Fight Till the Last Man Standing

"Bro, I am having high fever since 2 days. I tried Dolo 650 mg but it keeps coming back. I think it got me."

This was the conversation I had with my friend on 27th April 2021, who lives in Delhi. When the capital of India was not leaving the news channels for a minute due to all the wrong reasons (lack of beds in hospitals, oxygen shortage, unavailability of Remdesivir and Covid-19 testing).  

I calmed myself and replied "take rest, drink fluids as much as you can, keep temperature under control and let me talk to Mukki (Dr. Mukesh, Tatanagar)." And same night I connected both of them through a conference call and later shared their numbers. 

From that day onwards every next day became a challenge, I text him everyday "what's up? How you doing?" then wait patiently for his reply (usually it took hours, which seemed longer than usual). Depending upon his physical state we would either text or call. Every day I try to analyse his status by hearing his muffled voice, cracking sound of his surroundings, and duration of our call. Initial 3-4 days were very tough, I could feel his struggle for day to day chores such as boiling water for taking steam, heating food or washing daily wear. I didn't know how I could elevate his spirits and keep him doing whatever Mukki advices (medicine, breathing exercise, steam, and timely food). I knew he is mentally strong, but physical limitation can break anyone living alone. 

During those testing time, I came to know his elder brother (Bangalore) and elder sister with her family member (Jharkhand) were also affected by the same unforgiving virus. That moment I really understood the meaning of pandemic where geographical boundaries no longer have any relevance. Now, it became essential for me to not let him dive into any negative thoughts, even though initially it was a futile effort. I was not seeing any sign of progress, he was taking Paracetamol tabs as morning/evening snacks and fever kept coming back without those tabs. Deep down, I was worried and didn't know how long this will go. But one thing I knew and believed that if it is not getting worse then it is getting better. It was only a matter of few days and he would be kicking back to healthy boots.

Once I had a conference call with him and his sister, she was going through same cycle of fever and paracetamol tabs. Her voice was trembling, we could feel the pain and discomfort she was in. I just hanged up and resisted calling her again till she gets well. I didn't know why I did that, may be I didn't have courage to bear the pain of being helpless when my close ones were suffering. The fear of unwanted and unforgiving lurking all around us, can make anyone frighten and I was not brave enough.

Somehow, slowly but steadily situation started improving, I could feel the strength through his voice again. And, Yes I was praying not only for him but for everyone to be safe from this invisible enemy of humankind. 

Now, after 15-16 days of our first conversation, I heard a rejoiced voice of him, asking me how to thank someone who is far away but never let him feel so. "Bro, Mukki took care of me, without his guidance and support,  I could have not recovered this fast. I don't know how I can ever repay his untiring efforts and kindness." I said don't worry we will order something and have a virtual dinner together, Mukki would be much happy to have us, far but together. 

Delhi and other cities are still recovering from the siege of pandemic but my friend has recovered so do million others. During this cross-firing of virus and vaccine many unfortunate ones didn't make to the safe zone. We lost many and still losing, that doesn't mean we have surrendered but we are fighting and we will be till we save the last man standing.  

FYI, Dr. Mukesh and thousands like him are giving telephonic advice to millions of Covid-19 infected patients throughout the country. We salute such front line warriors who care for others more than of themselves.