IN LOCKDOWN, TV IS THEIR BEST TIME PASS
THIS ELDERLY couple, living alone in the city, is relying on the mercy of their relatives these days and pass most of their time watching television. And for essentials and medicines, they call their relatives and seek their help. Leena Masih, 70, is a retired government teacher living alone with her husband Prakash Elias, 75, at Holman’s Institute campus near Collectorate.
Besides talking about the lockdown, Leena says, “I am the eldest in my family and have four younger brothers and a younger sister. My three brothers live in Mathura and one in Agra but in a different locality. My sister lives in Delhi.” “For me and my husband my brothers’ children are my family are the only hope. I do not have my own children. And since my retirement, my niece and nephews are taking care of us like our own children,” she said.
“But these days I feel lonely due to the lockdown restriction on movement of people. My niece’s husband, who has an emergency pass, provides ration and other essentials to us,” she said. “These days I pass our time watching TV, reading the Bible and cooking food for both of us.” My husband too watches TV with me. “Prior to the lockdown my maid used to come, but due to the restrictions, she has refused to come. But I can cook and the clean the house,” she said confidently. Leena added, “These days we are confined to the house. But earlier I used to visit relatives in Agra and Mathura and also go to Church.” She also rued the fact that no private doctor was willing to give an appointment. “Your only option is government hospital or call on the helpline numbers provided by IMA, Agra,” she added.