A fond memory in COVID-19
COVID-19 is impacting lives unimaginably. And, my life is no exception. I am leading a lonely life that has entered into the sixth month.
165 days of loneliness, and counting.
It is true that I seek solitude because being alone helps me in more ways than one. And, all these years, my family has been very supportive of my desire. But, this long period of loneliness during COVID-19 was not easy on me and my family. And, I have many small stories of difficulties in this period to share. However, by doing so, I will be exhibiting an irreverent attitude to the many more stories that are much more difficult than mine. And, I do have a fond memory in COVID-19 to share.
The separation
I was not meant to be separated from my family. And, on the contrary, we had planned to be together in Dubai by end-March. However, I had an executive-level meeting1 to attend with one of our strategic customers and therefore traveled before. Thus, I got separated from my family.
By early mid-March, it became clear that lockdowns will begin, so I booked my family to be with me around 20th March. Because India imposed strict lockdown before, any chance of my family being with me was squashed. Thus, I and my family remained separated.
The lockdown days
Most days of lockdown were long with a lot of activities2 related to my work. Those days I had increased my internal communications many folds. Equally, there was always the hope that this pandemic would find a cure quickly and therefore the lockdowns would be a short temporary phase.
So, the effect of loneliness was felt as soon as it dawned that the lockdown was not a short temporary phase. And, loneliness began to grow with each passing day.
The fond memory in COVID-19
After the lockdown was lifted in UAE, most of the Fridays were spent with two of my dear friends3.
Our Fridays were about having lunch at a restaurant, driving back to my place, watching a movie, chitchatting or sleeping4, having afternoon tea/coffee, and then going for a walk before Prakash & Nannie left for their respective homes. Our dinners were generally light.
I do not drive in Dubai. Because Prakash was concerned about me traveling in public transport he would drive a good 50+ KMs to pick me from my place and together drive to the chosen restaurant. And, then come back to my place and again drive back to his place. Those Fridays, Prakash would drive 150+ KMs!
Prakash could not make it on three Fridays. Two of those Fridays Nannie picked a restaurant near my place so I do not have to travel on public transport. Psst…he won’t publicly admit this though!
Our individual lives passed many milestones but I list only a few below:
- Nannie celebrated 50 years. In the end, I have attached a few memories of that day.
- Prakash’s daughter passed Class XII with outstanding grades. She aspires to be in the medical profession.
- My son passed Class X with good scores.
And there are many more that are private to us… we did talk about them amongst us.
The time we spent and the experiences of those days are deeply cherished and in many ways helped maintain my mental balance.
….we had each other to share the joys and grievances of our lives!
Our Fridays continue
Nannie’s family joined him on 21st July.
Their daughter, Vaishnavi is a doll. Shimi is a wonderful cook, a jovial host and supportive of our Fridays. Thus, we now meet at Nannie’s place, though Prakash is not able to make it always.
And, our Fridays include home-made food. And, yes, after the sumptuous lunch my only activity is to sleep.
Two more…
I must share two more incidents from the early days before the lockdown.
- A colleague had just bought a house but even as he was setting up his new home, he and his family hosted me for a day. And, cooked a delicious vegetarian5 meal with my colleague personally making an Indian sweet to satisfy my preferences.
- Another colleague offered to cook food for me and bring it to my place. Though I did not take up on her offer, I remain grateful for her gesture.
These kind acts and gestures are also fond memories in COVID-19 that I cherish.
Finally..
In the very near future, my family will be able to join me in Dubai and all of us will be together. And, the first weeks will be all about negotiating with our emotions.
But, the Fridays in COVID-19 will always remain a fond memory.
1 It was tragic that on landing at Dubai, I got the news that the planned in-person meeting was changed to an online meeting. This change was due to travel restrictions imposed at our clients’ end. Literally, this decision took place when I was on air!
2 I distinctly remember that one session hosted by me lasted 3.5 hours without any break and with participants from almost every part of the globe.
3 I and Jayaprakash became friends when we were 5 years old. Though we got separated twice somehow we managed to find each other again. I and Nannie developed a deep bond when we were room partners while attending the training conducted at HCL-HP, Noida. And this bond extended between our families.
4 My default activity after lunch was sleeping!
5 My colleague and his family eat only non-veg food and probably that day was a rare exception. Unfortunately, I could not spend the full day and I feel guilty about it.
Celebrating Nannie’s 50th
I am happy to be back with my Dad
Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Wishing you all a great reunion which makes up for the lost time quickly.