A sweet love story of Kabir and Kia, this novella by Abhinav Kashyap gives an essence of how a married couple, living under the same roof and distant with time, come close and transform their relationship during the pandemic.
Pandemic brought tough times, especially the lockdown. When the news of lockdown broke suddenly, people went helter-skelter. There was a state of commotion. Everybody thought initially they would be shattered, their jobs and so many other things which become the livelihood and life support for families were at stake. A second chance with love in Corona sums up these feelings precisely through protagonists, Kabir and Kia and how they make the best of this time.
The story is about the duo who hardly could spend their sweet time together, since right after their honeymoon, due to the busy work schedule of husband. They now had all the time for themselves, thanks to the lockdown. During this period, they rediscover themselves and keep aside the adversity to rekindle the spark in their married life. It’s worth a read.
The book is a light hearted, bed time kind of an emotional read. Written somewhat in an informal and casual language, this 13 page book is a ‘take a break’ sort of writing. The climax of the book ends on a positive and a happy note conveying the underlying message, life does give a second chance, only if you know how to turn an adversity into an opportunity.
I congratulate the author, Abhinav Khashyap on his first book and hope there are many more to come. Best wishes!
Let me know in comments if you liked the book review.
100 ways to quarantine and it’s not gardening. Read on…
Quarantining has become the most trending topic due to the uncalled guest, COVID-19. Nevertheless, it has brought people back to basics, giving us a time that was missing in our lives since last many years.
If you look at the positive side, forgetting the worries and boredom for some time, quarantine has helped quaran-teaming while sitting at home. Meetings which otherwise looked difficult, management who could hardly trust their employees have all come together on Skype, Zoom In and alike to connect and plan further on a day-to-day basis.
Quaran-tone has become another popular thing. What can people post on social media, especially the influencers, sitting at home? Thus, posting regular fitness videos and yoga asanas have become the in-thing. People have started taking care of them in a more serious and disciplined manner. Else, they would end up being a couch potato, which hardly anyone wants in today’s time.
Quaran-time, the best time when you socialise on live-chats, video chat with your multiple friends and family through one window. Never have I ever been so social in the last five years. The busy routine at work kept me aloof. I used to forget calling back my well-wishers and now I simply can’t do without seeing them at least once in a day.
Not only that it is also the time to quaran-tame. Many of my friends are taking out time to train their pet. Taming, loving, patting, treating and spending time with furry kids, who otherwise longed for hours for us to come back home after a 10-hour shift at work and driving through the traffic. The adorable doodles are finding it terrific.
Not sure about others, however, one thing I would love to mention is quaran-toming around this period. After ages, I have picked a scholarly book on Indian history, extremely bulky, and the good part is I’m about to finish it. I started reading it twice before but due to lack of time, gave up after a few pages.
Quarantining is not that gloomy as you see. All you need to do is make the most of this time as it’s hopefully never going to come back, I wish. So, hum to your favourite quaran-tunes, tap your feet, click your fingers and try some moves. Try all that can keep your spirits high. Learn new things, polish old ones and sing to glory.
No time is bad. It’s just the way you perceive it. Help people in need by donating in whatever little way you can, supporting them howsoever possible. Spread positivity and absorb good vibes. You can’t get everything so live in the moment and make the most of it. Quarantine has so much to offer if you redirect your energies to learn and evolve. Don’t just quarantine, pick one of your types and share your stay home story in the comments. Stay home, stay safe!!
This is #MyStayHomeStory. What’s yours? Leave in the comment and use the above hashtag.
Get addicted to good things and withdraw from the bad ones!!!
We often plan big things for ourselves without knowing what the next moment hold for us. Corona came to our lives in one such way–unpredictable, unexpected and without any prior warning. People initially took it as just another news, until the hard-hitting news of rising death tolls from neighbouring countries and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation hit our screens.
Was it too difficult to understand that we are facing a global pandemic and have to follow some precautionary measures? Well, I fail to understand how and why. Much before the Janta Curfew, I asked my domestic help if she was aware of the situation and she told me two things; firstly, there’s some disease which is being spread (she, of course, wasn’t much aware of the details) and secondly, to keep distance with people who have cough and fever. I added whatever more information I could add to her knowledge and told her to keep washing her hands, use sanitizer despite washing which I had kept especially for her and also maintain hygiene in her family and teach her kids the same. One more day at work and Janta Curfew was announced. We both have been at our respective houses since then.
The point I want to make here is that if the government has a role to play in such a crisis, so does the community. We can complain endlessly about what the government is not doing or should have done better, while we as an individual fail to carry our small responsibilities of educating people of the situation, if not more. Nevertheless, these testing times I’m sure shall bring some positive changes in every individual’s life. Somewhere, in the daily race of making a living, we had forgotten what the essence of life is–What it means to be with the family without taking a call or being on WhatsApp, how fun it is to catch up with childhood or college friends and exchange some pictures of the birthdays we used to attend, how sometimes cooking becomes a recreational activity for partners and taking care of your mind, body and soul brings out a new you.
Sounds great, isn’t it? So here I am sharing all that the first week of quarantine taught me.
Being at home – I think the most challenging phase was the first 2-3 days when I was clueless and did not know how to spend time simply sitting at home. I was going crazy! There was no specific time to sleep, but the waking up happened to be on the usual time dot 6.30 am and then do what? On the third day, I made up my mind to sleep on time and plan my next day to finish most of my work during the office hours. Read a book in the night and fall asleep. I have successfully learned the art of being at home.
Managing my chores – It has mostly been either office work or home chores for me. For the first time, I could plan my day and manage 100 per cent of both simultaneously without compromising on any of the two. My home looks like a prettier version of home, with cleaner and greener corners as I’ve strategically placed green plants in my living area. It feels good!
Finding time for self – Despite double the work, spend time on social media, watch News and web series, do something creative at least one day a week. But, most importantly exercise/ yoga and meditation for physical and mental development is extremely crucial in today’s time, which was missing from my daily routine. No matter how hard I tried with work, the daily driving and traffic took a toll and I ended up exasperated with no energy left to do anything by the time I was back home. This only energizes me and keeps me super active to be more productive.
Finishing all pending tasks – Pick all the pending tasks one by one be it some half-done painting, a craft, a write-up or a novel; finish it off. There will be no better time than this. If you look at the positive side, you have also been wanting this time for yourself. Now that you are doing some good by being at home, do some good cleaning the clutter and finishing the unaccomplished projects.
Getting over of online shopping addiction – Yes, a very common thing and thanks to this time when all online services are suspended, I find myself withdrawing the cravings of shopping online. Although groceries, veggies and milk do become a necessity, I still feel better without having the urge to buy anything non-utility!
Reading books I never had time to finish – Pick a book you always wanted to read but knew had no time to finish. I have picked up a book on Indian history I always wanted to finish. I tried twice reading it earlier but left it mid-way because of the lack of time. I’m glad I could make it this time.
Planning itineraries I have been dreaming of – Most of you would know by now, how big a travel freak I am. One thing I love the most doing nowadays is planning itineraries for my dream destinations. This might sound weird, but by doing this I keep myself updated on my favourite subject while I plan for my future travel. Additionally, as I have been counselling some folks on travelling, I am doing my bit and preparing myself well in advance.
All in all, I am an extremely optimistic person who has firmly believed since a very young age that whatever happens happens for good. I have the least doubt that these testing times certainly have something good in store for everyone. However, waiting for the time to get over and do nothing will be insane. Get up, make a wishlist of the things you always wanted to pursue or complete but could not due to lack of time and take it one-by-one. The satisfaction you will get after you start achieving them will be unparalleled. I shared my wishlist with you, time to know yours. Leave in comments some of the things you always wanted to do and now getting the time to do it. Stay home, stay safe and upgrade yourself for the post-quarantine period.
APPY TALES 