Lockdown -- A Repeat: Chapter 15

Ani has been literally confined to her small, reasonably furnished, and convenient flat since March 2020. She did work offline. She had met her colleagues,her employer as and when required. Things were becoming normal and everyday work carried on in cohorts and bubbles after observing all safety protocols.

"Were they ignorant or in the denial mode about the second wave? Countries that experienced it had thirteen to fifteen times more damage during it, " Ani wondered.

"Were the Indians overconfident, lackadaisical, or hideous about the disaster that it can spell?" Ani asked herself.

She observed from her high-rise building, how cars parked in huge numbers, Not a soul was found wearing a mask. It was an engagement party. Tables were laid on the lawn. Guests wined and dined as if nothing is wrong in such gatherings or their closeness, shaking hands or hugging.

The country's per day infection data was above three lakhs.

Ani's friend called as she observed the social drama some one thousand yards away.

" Hullo Kavita, How are things at your place? " Ani enquired.

" My husband has been discharged, Ani. He was under observation after the second plasma treatment. There's a wedding in the community park. I really wonder why can't they have a little patience for a few more months or a year for it the situation to improve and then do all this, " Kavita sounded unhappy.

" The private hospital bills drain our bank balance and uncertainty still remains,I guess," Ani tried to sympathize with her." My son advises me not to step out of my flat unless it's a dire need.  I am foxed to see the rise in the gaiety of some humans, especially when crematoriums have corpses piled up and people are falling like flies.

Silence prevailed for a fraction of a second before their conversation deflected to the election campaigns in such troubled times and the election results in some states.

Life has its varieties.Life has its oddities. Who are we to be judgemental?