A lunch conversation with Covid| Story by Ruja, 14, Anand

A Conversation with Corona

Corona, the moment this word is mentioned, fear creeps into everyone’s mind. Nobody is willing to go near a Covid patient, let alone, near the virus.  What if I told you I had a chat with it? You are going to think this girl is insane, talking with a virus ? And because you don’t believe me, I am going to share the incident with you.

It was a normal day. I woke up, got ready, and was reading when I noticed a  parchment. I opened it and read the message “Hello, hope you are hail and healthy. I would like to invite you to my place for lunch. Wear a protection kit -Your friend and foe, Covid.”

OH MY GOODNESS!

At first I thought this was a  joke, but, every unfortunately it was every bit true. Grumbling and sulking I got ready for the lunch. I was scared, but excited too. Who wouldn’t be if they got a once in a lifetime chance, to meet a microorganism. I just wish it  wasn’t lethal and hadn’t caused a pandemic.

Now, that I was having lunch with Covid, I decided to change the pronoun from ‘it’ to ‘he’, presuming Corona was a male.

At the appointed time, I reached his house.He opened the door, and cordial as any other host would be, Covid beckoned me in and requested me to sit.

“Hello dear, how are you?” he asked.

“I-I am fine. Thank you.May I know the reason for the sudden lunch?” I managed to mutter.

“I supposed you would ask that. I was so tired of all the criticism that I needed someone to talk to. Tell me,what do you honestly think about me?”

What do you tell a virus, that could kill you, if he asked you that question?

That he was the most dangerous virus,that he was the reason of complete lockdown and that everybody despised him. While I was lost in these  thoughts, some time had flown by. Corona picked up on my hesitance to answer the question and instantly knew my thoughts.

He sighed, ‘So even you think that.’

Embarrassed at being caught, I tried reasoning with him, to no avail. But the conversation that followed was an eye-opener.

“I know I have caused a havoc, but don’t you think there is a bright side to the pandemic?” he asked, eyes challenging me deny it. Bewildered, I counter-questioned “Pardon me, but a bright side to a disaster?”

“Think about it,” he said simply.

I dug into my mind, and in that moment, realization hit me like a rock.

I smiled and told him, “Yes, you are right. Although, this might look like the end of the world, but it isn’t. The best thing is that people are getting loads of free time.”

Satisfied, I was coming closer to the answer, he prompted, “What else?” And then, I started pouring my heart out, and  was surprised at what I said.

“The lock-down has allowed people to do everything that they’ve been  procrastinating since long. It is the time to pick up your hobbies. The time to spend time with your loved ones. The time to relax. The time to acknowledge the importance of doctors and how soldiers aren’t the only ones risking their lives to save others. The time to look at the flowers  and admire them, to gaze at the stars and wonder about them, to listen to the birds chirping and praise the melody and to watch your pets playing and enjoy with them. This free time is priceless. It is all about discovering yourself. Who you are, who you want to be, and what makes you happy. Life is unpredictable, you never know what’s going to happen next. So, just live in the moment and make the most of it.

I believe that is terrifying, but looking on the brighter side it’s also  exhilarating. This pandemic time, it’s about uncovering yourself. And most importantly doing what you love.”

I completed smiling to myself. Covid was taken aback a bit that  a 14-year old girl could think and feel this, when many adults failed to acknowledge the positivity. He patted my back and took me into an embrace.

“Thank you.” He said with such emotion that he was about to tear up. I smiled at him and said, “No, thank you for one of the most important lessons of all time.”

Then, we chatted like old friends. Alas! It was time for me to go. We said  goodbye, thanking each other again and knowing we won’t get this opportunity again. I left feeling elated. The pandemic was a boon or curse, that’s left to us to decide. But, one thing is for sure,there was an indelible imprint on my mind after the conversation with Covid.