Everyone is a victim because the Devil is stronger.
Nothing worse could have happened to this world than what it has witnessed over the last one year. The Covid-19 waves has not only instilled fear and anxiety across, but changed the way people look at life, positive and negative aspects of it. India, a densely populated country, with more than 60 percent of its population living below poverty line has perhaps experienced the worst scenarios of this existing crisis.
Last year, the virus was widespread in urban settings of the country, impacting major/capital cities of Maharashtra, Delhi, MP, Gujrat, and Tamil Nadu. These are cities with access to good medical aid and infrastructure. Also, there was nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of virus. The constant panic in citizens led them to be more cautious. Guess what? Despite this, there was a shocking increase in the number of cases and death rate across the country leaving us at 5th position worldwide, by the time 2020 ended.
It was December and the virus seemed under lockdown, maybe due to cold weather. People started planning holidays, weddings were happening, social gatherings became normal, clubs/bars and restaurants were back in action and life started to feel normal- But Everything with MASKS ON! Though masks and hand sanitizers were less respected and were just a formality.
The fun lasted for 3 months until second wave hit the country; Dangerously dangerous! Corona was imported from China, so the first wave left its impact in metropolitans leaving the villages at peace. But the “holidaying enthusiasm” from Dec to March took its footprints to every barren land. Initial 15 days, people took it lightly, ignoring the fact that ‘Virus is Back’. Everybody converted themselves into doctors, started their own home remedies, most of them remained unaffected and continued being outdoors, Prime Minister refused for a lockdown, start-ups and mid -level organizations started operating, hanging out in restaurants continued, tea stalls were crowded with marketing/sales guys smoking away the corona vibe and death numbers kept on increasing.
Every third person in our family/friend circle was diagnosed positive with the test and before it could sync-in, we were ourselves tested positive. With a lot of trouble, good wishes, healthy food, amazing consultation from our doctor, support from office colleagues, we healthily survived the virus. Also, the fact that we were young, our bodies could fight the monster, but this is not it. My life’s biggest shock was still waiting for me- My entire family including my mom dad, siblings and grandmother were diagnosed with COVID-19. Given the fact my parents took first dose of vaccine, their symptoms were mild which only gave me relief, their daughter who is miles away from them, totally helpless and praying for their faster recovery. It was day 7 when dad’s oxygen level started to drop. Post his CT scan, it was advised by the doctor to get him admitted. He was taken to the hospital and moved to ICU ward. Dad has always been the strongest pillar of the family who keep all of us united, taught us to be forgiving, love each other and be a good human being. It is his selfless and giving attitude perhaps that got him the virus. He was helping around getting groceries for covid infected families in our society, helping lift the stretcher for the old age patients directing them to the ambulance or taking my 80 years old grandmother to the hospital to get her second dose of vaccine for which she was being as stubborn as a kid. He did it all, helped all, been extra loving and caring to everyone he knew, all he did not knew was to care for himself and today he is battling alone in the hospital with oxygen support.
I have never seen him like this! Despite his unhealthy eating habits, he has been a fit person. I do not remember the last time I saw him having a fever. We video call him once in a day just to get a glance of him. Life has turned upside down for the entire family, mom cries and never tells me but I know it, brother who is 18 years old is trying to manage dad’s responsibility of ensuring everybody at home eats on time and eats right. And I am just thinking of my family and hoping everything becomes normal like before, that dad comes back home soon, everybody recovers fast of Covid, I get to travel to Baroda to meet them all, hug them and say sorry that I could not be with them in their toughest time.
I wake up every morning frustrated, look up for flights to fly home, but given my current immunity levels which are extremely low (as I have just recovered from Covid), I am unable to do this as it will only add to my family’s existing troubles, if I fall sick again.
Dad always told me to save money, irrespective of how much I am earning. He taught me to give up on luxuries, find happiness in small things and prioritize family over everything. Today, every lesson of his is making me realize that I have been a decent daughter who has followed her daddy’s instruction well and trying to inculcate all the goodness he has been trying to pass on over the years and shall continue to do it. I have saved some amount, very little. We all know its costs an arm and a leg to recover patients infected with COVID in hospitals.
Each day’s expense in the hospital including his meals, every dose of Remdisivir, oxygen support, blood tests and other tests is about 40k- Each day’s expense! It has been 4 days since he is admitted and for his faster and safe recovery, doctors have recommended for another week’s admission. The amount is huge and so is the support from friends, neighbourhood, and all well-wishers. Dad’s entire life’s good work is paying off with people reaching out to us for help and support. I am extremely grateful to have such amazing humans in the form of our friends. This time is bad, in fact the worst I can think off, but times like these lays the foundation of some great relationships which you want to cherish for life long- the relationship of humanity. All we need from you is constant prayers and well-wishes to keep coming our way so that all of us can smile back again 😊
