Life in the time of corona

Hi! I have an update. Of course, the update isn't about the lockdown, I am no Internet Explorer. So... I got over my Twitter crush and this has got nothing to do with him dating someone else. God promise. Yes, people still do that. Jokes aside, how are you taking this lockdown? I know one group that's quite upset - the ones whose birthday falls during this duration. While some are making do by cutting bananas instead of a cake, others are making elaborate virtual birthday party plans. Introverts like me love virtual birthday parties where I can sing the birthday song and excuse myself, while also marking my attendance. Before inviting me to yours, please remember that I am a terrible singer.

How am I taking this lockdown? Well, I am just happy to have got my eyebrows done in time, just before it all began. I am looking forward to doing a lot of things, cleaning my closet is not one of them. I want to sit with my friends, maintaining a 6 ft distance of course, or assemble in respective balconies and play Name-Place-Animal-Thing. Read a book before retiring to bed. Maybe watch a few movies. Write a lot. And also work, because this isn't a vacation for most of us. Meanwhile, I also want to feel sorry for my friends who have to literally be in front of a camera throughout their office hours while working from home. The management might be a fan of Bigg Boss, but they are taking the obsession to a different level by also giving them their daily tasks.

Just a day before all hell broke loose, I lived a moment that made me quite proud. Eight years after leaving college as a student, I returned as a guest to judge a pageant. That's another story that a few thought I am still a student. Can't complain if I manage to look so young! But just how many of us have the privilege to be invited back to our own college as a guest, and with a lot of respect?

Back to the trending topic... This time I don't have a new term for you because apparently, 'covidiot' is already too famous. I am not going to come up with numerous suggestions about what you can or cannot do during the lockdown. All I am going to ask you is to please survive this. A lot of you might be stuck with people who make you anxious, or worse, your abusers. If you want to talk to someone, please reach out to me. The least I can do is hear you out. I assure you, I have the mental bandwidth right now.

Sometimes all the coronavirus news updates, fact-checking what's right and what's not, gets overwhelming. That's when I watch a movie. Last night, I picked Notting Hill. Thought some good old romance would put me in a better mood. My favourite scene is the one where Julia Roberts says, 'I am just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her'. Sorry ma'am, but this might not be possible in a world that's in the social distancing mode. Forget Hollywood movies, we better turn to Bhojpuri songs for some advice in times of corona - woh bulaati hai magar jaaneka nahi.