New Skills in Corona Times

It’s now more than 40 days of the Corona Lockdown. This too shall pass and gradually we would to return to the earlier ‘normal’ times. Of course it would surely take some months for that to happen.

With fond remembrance we would go over the Lockdown memories. I believe most people would say “It was not so bad, we enjoyed it.”

Why ?

All family members were at home. Children studying in other cities had come home.

We got upafter a good sleep at convenient times, not at some unearthly hour to rush into the rat race.

Yoga & exercise routines were set out and followed mostly by all, as there was no hurry.

We had a leisurely breakfast with all family members, followed by discussion on which picture to be seen on TV.

Some work was done on laptops and computers. Younger children had fun making craftwork, old cartons were cut and put to use, but soon ran out of Fevicol. Phones to kirana stores revealed that the item was very much in demand from most households and the store has run out-of-stock. Alternatives from childhood came in handy and ‘leyi’ was made.

With maids and other household help asked not to come, men folk took up cleaning of the house and helping in the kitchen, much to the delight of children.

Men folk revived their culinary skills, experimenting with whatever they were allowed to use ! Rotis were made in various shapes. One person used a large katora to cut the roti into circular shapes and was declared by all as cheating.

With outings and shopping closed, taste buds of some members of the house could not stand being away from ‘Gole-guppe, pani-purree’ for such a long period. So in nearly all houses this item was made at home and savoured by all. Comment was ‘It is better than the market’.

Maggie was also much sought after as an in-between item by all and suffered the same result as Fevicol at the  kirana stores.

Sorting out of various stacks of items was started but went unfinished as the mind got diverted into newer things.

Indoor games were dusted and brought out. Ludo was much preferred and as ours was nowhere to be found, a ludo board was made and coloured on plain paper for use.

Like summer holidays of childhood, this lockdown shall end soon. Memories of the great times had by all, and regret of not having utilized it shall remain.