Retreat
Tight schedule for the last six months. Thinking so, I stretched out my arms and legs and pressed my face again on the pillow. Shall I return to my Gods Own Country for a short vacation. My little Anna might have now started walking. My childhood dream were all about getting a job and going abroad. But now my nostalgia make me think the other way. Now I realise, ‘East of West, Home is the Best…’ My India… My Kerala… Life is a mystic feel of meeting and parting. Parting always brings pangs of sorrow and a handful of memories. What to do…… .For a better morrow, we have to work hard.
Oh! It’s 7’O Clock. I jumped out of my bed. Got ready and hurried to my office. Shall I ask the officer leave for two months? Mr.Kumar, the officer granted me leave without any hesitation. Thank God. A surprise visit to my family. A thrilling experience of Holy Week. Mr Hari, my friend, Booked a ticket for me. I packed my bag and reached the Air Port. There, I happened to hear a bad news... the spread of a virus named Covid 19. I could sense a panic all around. What to do. Surprisingly, I met Arun, my friend, who was waiting for the same flight. Arun comforted me and gave me strength. From Dubai we boarded. Reached Thiruvanthapuram International Airport. We were greeted by the Health officials, who briefed us about the spread of the pandemic in the State. We underwent a medical checkup. The Health officials told that they suspect that I am infected. I too heard some comments about the pandemic from by co passengers. My hearts sank. All my dreams got shattered. As I thought for giving a surprise, no one in my family was aware of my journey. The officials asked me, if there is some one to inform. With utter disappointment, I replied No. I felt going to quarantine, to the space allotted by the government officials. They gave me mask, good food and certain instructions like importance of social distancing, personal hygiene, maintaining willpower etc.. I was physically and mentally down. Throat pain and irritation started disturbing me severely. My body pain increased. Nurses treated me and cared me well. Still, as days went breathing difficulty increased. The nights became horrible. I felt informing this to my home. But my prayers strengthened me. I heard a voice from my soul “I am your Lord, I am with you”. Nights were severe, A total overhauling of my life.
I understood, this was a time to look back to my life. A hand break is applied by God to my busy life. In my pain, I sang Hymns to God our Father. I prayed to redeem the whole world from the sufferings of the pandemic. After 21 days of quarantine, I recovered. The doctor informed that my latest test result is negative. I was overwhelmed with joy. My body became weightless. I felt flying like a bird to my home and give them a surprise. Tell them about the touch of God through the hands of medical professionals. I also decided to go for a further quarantine of 14 days as advised.
I took a taxi and reached my village. The fields, fences, rivers, streams, mountains and the greenery seemed afresh. I had never enjoyed such a beauty before. The sweet song of the cuckoo enlivened by soul. I stepped out of the taxi. Near the gate, I saw a small feet dancing…… the feet of my little Anna, which I longed to see all these days. Now I can really appreciate and understand the value and presence of our dear and near ones, when we are in Need.
 സാങ്കേതിക പരിശോധന - Kannankollam തീയ്യതി: 19/ 06/ 2020 >> രചനാവിഭാഗം - കഥ
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