It was mid-April when the Covid wave hit us and hit us hard. I was the first one to fall – scared for my family, I immediately went into self-quarantine mode. However, despite all the efforts it became evident that my wife and the little one may have fallen victim to the dreaded virus. The RT PCR tests confirmed this some days later.
With
all of us down, my brother flew in immediately to take care of us. As all of us
were covid positive, I moved back with my wife and kid. While they were stable,
with each passing day it was becoming clear that I was not. My sister-in-law,
who is a doctor, had got some tests and CT scan done and the results were not
encouraging. My blood oxygen levels had started to dip and she also decided to
fly in as the results made her worried.
I had
to keep a brave face but knew that people were working in the background. My
brother was trying to arrange oxygen cylinder for me in case of eventuality.
Remember, these were the days when oxygen was not available so easily. This
happened when he had gone downstairs to meet one of his friends trying to
figure out a way to arrange oxygen for me. The little one who himself was not
well was overwhelmed and quipped “Mummy is not well. Shanu is not well. And
Chacha has gone to Patna. What will I do? I am too small.” We smiled at the
statement and tried to comfort him by making him understand that his Chacha
would be back soon.
While
we were busy fighting the Covid and trying to protect our loved ones from its
impact, we forgot that the little one was also fighting the same battle. He may
be too small to make his concerns always visible but that innocent and emotional
expression of helplessness laid bare his own conflicts.
P.S: I could only guess how he handled his own turmoil as that was the day
when I finally had to go to hospital for a stay which was longer than anyone
would have expected.
And now to the lessons. Son, there are two important lessons which we should all remember:
1. When you would go out in the real world, more often than not you would face situations when you would be expected to do work without being provided adequate resources. Just remember to raise your concern right there just as you did here
2. Despite best efforts, many a times you would not get the right resources, opportunities etc; your hands would be tied; In those times just do not lose hope and try to make your way out. You would find that you would succeed many a times if you persevere and do not lose hope
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