“The government’s initiative of social distancing and complete lockdown of the nation is indeed appreciable. However, many of our unfortunate plight is that we can’t withstand a 21-day hiatus!
I am a flower vendor in one of the most bustling joints of the city. After operating in an environment that is always swarmed with people, the dead silence suddenly feels strange. I have seen many recessions during my lifetime, but this is the worst one yet. Every shop in the locality has to come to a close except those that are allowed to operate at stipulated hours. I too was enclosed at my house with my family until we exhausted all our money on basic necessities.
When you are a daily wage earner, affording a three-week recess is almost an impossible feat. One is more prone to die of starvation than the disease itself. The bigger problem, moreover, was the ban on the floral businesses as flowers are the biggest breeding grounds for microorganisms. It was heartbreaking to see videos wherein heaps of freshly harvested flowers were discarded like debris, a few days before.
After observing all this, I have now started selling fruits and vegetables in the duration permitted by the law. I understand that this will put me at a higher risk of contracting the virus, but I have the responsibility to feed my family. One refreshing change although, in this scenario, is the sense of community feeling that has grown amongst our neighbours. Another thing I admire is the relentless service of all the delivery executives. The few rare times when we had to order food, due to the lack of other options, my daughter made it a point to tip them well from her savings. They satiate our hunger at the cost of their own lives.
Finally, after having endured all this, the only thing I pray for right now, is the pandemic to settle down and the city to come back to life soon!”

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