A BRIDGE TOO FAR

“God is angry with the world,” my driver Bhima told me somberly, as the lockdown commenced. The lockdown piloted a major metamorphosis in my life. Before the lockdown, I led an active professional life, working about 10 hours daily. Now I am grounded.

From 10 am to 1 pm I attend to domestic chores. I have learnt to make eggs, boil milk, use a water filter, clean dishes, sweep, mop floors, wash and dry my clothes. Sure, I have over-boiled the milk, messed up the eggs, burnt the toast and scalded my hands, teaching me that multi-tasking in the kitchen is not for newcomers.

Prior to the lockdown, I travelled to many countries from Brazil to Singapore studying markets. Now, I work from home. After lunch, from 2 pm to 8.30 pm, I attend to my professional work. However, my billings have plummeted by 90 per cent.

My home was always my base camp prior to the lockdown. I came home from office to eat, refresh, sleep, wash, etc., to fight another day in the office. Now, my home is a base camp and an operations theatre. Living alone is an exacting experience.

Cleaning the dishes is a dreaded chore. I have become an expert on which scouring powder is best for cleaning dishes. Normally, when we dine our tables are adorned with spoons, forks and knives. We barely notice these tiny steel creatures, which facilitate our dining. It is only when you rinse the cutlery later, you realise the attention required to make each tine sparkle again.

Sometimes, I feel alone. Then I go and spend some time in my father’s room, in my house. He passed away at the age of 95, three years ago. I have maintained his room as it was. Many years ago, in 1987, when I went through a gut-tearing time in my life, he had hand-written a brief note to me, “Show Courage and Confidence, Not Weakness.” I have framed the pithy note of six words. So, when I feel a bit despondent, I read his message. Then, I feel invigorated.

However, in the nights I wonder, when will this crisis end? We fight an invisible virus, travelling and attacking at will. This virus is transforming social human beings into solitary souls and fostering narcissism. The vaccine is yet 12 to 18 months away. Win we will, but how far away is our victory? The vaccine to fight COVID-19, is yet a bridge too far.

Rajendra Aneja

Mumbai, India

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