𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒

Chapter 2: A Beautiful Morning

The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the tranquil garden. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the melodious chirping of birds. Arohi, immersed in her world of lush greenery, tended to her plants with a sense of peaceful contentment. Her fingers expertly pruned the leaves of a flourishing herb, her face reflecting the serene beauty of the morning.

The garden was a masterpiece of nature's abundance-rows of vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and delicate flowers. Arohi moved from one section to another, her touch nurturing each plant. Her hands were stained with soil, a testament to the love and care she put into her work. The virus had not yet reached this isolated corner of India, and life here seemed untouched by the chaos that had enveloped the rest of the world.

Arohi hummed softly to herself, her mind free of worry as she enjoyed the rhythmic task of planting and harvesting. Unbeknownst to her, the world outside was plunging into a grim reality. The virus, having spread rapidly across the globe, was wreaking havoc, but here, in her secluded sanctuary, the devastation felt like a distant nightmare.

She had created this garden as a refuge, a place where the beauty of nature could thrive away from the world's troubles. Every plant in her garden had a purpose -medicinal herbs for healing,
vegetables for sustenance, and flowers for their calming presence. She took pride in her work, unaware of the storm brewing beyond her peaceful haven.

As Arohi finished her morning routine, she carried a basket filled with freshly picked herbs and vegetables to her small kitchen. The sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the space with a soft glow. She prepared a simple meal with the harvest from her garden, savoring the satisfaction of homegrown produce.

The radio in the kitchen played softly, broadcasting soothing tunes and occasional local news updates. Arohi barely glanced at it, her focus on her cooking and the garden outside. The world's turmoil was a whisper, drowned out by the calm and beauty of her surroundings.

Little did she know, as she enjoyed her quiet morning, that the world outside was changing dramatically. The virus was advancing, and soon, the sanctuary she had created would face challenges she could never have imagined.

As she sat down to enjoy her meal, the radio announcer's voice broke through the tranquil atmosphere, delivering unsettling news about the virus's spread and the chaos it was causing. Arohi's peaceful bubble began to tremble, but she remained oblivious to the full extent of the crisis, her garden still a sanctuary amidst the encroaching darkness.
The words "pandemic" and "quarantine" lingered in her mind, though the details were sparse. Her peaceful morning began to unravel as concern started to seep into her thoughts.

She put down her cup, her hands trembling slightly. The reality of the situation outside her secluded haven was slowly sinking in. A sense of unease settled over her, and she couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her.

Her thoughts immediately turned to Avinash. He had always been her rock, and she needed to hear his voice now more than ever. She picked up her phone, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen to dial his number. The phone rang, and each tone seemed to echo her growing anxiety.

When Avinash answered, his voice was a comforting balm. "Arohi, hi. What's up?"

"Avinash," Arohi said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just heard some news on the radio about a virus spreading in other parts of India. It sounds serious, and I'm worried. Can you tell me what's really happening?"
Arohi said, trying to keep her voice steady.

There was a brief silence on the other end. Arohi could almost hear the gears turning in Avinash's mind as he processed the news she had shared.

"Listen, Arohi," Avinash began, his tone reassuring.