Once Upon a Time in Quarantine

Quarantine is often referred to as a period of isolation for any human or animal with the eventual aim of overcoming a disease. In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic a nationwide lockdown was seen as the best way seen by the government to overcome this unforeseen circumstance. This period of over 60 days of “quarantine” has not only adversely affected the economy but also several individuals' psychological and social well being. Living in a city like Mumbai and having to see the Covid-19 cases only rise is not only disheartening but also extremely unfortunate only increasing the period of this quarantine. Initially, for me quarantine was seen as a period of absolute boredom, being away from my friends,  relatives and cousins. This was extremely frustrating but eventually it was only wise to come to terms with the entire idea of the lockdown. Having tried my hand almost everything like reading, cooking, exercising there were times I failed but nonetheless it was all just a learning experience. The boredom all of us have faced during this quarantine has been extremely high and been something I hadn’t experienced in a really long time.  I was lucky enough to have my grandparents, and a few of my cousins to stay extremely close to my house. There were weeks during which we would just go to each other's houses and play games, cards, watch movies and talk for hours. All of us including both my grandparents, my parents, my chacha chachi and my cousins used to spend time together looking at old pictures, reminiscing old memories and hearing stories from each other from their childhood. Honestly, without this lockdown I wouldn’t have even thought about spending so much time with my family which has not only shown me the importance of it but has also been something memorable and unforgettable. Another extremely special thing that happened during this lockdown was that my brother finally adopted an extremely adorable puppy, Rex. The one thing I miss the most during this quarantine is spending time and chilling with my friends. My friends have always been extremely close and important to me and having to go such a long time without seeing them has been too sad :(  The lockdown has been a plus with reference to the environment the pandemic has decreased pollution levels, has shown the Himaliyan range after years, the water has been clear in the river, the swans have returned to the canals of Italy, and there has been no traffic in the populated cities. The one thing I’ve learned in this quarantine is the importance of family and value of time. But nonetheless just like everyone I can’t wait to go out, meet my friends, eat roadside food, go shopping, drive around the city and everything to be back to normal.

- Priyal Jhaveri

by Saanika Shah