Story By:- Tamreen Hasan,28
Being used to hard Work in occupational routine, so as to keep up with the Fast-Paced environment of an e-commerce firm, The Slower life inflicted due to the Coronavirus offered me a much-needed break from the hectic all-nighters I had to pull myself through.I always dreaded the concept of Work from home, fearing extra loads of work than usual which would make me feel overburdened rather than feel relaxed. And on a day like that, before the lockdown, I’d usually end up working 12 hours or more.
So when the news broke out regarding the Work from Home thing, I was dreaded with the thoughts of the copious amount of work that'll be expected.
But, I was actually wrong.
The pandemic was actually a blessing in disguise.
Being a latecomer ever since childhood, I continued to get up late for work, snoozing my alarm every 5 minutes. Before I snoozed, I would check my inbox, for any emails from my Boss. If none, I would resume sleeping without bothering to keep an alarm. And enjoy my sleep like a newly born baby. Otherwise, somedays I would know it's time to reply and start my day.
I would then, start my day in the comfort of my bed and blanket, and a warm cup of coffee, to get me started. Thereafter I'd call my mom,
who stays far away in Europe and chat with her. As the clock kept ticking, I'd realize it has been a couple of hours, and it was time to prepare for lunch. I’d list her the items I had at home, and my mom would always be ready with dishes I could prepare for myself utilizing those. The hours-long conversations became the new norm for us. Once in the morning, followed by a video call from my sisters and Mom and ending by a goodnight call before I called it a night.
Just so you know, earlier this used to be a weekend-only exclusive activity, before this pandemic was known of.
My mom waited a whole week, to hear my voice, and check on me. Or Else, I just texted her back, saying I was busy maa and would call you later.
As luck had it, Ramadan was around the corner. It’s a Holy month for Muslims, who Fast throughout the Month, and go without food or drink from dawn to dusk.
It had always been my dream, to be able to finish reading The Holy Quran in the month of Ramadan. I had been trying hard for 2 years now, to achieve this feat, but in vain.
But with the pandemic into the picture, given the relaxations in work, I finally accomplished this herculean task. I felt proud, having achieved a Goal, and the same was the case with my family.
I have learned the importance of staying connected with Family, during this lockdown. I call my Grannies too, once in a week to check on them. They’re getting old, and I think it’s our duty to take care of them in their declining years. Once this lockdown is over, I plan to go see them. I want to cook for them, learn the art of crochet, so I have some memories, which I can cherish forever.
It’s been over 2 months now, I have hardly stepped out, a couple of times, only in times of necessity.
I have played carrom, Ludo, and other games, which I had never imagined I'd be having time for. I have binge-watched Netflix series like Pataal Lok, Movies like Malang, and many more in one go.
Earlier I would have less than an hour to watch a video on YouTube before I dozed off. I feel I have more freedom of time. I choose to cook, watch a movie, play, or sleep. I have been doing flat lay now, as well as Food Styling. That's something I might plan to do as a professional when I get good at it.
This lockdown has been the Best Staycation I could have asked for.