The Present!

The present is a gift from the past.

- Sameecka Tanejaa

Looking through an hourglass 30 years ago and viewing the world as a critical viewer, I was rather disturbed and pressured to witness a dystopian world in the throes of the novel COVID-19. It had reared its head and crippled the entire human race.

A deadly disease that had no cure and no medical answer. Its sudden and unexplained birth had created havoc and given death to many families. We had reached a dead-end, and the frustration was palpable. It was heartbreaking to see people running from pillar to post trying to save the lives of their loved ones because even one ray of hope was like the beacon of light and the golden opportunity that would guide them in the right direction.

It was like the metaphoric spider that used all its power of persuasion to lure the unaware fly and in this case, men, women and children into its vicious web. Finally, test the power of reliance, resilience and the "Never Die" attitude.

The bewitching nature of the bitter truth had created uncertainty amongst the nations. The news channels had become the bearers of bad news and often infected misleading and devastating information around the world. Humans were slowly implementing the unwanted presence of the coronavirus into their daily lives as their hope of a mask-free life faded away.

The only makeup and adornment women were given were marks, gloves and PPE kits. Because now lipsticks and jewellery had become a distant reality and the wistful longing of the past. The fact that even touching the elevator railing had become a nightmare and roaming around without a sanitiser was torcher.

A few months later, into the global crises, the world had closed. Quarantined and had little to no interaction with one another. While some families got separated, others were caged together. As some people shed heaps of tears, others were grateful for the odd opportunity.