COVIDYSTOPIA- May 1, 2022 AD (Somewhere in an Indian city, around 2 pm) (Original story courtesy – Meera Mohan)
Ms. R had just finished paying the rent and the other bills for the month. Her account balance was close to zero after this set of bills. With her life-savings wiped out, R was unsure of how she could survive the upcoming weeks with no income. More than the thought of money, solitude and hopelessness were tormenting her these days.
R had migrated to this city for a job six years ago. When the pandemic had hit the world in 2020, she did not know how it would leave her scarred forever. When her aged parents had fallen victims to the virus, the interstate travel restrictions stopped her from paying them her last respects. She was still reeling from their demise, when her company announced bankruptcy. The memories of her parents, of the old city and her old life – all of it seemed like vague dreams nowadays.
She peered through the window at the empty streets and closed her eyes. She imagined she was on a beach at sunset. Beaches reminded her of her childhood. She wondered if she could ever feel the cold waves lapping at her feet again. Little things which were taken for granted, now seemed impossible.
(Disclaimer – this is fiction, exploring the what-ifs, post pandemic.)