Here We Go

 Alright, hold on to your seats. Today was one heck of a ride, for multiple reasons. First off, Calcutta is finally getting warmer. No, that's not part of the rollercoaster. It's just the entry to the amusement park. Wait for a few minutes while I beat around the bush. 

Actually, I'd rather not. This is a game-changing piece of news. Alright, here goes. I'm going back to Mussoorie earlier than scheduled. This is due to the fact that the majestic, the ponderous, the sluggish, institution that is Delhi University, has finally decided to let students attend offline classes. As always, the timing couldn't be more hectic. 

Our original plan was somewhat different, you see. We had planned to return to Mussoorie on the 16th, but due to this piece of news, we'll be returning a couple of days earlier. Now, because of that, the entire paradigm has shifted. However, enough news. It's humdrum, everyday stuff that people come to read, so I might as well serve you the dish you ordered.

There's an oft-repeated piece, which says that the walls of hospitals have heard far more prayers than the walls of mosques or churches. There is absolutely no doubt in the truth of this statement. I just have one doubt. How many people actually realize how lucky they are to have never faced this situation? That's what I wonder. 

Hospitals are big places. There are a million nooks and crannies and tons of things going on. Working there, in any capacity, is an absolute headache. It's difficult for doctors and healthcare workers any day, anytime. I'm not saying this because of the COVID-19 pandemic, mind you. The pandemic just drove this point home more firmly than before. 

Doctors, irrespective of their personal motives, always want to be able to save their patients. It becomes doubly difficult for them when they realize that they can't cure someone. Add to that the fact that the patient often passes away in front of them, irrespective of their efforts, and it becomes even more tough for them. 

Think of it this way. Whenever a family member falls ill, there's not a lot you can do about it. Apart from broad-spectrum medicines, you can't do much to help. When you see them ill, it's difficult for you because you have an emotional connection with them. Doctors can't afford to have that kind of connection, but it hurts to see the loss of a life. Doesn't matter if the person knew you or not; it was a person. That's what matters.

This is something that people often forget. There may be differences of opinion, mentality, or a million other things, but at the end of the day(and during), it is a human you are dealing with. And humans are people just as much as yourself. They are emotional, sad, happy, carefree, careful, careless and a myriad other things. 

Having said that, the least you can do is be kind. Empathetic. Understanding. Whether you expect it from the other person or not, you can always be good to them. Whether they appreciate it or not is secondary; you can always treat the other person as they are and not as a creep, or manipulate them. It's difficult to do this all the time, but there's no harm in it. 

Unless, of course, you end up overdoing it. In that case, the only person who'll get hurt is yourself, because you value something and the sentiments associated with it far more than the corresponding equivalent. It's a very fine line, and not always visible. That's probably why we make mistakes. I think I've spewed enough claptrap for today. Adios!