COVID Diary: My encounter with the virus, writes Arunabha Bhattacharjee

July 13: Got a very courteous call from Dr Bidyut Choudhury, a representative of district administration asking details of my contacts. I had his number and he was very nice in asking me about the details. He assured me of every possible help. Next to call was one Mr. Sumon Choudhury. Again, a polite and nice gentleman who informed me I would be contacted by authorities from SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar. I cannot just express in words the mental stress and tension undergone from 6 or 7 July to 12 July, 2020, that is, the day I was declared to be COVID-19 positive.

I remember a phrase “calm of mind all passion spent”. This was the condition of the mother when she lost her last surviving young son in the sea . Of course, I am referring to the play “Riders to the Sea” by J.M. Synge. The news that I tested positive, as a God-fearing man, I would say, as ordained by the Almighty, did not not send shivers down my spine, rather it was a strange feeling, at least now I knew about it. Forgive me for my stray thoughts and digression.

Next to call me was a gentleman from the district administration. My true-caller Id identified him as Mr. Pinu. I was amazed at the courtesy shown by him and very politely he requested me if I could tell him the geographical location of my Apartment. I provided him the details and the conversation ended very pleasantly. That was not the end of surprises that lay in store for me. The next call was from a lady from SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar who very politely informed me that an ambulance would bring me to the hospital. Very patiently, she answered all my queries and advised me regarding the things that I should carry with me. The sisterly touch in her voice was amazing and now I regret that I don’t remember her name. Immediately afterwards, the driver of the ambulance called me and to my utter surprise, he not only asked me to call him back when I was ready but also agreed not to blow the siren when he comes to pick me up.

A series of these pleasant events really boosted my morale and gave me strength to start my fight against the virus. Being asymptomatic and God forbid with no major ailments, I thus entered the premises of SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar. I do understand that these are just rumblings of a discordant mind, but thought of just sharing my experience with you. Oh! What happened next…I will share with you in the next write up on 14 July. Do stay tuned with me at way2barak.

(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). Next episode on 14 July, 2020.

** Arunabha Bhattacharjee, is an Assistant Professor, Department of English, Radhamadhab College, Silchar. He tested COVID-19 positive on 12 July, 2020 and is now undergoing treatment at SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar. He is asymptomatic and his condition is stable.