If tomorrow never comes! | TicTalkToe

When I had started Tic Talk Toe in 2017, this was supposed to be my happy place where I would share my favourite makeup and skincare recommendations. Then came in cooking and travel. I would also collaborate with brands for product reviews, and believe it or not, I really enjoyed pouring my heart out here without having the fear of being judged. My readers supported me whole heartedly just because I was real, both on my Blog and off-screen.

I had never thought I would be penning down something this deep for TicTalkToe. The last time that I had written something deep which was the longest night of my life was Trapped in the Snow | The longest night of my life | Travel with TicTalkToe | Chalo Lets Go | Ravangla, Sikkim You may want to give it a read, in case you haven’t already! This was almost 2 years ago, and I still shudder every time I read it.

Anyway moving on to today’s post, would want to share why I was missing in action all this while.

One Sunday I started exhibiting symptoms of viral fever. When the fever failed to subside in 3 days, I started coughing. Infact the coughs turned violent, something that I will surely remember for the rest of my life. This did not seem like any ordinary viral. I started taking a cough syrup on my Doctor’s recommendation. On Panchami, my husband got me some nice jui flowers, so that I could atleast sit and home and dress up. He basically wanted to cheer me up. My husband realised that the whole house was filled with the fragrance of these flowers. Sadly, I could not smell them! My taste buds also started betraying me. I understood, this was actually what everyone was talking about. Yes, Covid-19 had hit me.

It took some time to sink in. However, the kind of positive person that I am, I did not find coping up with it very difficult, emotionally. However on Nabami, all my positivity and emotions gave in. I was resting on my bed, where I could hear the dhaak and kashor ghonta outside my window. Nabami is the last day before we bid Goddess Durga goodbye. Tears started streaming down my cheek. And I let them flow. When you have been strong for too long, you need to vent out your emotions. I knew this year Durga Puja would be very different, however, I had imagined that I would be at least cooking for my family and feasting on all delicacies at home. Similarly, I had even thought of dressing up in my saree, and click tons of photographs, all at home. However, destiny had other plans! Not one Durga idol that I could see with my own eyes (forget the 50-60 pandals that we hop every year).

Anyway, cutting the long story short, I am doing much better right now. Durga Maa has been kind enough that I could celebrate my birthday this week. It will take some time for me to heal completely. But I have resumed work, which keeps me the happiest 🙂

I just have a small message for all those who get to learn that someone is affected with Covid-19. Trust me, please do not ask the following questions to that person.

How did you get infected?

Trust me, had we known, we would have been fortune tellers!

Why did you not inform me?

Some people like to keep their lives private. There is a lot that goes on their mind at that particular point of time, so may be they just wanted to keep it to themselves at that moment.

You should have been careful.

Please don’t ever say that! Everyone is careful. Covid-19 can strike anyone at any point of time. I have known people who have not stepped out of their homes, yet have contracted it and even succumbed to it. Hence, please do not generalise.

What medicines did you take? Give me the list.

Trust me, Covid-19 has no cure in the form of medicines. Each and every person exhibits separate symptoms. I exhibited violent bouts of cough, another person I know had only fever with his sense of taste and smell intact. Hence, there is no fixed remedy or fixed set of medicines for Covid-19. God forbid, in case you suffer, please contact your Doctor with your symptoms. Do not take medicines without having prescribed by your Doctor.   

Okay, so what can you do when you hear that a loved one is Covid positive?

Just wish the person a speedy recovery. Text that person at times. Wait for a reply. In my case, I could not speak to anyone since I had violent bouts of cough whenever I would speak. Hence I totally avoided any sort of verbal communication. If possible, give him/her a lot of mental strength. Be nice to that person. I am blessed with a team at office who were super supportive of my state. I wanted to keep myself engaged in work, but they asked me not to. And now that I took that sick leave, I realise, that was the best I could do for my body and mind. They both have gone through a lot and needed some time to heal. If you have that kind of luxury, please do detach yourself from work temporarily. Join back gradually when you are ready to shoulder responsibilities.

Always remember, It is very easy to break a Covid positive patient’s mental state. Please do not indulge in that, knowingly or unknowingly! Karma is always round the corner.

Coming to the things that really helped me get back on my feet:

Cutting myself off from negativity, frequent steam inhalation, timely medicines and a lot of rest. Keeping a clove in my mouth helped me with my cough. I would chew a clove even in my sleep (take care not to choke on it).

And yes, last but not the least, my doctor who had prescribed the medicines immediately on phone upon hearing my symptoms. I am really grateful to her for helping bring me back on my feet. Where would we have been without their immense contribution in the society?

I had shopped a lot before Durga Puja but the greedy me would always end up wearing those dresses/sarees the very next day and click photos. Looking back, I am glad I did so. What if tomorrow never comes? I should have no regrets, right? That lipstick in the drawer would be waiting for you. The nails can be painted tonight. Because 

Kal kya hoga kisko pataa

Abhi zindagi ka le lo mazaa

On that note, this is me signing off! I know this was a different kind of a post. I am open, both to your brickbats and appreciation, as always. Do drop in a line or two if you have reached till here.

Love, Sanandita.