Fear, Loss, and Aftermath: The tale of Covid-19

Years seem to have passed while we continued hearing familiar names succumbing to Covid-19. Some celebrities, some relatives, some far-off friends. 5,31,922 deaths - I had read on the government’s official website. I was so deeply saddened at what the world had been facing around me. Everything was suffocating and just awful. Everyone was vulnerable. I don’t think we can fathom the depth of hollowness that has been left in the hearts of those who have lost their loved ones. Their friends, their relatives, their siblings.

Then something terrible happened which left me devastated. So devastated that the dolefulness, the anguish, the affliction, and the heartache stay within me to this date. So devastated that I was at loss of words, even expressions. Nevertheless, God may sometimes be appalling, dreadful and at the least, infernal. It is His wish always and He is the master. We are slaves, duty bound to obey- be it to cherish or to suffer.

I often find myself grappling with a multitude of emotions – grief, anger, helplessness, and sometimes, numbness. It's difficult to fathom the pain and suffering that countless families are enduring, as they navigate through the void left by those they loved and lost. Each number in the statistics represents a cherished soul, a story untold, dreams unfulfilled, and potential unrealized. Yet, amidst this darkness, there's a glimmer of hope that emerges from the compassion and unity that we witness around us. Strangers turned into saviors, offering a helping hand in any way they can. Healthcare workers, the true heroes of our time, selflessly fighting on the frontlines, often at great personal risk, to save lives and bring solace to the suffering. (Or were they?) Communities rallying together, providing support and solace, proving that even in our darkest hours, the human spirit remains unbroken.

Behind closed doors, beyond the reach of news cameras, there are those of us who have lost not just our loved ones, but also our livelihoods, dreams, and the security we once knew. The pandemic's ripple effects have pushed us into the shadows of suffering, where the pain of dashed aspirations, uncertainty about the future, and financial ruin weigh heavily on our hearts. As the world struggles to comprehend the enormity of this crisis, it's easy to overlook the silent battles being fought by those who were already on the margins. We've witnessed businesses shuttered, dreams shattered, and plans derailed, leaving us to navigate a sea of challenges that seem insurmountable at times.

And like they say, time is a great healer. Let us remember that behind each loss is a story of resilience, of the courage shown by those who fought valiantly against this silent foe. Let us honor their memory by continuing to do our part. Let us stand as a testament to the strength of unity and love that can transcend even the darkest of times. Let us lean on each other for support. Reach out to friends and family, hold them close even if it's through virtual connections. Let's be a source of strength for those who need it most. Together, we can overcome the pain and heal the wounds that this pandemic has inflicted upon us.

While the world may seem to have moved on, let us remember that our stories matter, our pain is valid, and our strength is unwavering. We have the power to rebuild, to redefine ourselves in the face of adversity, and to remind the world that compassion and empathy can bridge the gaps that loss has created. Let us not forget that even in our own struggles, we can still extend a hand to others who are battling similar hardships. Our shared experiences can be the foundation upon which we rebuild not just our lives, but also the sense of community and togetherness that this pandemic has tested.

May we find the resilience to rise from the ashes, may our struggles be acknowledged, and may our stories be heard. May our nation heal, may our hearts find solace, and may we emerge from this trial stronger and more united than ever before.