. Look at those who are ready to embrace change. One day, everything will transform. We just need to keep moving forward." Veer nodded in agreement.
Grandpa fell silent, and Veer continued eating quietly, wondering why he had let these thoughts overwhelm him. He realized it didn't matter what others did—his duty was clear.
After a moment of silence, Veer said, "Grandpa, I'll go to Kabir's lab tomorrow. It would be great if you came with me."
Grandpa replied, "What would I do there?"
Veer explained, "I told you Kabir is searching for a world that's perfect for us."
Grandpa said, "I remember. But the question is, will such a world be right for us when we can make this Earth even better?"
Veer replied, "I asked Kabir the same question, but he said he hopes people will live by the rules in that world."
Grandpa said, "I'm ready to come, but will we be able to preserve that world?"
Veer answered, "I don't think we will. When has humanity ever learned to behave?"
Grandpa concluded, "But only the wealthy will reach that world. It will belong to those who create it, just like Mars. This world will end up the same way."
Both fell silent, lost in deep thought. Just then, someone came in and said, "Veer, if you're done eating, let's go."