MUSINGS OF A GRANDMOTHER IN QUARANTINE...

Mrs Nalini, a grandmother was shown to her spacious and well appointed room at a 5 Star hotel overlooking the Juhu beach in Mumbai. She had just arrived from Chicago, enroute to Chennai ,where her family lived.

She had been to assist her daughter after child birth and had to extend her US visa on account of the COVID situation.She was in tears whilst bidding goodbye to her 7 month old grandson, her daughter and a responsible son -in-law who managed a ticket in one of the few flights to India.

At the hotel in Mumbai, she yearned to see her family, but a mandatory quarantine for a week was the cause for her unforeseen halt .

Jet lag and luxurious trappings of the hotel kept her in a stupor for a few days.Was such luxury real?She pinched herself and felt re-assured it wasn't a dream. She shared her feelings with her sister over the phone in detail on the 3rd day.

“I have never been to a 5 star hotel before and today I occupy a room overlooking the beach. A TV with great picture clarity; a choice of fruit juices, tea & coffee; excellent food with multiple choices. Very polite staff and even a doctor who visits on and off to take various readings. The bathroom has a tub with hot and cold running water; a jacuzzi (they showed me how to operate).I let myself enjoy the luxury.These rooms cost Rs18000/- per day.Now we get to pay Rs4500/-.only thanks to a government intervention. It is just $60/- comforted my son-in -law."

“My solitary confinement in a large room makes me ponder .Am I not done with this luxury? Yes I enjoyed for a few days. This is a “maya” and temporary. Alone, I have had the time to reflect, away from the hustle and bustle of daily chores. Covid gave this opportunity.I experienced the joy of something I never knew..existed! "

"My mind is restless and seeks the company of my loved ones? Only love,care and relationships matter.My family could have enjoyed travel, stayed in good hotels. We made a choice. The education of our children and their well being was our sacrifice."

"We never learned to enjoy life but I am at peace with myself. "