I put together a little pack of essential groceries to give the maid when she came, before I remembered that she would not be able to come for the next twenty days. Called her to ask if she needed anything, and she informed me happily that this enforced isolation was giving the chance for some much needed rest, as she had been working an average of 12 hours every day, Sundays included. More than the domestic help that she provides, I miss her cheerful, earnest face.
***
The eighth day since I have been consigned to my flat. The weekdays are more or less the same as before. I dress in formal officewear from nine to seven, which helps me stay in the workzone. Between the lines of regular pleasantries, my colleagues sound tense. We exchange notes on how we have been affected, how we keep ourselves fit and sane. J misses her gym, has taken to working out on the terrace. D is miserable that her domestic help is no longer allowed to enter her flat. R is enjoying quality time with her child. We are all affected in different ways. Every meeting, irrespective of the agenda, now ends with mutual wishes to stay safe.
***
Bigbasket cancelled my order last week due to delivery restrictions. Placed it again as they have now resumed operations. Fingers crossed.
***
The product team which developed MTR instant upma mix deserves a medal. Add some hot water and mix in a bowl with some nuts and veggies and breakfast’s sorted, along with a cup of Bournvita. My friend S warns me often that instant mixes are harmful to health, but this stuff does not reek of chemical preservatives and actually tastes good. Learning to innovate comfort food recipes in the absence of fresh veggies, mixing and matching rice and pasta and pickles and lentils and spices and ghee. Sometimes the end results are delicious. Note to self: must use the fresh turmeric tubers in the fridge.
***
Aromatherapy helps so much in elevating the mood. Tried some of the organic perfumes recently bought, wonderful way to de-stress. Loved a little vial of aroma oil that my friend D gave me recently which is so much more effective than any branded perfume. A homemade blend concocted with her special recipe of vetiver, rose and lemon among other essences, it instantly dissolves tension. The aroma invokes a serene countryside replete with trees, old buildings and a flowing river, a safe place where time stands still. It’s an infusion of tranquility, like a ripple of soothing sitar music. We often ask D to start a product line of aroma oils. She is truly gifted.
***
Logged in to Twitter after months to say hello to a writer friend A and couldn’t help scrolling through updates on how the world is reacting to the situation. Many people appear more concerned about how the situation is depriving them of potential romantic trysts. Reminded me of another writer friend N, a beautiful Swiss girl who writes poetry which flows like a stream of crystal waters, asking me if I had a boyfriend to inspire my writing. When I told her my writing was inspired by art and nature, she rounded her eyes in innocent surprise, and said with a subtle wink that she always needed a boy around her for inspiration. By which I assumed she meant soulful conversations with a significant other.
***
Felt strongly drawn to write poetry again, a form that I did not think I would return to in this lifetime. I once wrote a short poem ‘Neelkanth’ (The Blue-Throated Lord) which was a prayer to Lord Shiva to absorb the poisons of the world once again and save humanity, which was published in an anthology ‘A New Book of Indian Poems in English.’ That poem was about saving the world from pollution, but today it has taken on a new meaning.
***
It’s getting surrealer and surrealer with each passing day.
***
I made a phone call that I ought to have made two years ago. The biggest lesson of any circumstance is to learn to be kind to everyone, starting with oneself.
***
Rang a bell at 5 PM last Sunday along with millions of fellow compatriots who were blowing conches, ringing bells, beating drums, chanting Om and clapping towards making a gesture appreciating the work of the medical, cleaning, and law & order professionals who are keeping the country safe and protected. Followed it by chanting an ancient Sanskrit prayer for the health, happiness and well-being of all sentient beings in the world.
May all beings be prosperous and happy
May all beings be free from illness
May all see what is auspicious
May no one be ever subject to sorrow
May there be peace in the self, peace in the environment, and peace in the Universe.
***
Seems like a long time ago, though it was only last week when I went to the office wearing a bindi on my forehead.
‘I thought you were a Christian, ma’am,’ the friendly tea lady told me as she filled my cup. ‘Didn’t know you were one of us.’
‘We are all one,’ I smiled as I took the coffee from her. ‘Some say Christ, some say Krishna.’
‘True, that,’ she replied. She likes to practice her English with me, and wishes me a cheerful Good Morning every day before asking what I had for breakfast.
I hope she is safe and well, wherever she is.
***
On this unnaturally silent Saturday morning, I sip my coffee and watch these graceful dancers on my laptop, feeling grateful for the birdsong and chirping of the squirrels outside my balcony among everything else, and pray for life to resume its normal course everywhere in the world.
Indu Muralidharan 