Chapter 27 Public Library#5- Camera

7th, Shravana, 1965

Sunday morning Ortson goes going the Public Library to visit Alya and clear his doubt about magic from her.

To Ortson, Alya's existence has become more than a friend that he wants to cherish very much.

To Ortson who has already lived one full life on Earth, he knows with the experience that comes with old age that his bonds with his friends are the greatest treasure he has ever acquired. 

Ortson enters the Library and as always He notices Alya lost in her books.

Alya turns the pages of the book on her desk and pushes strands of her hair behind the ear which hinders her line of sight, giving the moment a picturesque scene.

And Ortson as a photographer not wanting to miss the moment clicks a photo of Alya.

"Miss Alya Good Morning."

Alya greets Ortson back.

"Good Morning Ortson, and what was that flash earlier?"

Ortson takes off the camera hanging from his neck puts it on top of the desk, and takes a seat in front of Alya.

"Miss Alya, this is a camera. It takes photos like image crystal."

"That's interesting, can you tell me how does it works."

This is the first time Alya has asked Ortson a question.

This made him very happy like a teenage boy, who was asked for favors from the opposite sex he has a crush on.

"Of course Miss Alya."

Ortson opens his notebook which he carries with him always and shows the page with the blueprint and notes for the camera recorded on.

"The idea of the camera is of using laws of light, optics and natural properties of elements to capture a moment on a piece of paper."

Ortson who was a professional professor in his past life starts explaining the working of light by first asking questions to gauge the understanding of the students, habitually.

"So how can we see colour, Miss Alya?"

"The colours we see are the wavelengths that are reflected or transmitted. The reflected lights travel into the retina located on the back of the eye. The retina is covered with millions of light-sensitive cells, which can detect light."

"Excellent, Miss Alya."

Ortson points toward the blueprint and starts explaining all the components of making the camera.

"The light travels through the front hole of the camera and makes a projection inside. Inside the camera, there is film coated with an emulsion which is a mix of gelatin and silver halide crystals."

Alya who was listening to Ortson's explanation suddenly widened her eyes, as all the dots were connected and started to make sense.

"It's a genius invention Ortson."

"Of course not, I am just standing on the shoulders of giants."

Ortson a respectable professor never admits that he invented the camera, if he did he would become shameless in his own eyes.

'If I admit I invented the camera, wouldn't Louis Le Prince and Johann Zahn curse me in after-life?'

  "No! no! Ortson we have always known all the knowledge required to build a camera but only you were able to think of making one."

Ortson can't even say that some else already has invented camera because his predecessor has no relevant information, that's why Ortson can only accept it with heavy heart.

"Thank you for your praise Miss Alya."

"Now tell me how the mechanism of the camera box work."

Ortson explains one by one about all the components inside the camera, the flap which controls the projection of light on top of film, the mechanism which rotates the film the LED light and lithium-ion battery.

"The more I hear, the more incredible this invention it is, and all the components can be made by any skilled craftsman without using magic."

"Now, Ortson when you will show me my photograph?"

Ortson readily answered to the question.

"It will take 3-7 days time to develop the photograph."

"Then I will be waiting."

"Ok, Miss Alya I will definitely show you the photograph as soon it is done."