COVID Diary: Finally, I won the battle against coronavirus, writes Arunabha Bhattacharjee

July 21: Exhausted and exasperated with the fight against the virus and my mind I became tired. My relentless fight with my loneliness and my mind was really getting on my nerves. I could well imagine the kind of agony and pain that my family and friends were going through. While they prayed silently, they kept on pushing me, motivating me time and again.

Apart from the motivated band of energetic doctors and supporting staff of the hospital, my wife, Paramita and my friends, particularly a few of them were constantly engaged in keeping my spirits up. I would be failing in my duty, if I do not mention the name of Sudarshan Gupta, Pritam Roy, Tanya Paul, Dr. Debashish Roy (Principal of my College) and Rudra Narayan Gupta. Though Rudra himself is presently admitted at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH), he called me time and again to say that everything would be fine – I thank you all from the core of my heart. Though it is difficult to name all the people, I take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who called me up, spoke to me, sent me messages and cared for and comforted me. I know, it is your wishes and prayers that have worked wonders for me.

This is my last covid diary. With folded arms and gratitude to the Almighty, I would say that I have finally won the battle on 20th of July 2020 – a day which would remain engraved in my memory forever. My test was conducted on 19th July (Sunday) and deliberately I did not share that information with anyone, not even my family, for I was apprehensive – with all the mental pressure, I spent a sleepless night and woke up early the next morning.

Time – as if came to a stand still – though I tried to keep myself busy in my little room. However, I tried not to think of the result, the same kept coming back to my mind. I have appeared at a number of examinations in my life, but never did I wait so anxiously for my results. Lunch was served, as usual in due time, and I happened to somehow gulp down the same. It was a strange fear for the unknown. I tried to read some pages from the book that I had with me, but, believe me, I just could not. I tried to listen to some music, but even that did not work.

Suddenly, I got a call from my student, Dr. Arpita Deb and she said ” Sir, you have a good news. You have tested negative.” She told me to inform my family. I could not believe my ears. Tears rolled down my cheeks – may be tears of joy and as I said earlier – “joy is a kind of pain” (T.S.Eliot). A few minutes passed by and I called her again ” Are you sure, that’s me? Have you seen the list correctly?” She laughed and said , ” Sir, I am sure, it’s you. You are going to go home soon.” I jumped up in joy, oh! How madly I behaved. I felt like conquering the Everest. Taking up my cell phone, frantically I started sharing the news with my near and dear ones – suddenly I felt that I was hungry – I went up to the other patients – maintaining distance and protocol – and tried to encourage them. The news of my being tested negative was confirmed by Boudi, Dr. Debadutta Chanda and I thanked her profusely. I would remain ever grateful to her.

Time – a magical word of just four letters now started, it seemed to me, flying away – I looked around my room once again and thanked – I just did not know whom and I did not know why.

I was again informed that an ambulance would take me back home – but, I did not know that more surprises were awaiting. I was packing the things in my room when suddenly I heard my name being called. I came out and found that Hon’ble Minister Sri Pijush Hazarika Ji, Hon’ble M.P Dr. Rajdeep Roy and our very respected Deputy Commissioner Madam had come to visit S.M.Dev Civil Hospital covid ward. I spoke out my heart to the Minister and thanked all of them for the kind of arrangement and the care taken by the entire team of Doctors, nurses and other staff of the hospital. The Minister gave a patient hearing and was happy to learn that I had tested negative.

As arranged, the ambulance was ready – the doors of the covid ward was unlocked – I took a deep breath – I felt the taste and smelt my freedom – a new gained freedom. I thanked each and everyone and stepped inside and within a few minutes I was back home to be greeted by my family. Gairik, my younger son was standing at the door step with a card in his hand.

Before I bid adieu to my readers, I would like to name the following staff of S.M.Dev Civil Hospital and express my gratitude to the entire team of SMDCH – Dr. Rajat Deb, Dr. Arpita Deb, Dr. Afsar Alam, Dr. Ayesha Katun, Dr. Rajvardhan, Dr. Juri Sarma. Sisters, Sanjana Roy, Shanta Deb, Anima Begum, Bemsena, Sumita and Kim. Cleaners – Ranu Begum, Suretun Nesha, Amit Chetri and Rupak Nath.
I would like to conclude by saying that –
“Come, let’s fight this battle together
Come, let’s win this battle together
Come, let’s save the entire humanity together.”

(Mrs. Moumita Gupta of way2barak was kind enough to ask me to share my thoughts. This made me to pen down my feelings for way2barak). 

** Arunabha Bhattacharjee, is an Assistant Professor, Department of English, Radhamadhab College, Silchar. He tested COVID-19 positive on 12 July, 2020 and was admitted at SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar. He has won the battle against coronavirus and has now returned back to his home.