Strangers - unknown relatives to being each other's human diaries to standing at a crossroads of love, family reputation, societal weight, and an upcoming marriage with the biggest question of their lives which would affect everything
Arun doesn't t...
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After meeting Indu, I returned to Bangalore, eager to start my new job at 24/7.ai company. I settled into a routine, enjoying the challenges and opportunities that came with the new role. However, a few months later, It was November 2019 the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and everything changed.
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As the situation worsened, a total lockdown was announced, and I found myself stuck in my flat with my colleagues, unable to venture out. The police patrolled the streets, ensuring no one breached the lockdown. The initial days passed slowly, we cooked meals and relied on a nearby vegetable shop for supplies.
But as the days passed, I was bored to the core. I wanted to go out for fresh air and, my mental health began to suffer. The confinement felt like imprisonment, and the lack of fresh air and freedom took a toll on my mind. The internet became my lifeline, I started playing online games and connecting with my school friends to maintain some sense of sanity.
However, I was bored with the online games within days and even the interaction with my old friends and colleagues was not helping, no one had anything to talk about as nothing was going on in any of our lives. We got our systems delivered to our flat by the company to start working from home and it just made things worse working with no way to refresh my mind.
I reached out to Indu to find out about her situation, and we started messaging each other regularly. Talking to Indu helped me cope with the isolation and uncertainty. It was fun speaking with her and comforting to share everything that was going in my head. She was going through a similar experience, and our conversations became my solace.
I started looking forward to her message and the lockdown and my work from home became more bearable due to Indu. Every chance I got I started chatting with her and It was all I needed.
Almost 5 months passed by and the pandemic slowly began to recede, I made the decision to quit my job and return to my parents in Mumbai. I realized that I needed a break. I bid farewell to my colleagues and the life we had built in Bangalore.
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It was October 2020 and I returned to Mumbai, seeking a break from the chaos of the past few months. I spent my days reconnecting with old friends, exploring the city, and applying for new jobs. The COVID-19 vaccine had brought a sense of relief, allowing people to venture out a little, albeit with caution. I made sure to always wear a face mask, adhering to the new normal. As I settled into my routine, I stayed in touch with Indu, who had become my human diary.
One day, she shared distressing news - her parents had tested COVID-19 positive. My heart went out to her as she described the challenging situation. Indu was shouldering the responsibility of caring for her parents, cooking, and managing the household.
I started talking to Indu daily "How are Indu and her parents?" "How can I help Indu?" all these thoughts ran in my mind. I listened intently as Indu shared updates on her parents' health and her own struggles. I admired her resilience and selflessness. I felt grateful for this bond. As the days passed, I continued to apply for jobs....
My conversations with Indu became a source of my strength. I was sharing everything with her. I felt as if I had found a true friend in Indu, and I was determined to be there for her, no matter what the future holds.
The lockdown had been a trying time, but it also helped me find a great friend in Indu. I was grateful for her support and companionship during those dark days. As I settled back into life with my parents, there were times when my mom would catch me smiling
"Arun, whom are you chatting with?" Mom asked me raising her eyebrows
"Amma, n-no one I-I am just scrolling through some funny posts" I answered her after a small pause
It was weird I had a smile every time I chatted with Indu.
Things started settling down. COVID-19 was mostly in control and we were roaming freely in the city and everyone was having their life back. Indu got a placement in a Business college in Hyderabad. However, the classes were all online due to the COVID-19.
In Mumbai things were good I was going out with friends and adjusting to my new life after experiencing COVID-19. It was not over but at least we were not locked in our houses.
"Walls close in, days blend and fade, A prisoner of the pandemic's shade, Fear and doubt creep in like thieves, Stealing joy, leaving only grief.
But in the darkness, a spark remains, A flame of strength that still sustains, A voice whispers, "You are not alone," A heart beats strong, a spirit is sown.
In isolation's silence, I find my way, To a special someone, night and day, A human diary, where I pour my soul, A listening ear, that makes me whole.
With every word, every tear, every sigh, I find solace, a sense of being alive, In their embrace, my fears subside, Comfort and peace, my heart's inside.
Through virtual screens, we share our days, Laughter and tears, in endless ways, A bond grows strong, a connection true, A friendship blooms, in me and you.
So though I'm stuck, I'm not alone, With my human diary, I've found my way back home, In their words, my heart finds a nest, A sense of calm, in this pandemic's unrest."
