LifeAfterLife

When We Go Back…Life After Pandemic In The World Left Behind

Are you prepared to handle what awaits you?

Many of us are working from our homes for several months. Locked down in our own little worlds we call home. How will it be when we are free again? When we go out with no restrictions. Will the world be the same as where we left in 2019?

Last night in bed, my 7-year-old said “Papa, don’t be dead, I’ll be afraid”.

“Why are you worried?” I asked him.

“People are dying in India because of Coronavirus” he said.

I hugged him tight.

He must have overheard the conversations. My wife and I used to discuss the current situation. We moved to Europe amid Covid. We wanted to visit India when things are better. It doesn't look like any time soon.

When things go back to normal, when we go back to our offices, friends, etc. things will never be the same! Have you given it a thought?

The innocent bedtime conversation got me thinking.

When we start from home

When you start from your home, well, you don't get far! There is enormous traffic. People who can afford to take their vehicles are doing so. Nobody wants to take crowded public transport anymore. Traffic jams were hell as it were, now it’s double madness.

When we go back to the office

When we go back to the office, we will see many empty chairs. We will wait in anticipation for them to return someday soon. But not all our colleagues were lucky. Some will not return to office…. FOREVER! Covid has taken away many precious lives including colleagues.

When we meet colleagues

We will finally meet many of our friends and colleagues soon. The funny guy who makes everyone laugh. The nerd whom everyone goes to for help. The smart-ass we have a love-hate relationship with. It would be great. Except the funny guy isn't telling any more jokes. He lost his loved ones. No friends or relatives to console him during the lockdown. He went through hell. Telling a joke is tough when life has played this cruel joke on him. He manages a half-hearted smile. To get out of the situation, I change the subject. “Where’s Martin? haven't seen him in a while” I ask. The colleagues look at each other awkwardly as I realize my folly…

When we go to our favorite hangout

A road filled with small-time street vendors and small shops. They served tasty chai and delicious snacks. Familiar faces who always greeted us with a smile. A wonderful place to vent out the frustrations of the office chair. No more! The small-time businesses couldn't survive. Staying closed for months and reduced customer base. It wasn't sustainable. Most of them closed shops. Owners were staring down a financial ruin. Their workers returned to the villages. The dreams of many were in shambles.

When we meet friends

I meet my friend over coffee. I suggested we go to an event. But he was in such a hurry, so unlike him! “Dude, it’s Saturday. why are you in such a hurry”. I asked. “I need to pick up my kids and prepare their lunch.” He looked at me with a heavy heart. Then tears explode out of his eyes as he falls on me. “I killed her; I killed my wife”. “WHAT!” — I ask shocked. “I brought home the virus. I didn't think it would be so bad. I didn’t listen and went about as usual until I got sick. I let her take care of me. How stupid. Two weeks later, she was gone. I couldn't even say a proper goodbye. I couldn't tell her how much I loved her one last time…”

Before I could recover from that moment, he swiftly got up. Wiped his tears and walked home to take care of his kids.

I sat down.

I realized there will be many people out there who live their life in guilt. They brought home death. Lost a loved one. A spouse, a child, or a parent. Unable to forgive themselves for the rest of their lives. Wondering if they hadn't…maybe…

When we meet relatives

We go to meet our beloved uncle and aunt. It’s been a long time since I visited my village. So full of greenery. Their kids are busy playing with kids of another close relative. I am glad they are safe. We talked and talked to heart’s content. It was late evening. I saw the kids were still playing. I asked my uncle “They play here this late! Don’t they have to go back home?”. As I turned towards him as I asked the question. Our eyes met.

I understood.

I started my walk back home, quiet.

The beautiful orange sunset beyond the greenery. It looked as beautiful as it did last time I visited. But the world surrounding it had changed so much. I held on to my wife’s hand tighter. She looked at me, spoke nothing. She understood.

I slowly realize, it's not when we go back, it is if we go back. Because this pandemic is far from over!