*Trigger Warning: Covid-19*
Who would have thought that we would require masks on our faces while sitting in drawing rooms? Who would have thought hugging our parents or meeting our friends would count to be an offence?
Who would have thought spending time under fresh air would lead to a fine of ₹2,000? Not even WHO would have thought. I am talking about the World Health Organisation, which brought the word pandemic to the world dictionary — never to be forgotten for the generations present and to come.
Who would have thought that we would be a part of such deadly history that will even centuries later be read in schools and colleges just like we talk about World Wars and such tragedies today?
Philosophers say, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” I am seeing the level of toughness in people right now when they break into tears, their world shatters, the pain in their eyes hurting all the more. And I am also feeling pain, as the disease is affecting people in different measures.
But I was talking about toughness. All of us are accepting the reality and standing tall for our loved ones. We have realised that there’s no other way out. Acceptance is the key.
The world would have collectively dreamt of eradicating poverty, but not eradicate poor people like the ongoing scenario. The ones with limited resources are feeling the brunt and losing their lives to the dangerous virus.
But I would like to raise a point. The virus doesn’t ask you your caste or category, as humans have created the basis so far, so successfully. The virus has its standards equal for humanity. And that is the only fair thing it does. Even rich people are dying.
Let me say with my honest heart, Indians are struggling to live. While rich people can afford hospitals, expensive treatments and medicines, poor people don’t have that luxury for obvious reasons. They don’t even have Twitter, Facebook or Instagram knowledge to raise SOS calls of help.
Only the influencers can make arrangements quicker and help their friends and some followers too who tag them in their stories or tweets (as that’s how the Influencers get notified). I feel sorry for each life lost, for every person who has lost a family member. I am extremely sorry for what is happening right now in the country.
When I wake up in the morning, I hope that I don’t have to look up plasma donors, oxygen cylinders, ICU beds for my dear ones. I hope I don’t have to see any family member feeling any symptoms, and I want to get better as soon as possible. This virus is a hidden enemy of happiness.
I was reading some mean joke where it was referred to as the one performing surgical strike on the entire country. The only difference is the country knows the strike is happening. The so-called leaders are in their own world of campaigning and celebrating religion like the survival kit. Who would have thought such greedy monsters would lead us?
Embedding Hindi dialogue here for the current government with the co-mukhiya as the protagonist: “Aag lagi basti me, Mota bhai campaigning apni masti mein.”
Before I end writing here, let me also include IPL in my “Who Would Have Thought” series for the players: “Who Would Have Thought IPL Would Require Players To Stay In Bio-Bubbles?” Well, the IPL games must go on (as cricket lovers say), but the game of Corona must end.
I am eager (not dying, thankfully) to meet my buddies and spend quality time with my family without worrying about keeping two metres distance in the home itself. Go Corona Go. Enough of both, the virus and the article.