“I remember waking up one day, suddenly with massive body pain. Being a fitness junkie, I presumed it was the fatigue from the previous day’s workout. Only hours later with the pain not subsiding did I realize something wasn’t right. A fever additionally got me to test for Corona, and the result, unfortunately, came out positive.

It was rather shocking to my family because we went out of our way to take all the necessary precautions and be extra careful. In fact, movement was restricted and supplies too were stocked up for entire weeks. But with the results not in my favour, I was immediately put through a series of tests, post which the doctors suggested me to be home quarantined.

The real struggle, however, started only after that. And I’m not just referring to the physical exhaustion. The increasing fear I experienced when my father too, tested positive subsequently cannot be fathomed. Nevertheless, nothing can match the disappointment we faced by everyone surrounding us. People started viewing my family with utter disregard and contempt. Essentials also weren’t delivered to us and we watched many literally run at the sight of our house. Sadly this wasn’t just amongst outsiders but even within relatives.

And what’s worse was seeing the drama not cease even after I recovered completely and tested negative. Then too, women would suddenly lift up their sarees to cover their faces upon my sight. Neighbours living blocks away would stare at me before hastily climbing down whenever I went to my own terrace. In fact, with people only pointing fingers, while hesitating to see or even speak to me, I felt so ostracized and guilty that I isolated myself additionally, despite being fully cured.

All these incidents definitely made me question humanity at some level. I mean even a simple government caller tune emphasizes on fighting against the pandemic and not against the patients contracting it. Yes, COVID19 is scary but from the viewpoint of a patient, getting it wasn’t a choice or a deliberate mistake we made. And this stigma only helps in bringing a victim’s morale down further. So I hope, at least going forward, there’s more awareness and positivity amongst people.”

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