Home Quarantine and Me!

It is always said that life has a pre-determined calendar. We as actors have to make a path out of it. That’s what life is! Sometimes situation becomes so unexpected to believe that our strength goes through a reality check. Last month I had witnessed a similar situation: An amalgamation of unexpected happenings and an emotional rollercoaster. It counts a perfect month on 21^st September when it all started. Things happened as they were supposed to providing me with new inning of life.

As we were healing ourselves, time had more sown in it. Day before it my brother tested corona positive. By the time we could accept the fact, it was me and my mother who followed his way. Additional tension encircled as I didn’t want to spend even a single second in quarantine center. Surprisingly one who was stepping out of the house (my father) was declared to be fit! We who stayed at home against our will were detected asymptomatic positive. Sitting clueless, I was crying to the fullest of my heart as fear surrounded landing me in the pit of negativity.  

Fortunately we were allowed to be home quarantine as one flat in my building was ready to receive its tenant. After beading an emotional farewell I along with my father moved to my temporary residence. Real story started now…..

The flat was four walls encompassing noiselessness which was then accompanied by noise of the ceiling fan. We had to convert it into a house for our survival with whatever belongings we had. Then the journey called quarantine began. The tension made me feel like a patient and nothing was boosting up my confidence. The quiet environment was my enemy. I wanted to cry like a child to pour out my fear. On the other hand I wanted to provide constant happiness to my mother and brother whom I waited to see since day one. Technology allowed us to do so. Video calls made our day and keeping a check on them was possible due to texting. It was time for us to fight back the situation with positive spirit.

A French proverb says that, “Qui n’avance pas, recule”. It means, ‘One who doesn’t move forward, recedes.’ I also decided to move forward to overcome discouraging thoughts. My father did every possible thing and we developed new bond. Everyday started not only by counting remaining days but also with a positive spirit. Pleasantness of morning, chirping of birds and fresh air gushing around energized my soul every single day so much that I was winning over my negative thoughts and fear. It is said that, “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but your thoughts about it.” I was dealing with the same.

Morning kept on diverting my mind. That was making me mentally fit. Along with that physical fitness was an essential element to conquer upon the virus. (I don’t even know if it was actually detected or not! I also witnessed improving disbelief among people for our medical system)

Neighbour is our nearest family!

We have been showing this from TV serials like Taarak Mehta. But in today’s flat culture and horrible situation of corona, this picture seems to be disappearing. In the quarantine period we have experienced it the most. For acquiring good health, proper diet was needed. I would like to make special mention of my neighbours who played a notable role during our isolation period. Even after knowing the current situation, they without hesitating tirelessly cared for us. We were provided with nourishing food to build up our health. Special Thanks to them!

We enjoyed meals from all over India…from East to West, North to South. One day we had Punjabi parathas and sweet Gujrathi delicacy awaited for us the other day. Idli made our breakfast delicious whereas dhokla made our super spicy. Vadapav, pav-bhaji and what not! Celebration of Onam was also included in it. Situation made us weak and our neighbours made us strong. They looked after my family as one of their family members only. A new routine consisting of proper exercise and stomach filled with feast of love paved way for speedy recovery. It was a picnic sitting at one place.

I would also like to thank my friends who had taken out time to check upon me. These things developed positivity. Although we were caged in 4 walls, it was possible only because of our well-wishers and their support that we enjoyed this cage happily. Jerks of emotions toppled up sometimes. But we faced them with the hope of ‘This too shall pass.’

This period of two weeks was a change in life. Sanitizing and social distancing became our friends. Home remedies recommended by everyone became experiments we worked out. A self-check made me stronger and independent. It taught me new lessons and once again new experiences entered in the treasury of my memories.

‘A friend in need is a friend indeed!’

This is my favourite quote. It is said that most of the times your friends and near ones fly away when you are in a danger. But one who stays with you is your friend. We experienced this reality during quarantine. A French proverb says, “Petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid. (Little by little, the bird makes its nest.) Just like the bird, we also little by little developed a new bond of warmth with our neighbours and loved ones who not only gave us physical but also mental support.

Looking back at those days creates an emotional blend of happiness, sorrow, anger and love for me. Prevailing negative thoughts of non-recovery were eroded by the kind and caring gesture of my neighbours. The warmth of neighbourhood we experienced in those days would be unforgettable for us. In my blog I would like to show my gratitude towards everyone who has been instrumental with their constant support and valuable cooperation.

At last I wish everyone reading my experience a happy and healthy life!

Stay safe, stay healthy🙂🙂🙂