Fifteen Months And Seven Stories

Everything changed in December 2019 when the entire world had to face a global epidemic of COVID-19. People lost their freedom, loved ones, jobs, and relationships. There was a record number of separations as people realised they could not spend time together with their partners. Many got stranded in different parts of the country and some in foreign lands away from their families.

There was so much happening around us and so much happening with us, physically, mentally, and financially. No one was ready for it, neither the medical fraternity nor the governments. Everyone was fighting a personal battle. Lucky are the people like me who could sail through the pandemic along with their entire family intact.

I lost my job during the pandemic but found myself. I got my first book of poetry published and exhibited my paintings for the first time in a virtual art exhibition. I have authored three books since then and have been a part of more than ten reputed art exhibitions across the country. There are many such stories of loss and self-discovery from the pandemic. Many like me, who live in a different city away from their parents, will relate to these stories.

The ocean of emotions I experienced during the pandemic, including being laid off from work, moving back to my parents in my home city of Mumbai, and an unsuccessful job hunt, left me overwhelmed. I often think there may be thousands out there who went through similar emotions. Maybe reading these stories makes them feel that they are not alone.