A Series of ‘Coronic’ Events Episode: 3

 Terms and Conditions Apply

 

The phone was ringing. 

The shrill sound echoed throughout the ground floor. It had an eerie ring to it. Mostly because the flooring was entirely made of white marble tiles but also because, we weren’t expecting calls anymore. We heard Appa pickup. I nudged my brother and he nodded reassuringly. He was never the first-one-to-freak-out types anyway.

“No Ma’am, none of us have left the house,” Appa could be heard. “We thought it was better to stay inside rather than go outside and get infected or infect others,” Appa sounded calm. Then, some moments of silence, followed by, “Oh, yes please I’d like to have a copy, just in case.” The suspense was killing me; I put down my phone on the kitchen counter and walked, more like nearly skipped to Appa’s room. Amma and Abu followed suit. When I entered his room, Appa seemed relieved. I raised my eyebrows at him.

“What?” Appa asked.

“And?” prodded Abu.

“Results will be mailed.” Appa sighed.

“That’s all what they said?” I could tell that Amma was becoming impatient too.

“It’s negative.” Appa’s face remained unchanged.

“Matlab? (transl.: ‘Meaning?’ in Hindi)” I wanted to be sure that it was still absolutely perfect to be negative during these times.

“Matlab,” Appa got up from his reclining chair, “I don’t have the COVID-19 virus in my system!” Appa had literally sang the last five words. I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Awesome!” My brother exclaimed, fist-bumping Appa. I turned to look at Amma’s face. She lowered her eyes and silently left the room. I gave Appa a look and a quick hug and went to find my dear mother. I found her back in the kitchen peeling a potato.

“You okay Ma?” I picked up another potato.

“Hmm,” her voice was so soft – it almost sounded bruised. Putting down the potato, I gently turned her face towards mine - her eyes were glistening.

“What’s wrong?” My voice broke. Amma’s jaw tightened. “He’s fine Ma!” I was trying to tell her.

“Oh, he’s fine now,” Amma continued, “somehow my brain made me imagine a different scenario; out of the blue.” I hugged Amma.

“I love you Ma,” I told her. “Even if something happens, your children are here to take care of you.”

“Hmm. Some big children,” Ma pushed me away. “Time will only tell.” I made my puppy-dog-face and Amma smirked. She pulled me into a sniff on the cheek and I hugged her again. I felt another pair of arms surround us and felt porcupine-like-hair on my ear. Group Hug! After two weeks, Appa was finally allowed to hug and be hugged.

It’s been five weeks since the test results came out and we’re all still alright. I still think of how the story could’ve had another ending. Actually, I know people who have had the other result handed to them. That’s why we’re still praying, we’re still staying inside and we’re still trying to persuade others to do the same. Unlock4 is here and it looks like schools and colleges are re-opening soon too. Whatever happens, let’s take the pledge to be responsible – for the safety of ourselves and others around us.

Terms and Conditions Apply: Wear Masks! Stay 6 feet apart when out! Keep Washing Those Hands!

The End

Read Episode 1

Read Episode 2