August 05, 2020

Meri Covid-19 ki dastaan...

Once upon a time, there lived a girl, whose worst nightmare was getting a simple blood test. 

The sight of an injection created havoc with her psychology. She screamt, scratched and trashed everything around.. but the minute, test was done, she always exclaimed, "huh, ho gaya? bas itna tha?".

Lets delve into her story of being Covid Positive. Her trials, tribulations and the characters met in this unpleasant sojourn. 

In case, you are still scratching your head wondering, kaun hai yeh ladki? Bhaisahab, Mai! aur kaun!?


13th July was a normal working day in office. My Team can attest to the fact, that when i holler, it isnt a pretty scene to be in or around it. Our baleno demo got damaged which led me exercising my vocals chords at the last permissible level. Since throat pain is a usual phenomenon with me owing to this madness and weather change, i was anticipating a backlash. But, when high fever visited alongwith intense sore throat, i knew, beta meri lanka lag gayi !!!  

All kind of thoughts evaded my mind. What if i got Covid? what if i infected my team members (this stressed me the maximum), what will happen next etc!

I took my medicines (Dolo is a life saving ram bann dawai) while i waited to get tested. Dad was also exhibiting fever symptoms. 

Covid test is done by taking nasal and throat swabs. A long cotton bud is inserted for few seconds to get the sample. Nasal is more preferred by doctors due to a better specimen and non-presence of saliva. 
You will feel super choked when they take the sample. I thought i will throw up the contents of my tummy! 

Test done. Waiting starts! 

Next day, result is positive!   The stumped look on my dad's face was priceless. This was after taking all the precautions, such as, Vitamin C tablets, meeting less people, using masks and sanitisers, restricted movements etc. 

Now, how did we get this despite doing everything right? 

When educated people think, they are overqualified or they-know-everything-lets-give-gyaan such mishaps occur. A gentleman who loves to advise people (specially how to loose weight) was feeling under the weather, he got tested and knew he is positive, YET he walks in to meet my father. To "discuss" something very urgent apparently. I wonder, why mobile phones were invented! 

Please understand, you have put us at risk knowingly. You could have spoken over a call and told us the reality that am tested positive, so am quarantining. wont be able to meet. 

If you know, positive is your report, or you are exhibiting any symptoms, please maintain distance with everyone, self quarantine, talk on video calls. There is no shame to be tested positive! At the rate, the virus is spreading, surely everyone with go through this once! I pray one doesnt although.


Doctor friends suggested us to get admitted in a hospital immediately because they didnt want us to take a risk chance of even 1%. 

Dad's anxiety really peaked whereas i was numb with fear and my sore throat was making things super worse. The fever which racks you consists of chills and garmi. I felt like there is a nuclear war going on in my throat. (I would recommend azithral 500mg once daily, for anyone suffering with sore throat). 

 The health care system is really overburdened coupled with the fear of the virus. You will find shortage of staff and beds in hospitals. 
Its imperative we take the precautions of wearing a mask, keeping social distancing and washing/sanitising hands. This is for the greater good. 

Even the ambulance didnt show up on time. At such a time, even if logic says things are fine, you can sustain, the FEAR psychosis doesnt let you function. You would think, agar oxygen chahiye raste me toh?

 After waitin for almost 2 hours, we gave up! checked our vitals on oximeter, thik hai! Prayed to Lord Balaji, picked the car and went off. 

So, wrapped up in my shawl and face mask, we left for hyderabad. Cant even roll up the car's window and risk the driver. We had tied a cloth partition in the front part of the car and started out journey. 

Luckily, Dad's friends helped us secure 2 rooms in Sunshine Hospital, Gachibowli.

The entire check in process from Emergency till Room was 3 and half hours. I cant explain you the irrational thoughts, darr and weird thoughts i went through sitting on the small bench in ER. 

I am sure i even shouted "F*** China" when they inserted the cannula in my veins for the IV drip!

Its true, the most honest prayers, confessions and promises are heard in the hallways of a hospital.  


The hospital experience! 

The room was just right. Brightly lit, cute bathroom with shower, properly ventilated, huge windows which let me experience some sunlight and less morosity in life.  

Oh boy, i never anticipated, this would be home for the next 15 days!!!  


I was put on course of Fabiflu (a new antiviral tablet for covid- 10 tablets a day) alongwith Vitamin B and C! This virus is reacting differently with individuals, so even the doctors are pretty clueless about its treatment, honestly! 


Daily ka dose!
The initial euphoria lasted for 2 days... arre wah, so much netflix i can watch, i can video call family and friends, i can play teen patti, i can timepass, i can sleep dreamlessly etc...  

After couple of days, i was feeling fine. Ekdum fine! Still, few blood and urine tests were conducted as per doctor's advise.  

Phir kya tha, khud ki nazar lag gayi hongi! Fever started spiking after 5 days... meri toh sitti bitti gul. 
I was on continuous anti biotics drips. Anti blood clot and steroids injections were pumped in my thighs (they still resemble a purple baingan). 

Doctors were scrambling to find those expensive COVID injections, remdesivir and tocumzum-something for me.. There are so many protocols to be followed to procure these meds. The black market rates are insane, again whats the surety, they arent spurious goods? Karma will get back to such profiteers who benefit out of fear and misery. 

Thankfully, my doctor diagnosed that i have contracted Urinary Tract Infection - UTI - in the hospital. Yes, hospitals are hot bed for other infections, including getting covid again. If u are in a hosp, get your symptoms well and get the hell out of there! 

Saved from the covid injections, armed with the knowledge of what actually is wrong with me, I was started on a insane session of strong antibiotic drips.. 

like sunny deol says, tareek pe tareek, nurses were like Drip pe Drip!! 

At 5:30 am , when you are in lala land, the nurse would come, poke your hand with the drip.. lift the other arm, check your BP and vitals and leave.. You would be drifting in and out of sleep/delirum. 

Things to look out for in a hospital stay 



  • Keep your mind sane. Very important! Read, listen music, meditate, talk to frds, sleep etc. Do whatever calms you down!  The more you stress, the more symptoms manifest. Covid is a more of a mental challenger than the physical thing. Treat it as a common flu, you will sail through well. 
  • Dont think the hospital is out to grab your money. Even if it is true, you have no option, You have done your life samarpan to them. let them decide the course of action you need. If u think, this tablet is just to increase my bill, then betaji, bahut maansik taanav hoga! 
  • Enjoy the hospital ka khaana... you have to try hard to like the khichdi and idlis :) Well, the food was good and zomato was also allowed.. so i really cant complained. i enjoyed my tea time even!    
  • Find your sunshine even in the darkest of clouds. Keep sane!






  • Keep your personal equipment on standby always - The oximeter and the thermometer. The oxygen levels can be monitored but dont give 100% weightage to it. As suggested to me by a doctor. 
Thermometer
Oximeter
               














  • Pray that you get out sooner from the place. After a point, the room starts crowding in you, making you feel palpitations, Mind starts getting restless. Seeing personnel in PPE after a point starts getting on your nerves.
  • Take baby steps on the way to recovery in home quarantine. Rest well, eat well and be well. Thats how you will recover the energy drain sustained over the hospital stay. 
  • Gargle with warm salt water, pop in those Vitamin B and C pills, Pray and Be happy.



I am a Survivor! I have lived through my worst nightmare of injections.









March 25, 2020

Binge Watching in the Times of Corona...

My usual sunday routine was to laze around in pyjamas, Netflix, eat, sleep and repeat.. Never anticipated that the world will take a pause and this would turn our lives topsy turvy.  Hence, sunday routine has spilled over to the rest of the week, thanks to the nation wide lockdown.

How to kill time? The most pertinent question in these trying times.  I thought of collating some of the best/semi-best shows/movies i have seen across different OTT (Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Voot and Zee5) platforms and do my bit for the people :) 

This post is Janhit mein Jaari.   
Courtesy: Google

Do write back if you liked the reviewing style/loved the suggested titles.



Netflix 


  • Money Heist - A bank robbery is where you would be expecting guns, masks and orders to empty the cashier while holding hostages. But this spanish bank robbery drama is ekdum hatke. Looting the bank isnt the thrill anymore, but printing your own money is ! The mastermind, the Professor, is so good looking and brainy making it impossible not to be in awe of his brilliance. Highly Recommended. Kya pata you will end up changing your name to some place. Start your binge with this. 
  • She - A timid lady constable is thrust into a covert police operation to act as an hooker. Her dressed up avatar makes her act sassy and bold, something which she isnt in real life. How she realises her own sexuality in this covert operation makes it a compelling watch. Aditi Pohankar has got the accent, mannerisms and the fire in the eyes absolutely right! Loved the climax scene. Damn. Kaha aur kaise kya kya mil jaata hai :) 
  • Self made - Portrays the rise of Madame CJ Walker - The first afro-american millionairess in the 1920's. Her hair growth products were the rage! Octavia Spencer is a fabulous actor. 
  • Delhi Crime - The nirbhaya case had rattled the souls of every citizen. Watch, how the delhi police solved this crime efficiently and in time. Dont get too emotional seeing this, unlike me who wanted to beat the living daylights of the criminals. Shefali Shah is a true blue powerhouse of talent. 
  • Toy Boy - A male stripper is accused of killing his client's husband. But he is innocent. Who will help him in finding the truth? will the truth ever come out? This show kinda gets little tedious in the middle. could have been shortened and kept crisp. However the MEN provide the girls, purrrfect nain sukh prapti :) 
  • Virgin River - Simple story. No thrills.. Watch it as you are watching the time go by. Its about a nurse who shifts to a small village and her challenges there. Loved her chemistry with the bar owner. 
  • Addicted - Sex can manifest into more than a physical need. The chemistry with a forbidden person, the lure of  the wilder stuff, the risk of getting caught, the need for  being satisfied etc are various adrenaline pumping reasons to seek out a new adventure. Watch Zoe stray out of her perfect family life . Okay timepass for couple of hours.

  • Lucifer - Lets welcome the king of hell on earth. The devil wants to party crazily but ends up becoming a helping hand to the cute detective cop!
  • Ala Vaikunthapuramaloo -- This telugu movie features Allu arjun, whose dance and action moves can lit your screen up! What will you do when you stumble upon the fact that you are a rich person's son and not a middle class person,exchanged at birth? English subtitles available.
  • Oh Baby! - Motor Mouth granny gets a jolt from her family members and she curses god that she never got a chance to live her youth well and fulfill her singing aspirations. Being in a good mood, God lures her into a photo booth and vanishes 50 years of her life, turning into a 24 year old girl! What happens next? her devotion to her son and her friendship goals with her best buddy is amazing. Watch this for the acting and storyline !! In Telugu, English Subtitles Available.
  • Kingdom - If the Zombies interest you, then hit the play button on this korean royalty drama. Second episode onwards, the story starts sinking in. After the 5th episode. you will be like "Accha more zombies are reproduced, let them chomp their way through".
  • Super Deluxe - Amalgamation of 4 interesting stories in this super hit Tamil Movie. What would you do if your extra marital lover falls dead when he is on top of u? What will you feel when you watch porn with friends and find out that the pornstar is related to u? what makes you believe in anything? English Subtitles Available.
  • Family Tandoncies by Amit Tandon - Such a clean comedy act, which can be enjoyed with the family. No gaali galoch! Highly Recommended! 
  • Awe - Collection of stories which culminate into a unexpected psycho ending! Telugu movie, English subtitles available. 
  • Uyare - Malayalam movie about an acid attack victim, her dreams and her determination. I think this was better than Ms.Padukone's chhapak. Parvathy's expressions spoke volumes. English Subtitles Available.

Hotstar 

  • Out of Love - Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned can be revised as "a woman who doubts and confirms her husband's infidelity".  I loved this show purely for Rasika Duggal's acting. Her eyes smoldered! Beautiful locales, cast and a different storyline. Give this a shot!
  • Special Ops - Stellar starcast in this spy thriller. Kinda predictable after a while, but nonetheless a racy watch. Purely for KK menon's acting.
  • Chappad Phaad ke - Loved this one! A middle class family who take pride in their "sanskars" and a non-corrupt life, come across Rs.5 crore! kya inka imaan dolega? Will they touch the money and fulfill their deepest desires? AMAZING vinay pathak, story and climax! Must watch! 
  •  City of Dreams- Political drama featuring a brother-sister duo. Gaddi kiski hogi? Where is the laxman rekha drawn in politics? How far are u ready to destroy yourself and your family. Watch this one. 
  • The Hostages - Powerhouse of talent, Ronit Roy and Tisca Chopra are the captor and captive respectively. I had mixed feelings about this one. Why was the Dr held captive? What secrets do her family members have?
  • Chernobyl - 5 series show which portrays the nuclear disaster occured in the 80's. Trust me, this will give you goosebumps and make you pray that nothing of this sort ever ever happens again in the world! MUST WATCH!
  • Hidden Figures - Just watch this! Saying no more.

Voot

Asur - Intriguing murders which churn your intestines out are spread over different coordinates in India. Why does barun sobti gets this info sitting in the US? Who is this crazy killer who spouts pure hindi shabdakosh? His radical ideas are based on hindu mythology.. will the CBI be able to catch him? Waiting for season 2 eagerly ! 

Amazon Prime 

  • Contagion - Its like a decade ago, hollywood writers accurately wrote a story which is our current reality. Surely there is a surge of viewers for this movie. Need i say more?
  • Family Man - Manoj Bajpayee all the way !! If you havent watched this yet, go ahead and stream it ! Thriller series! How does a timid husband/father handle the role of a intelligence officer with aplomb?
  • Mirzapur - Really? should i even write about why this should be watched? Pankaj tripathi, the gaalis and the katta! :) Season 2, kaha ho tum?
  • One mic stand - Shashi Tharoor's episode was the only one outstanding. Dont miss this! His charms coupled with angrezi meets his sarcastic side! 
  • The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel - The world is going ga-ga over this show. I just went cuckoo over her looks, the gorgeous dresses she wore and her kick ass confidence as a stand up comedienne. Keep some patience while streaming this.
  • Pushpavalli 1 and 2 - Sumukhi Suresh is the perfect stalker in this series. Bangaloreans will love the kannada accent of her landlady. At the end of the season 2, I was happily cursing pushpavalli for her scheming mind, mindless obsession and stalking. 
  • Mahanati - Telugu biopic on the life of Savitri, the leading female superstar of yesteryears. Amazing acting by Keerthi Suresh. The sarees will make you yearn for a similar wardrobe. English subtitles available. 
  • Goodachari - Amazing spy thriller from the land of Telangana/Andhra Pradesh. Loved the twists and turns.
  • Helen - What will you do if you get locked overnight in a cold storage room? What happens to your relationships? Super hit Malayalam movie. English subtitles available. 
  • Tumbbad - Mythology meets human greed in this story. The cinematography is so amazing that even the rain drops scare the hell out of you. This horror movie has to be on your watch list. Thank me later. So jaao, nahi toh hastar aa jayega :) 

Zee 5 


  • Final Call - The mysterious disappearance of the MH 370 has spewed a whole lot of conspiracy theories. One of the theories, which says the pilot was suicidal is highlighted in this show. Arjun Rampal plays the role of the pilot who is devastated due to personal reasons and wants to commit suicide to perfection. What happens next? The stories of the co-passengers/air hostesses gives this a human touch. Highly recommended.
  • Mentalhood - Maximum of Alt Balaji shows stream on zee5. Taking this subcription makes better sense. This show is the "comeback" vehicle for karisma kapoor. Wow, how did we ever like her and her nauseating voice? Other ladies were better than her. The apparel worn was classy. The parenting tips shown were alright. Your wish if u wish to see this wishful parenting :) 
  • Gandi Baat - Oh boy! If soft porn is your preffered poison, then this provides the required cheap thrill. Lots of heaving bosoms, woman on top and cheap storylines. Sasti tharak assured. Yes, Its an Ekta kapoor production. Avoid the last season like the bubonic plague. Ghatiya mein bhi, maha ghatiya.







January 23, 2020

Interesting Evening..

She made her way through the beautifully decorated lobby of The Star, into its dim lit yet expensively furnished bar. Hopping on the bar stool, she smoothed the folds of her dress in place and flicked back a strand of hair.

Her kohl-lined eyes darted back and forth, soaking in the ambience along with its clientele. Akanksha's heartbeat slowed down to a  normal pattern.

The bartender glided over to enquire about the new customer's preferential spirit. 
In his mid-20s, Rakesh was a seasoned bartender who had seen all types of drinkers. He was mentally assessing what would be her preferred poison. The conclusion was a glass of sangria/wine.

"How can i get the evening started?" asked Rakesh.

"Hi. Can i get a Watermelon Mojito with less mint leaves and salted rim, please" Akanksha replied.

Rakesh was pleasantly surprised by the order and glad he was proved wrong, since he loved making interesting cocktails and appreciated interesting requests.

A beautifully made cocktail appeared in front of her, eliciting a dazzling smile. It was her most preferred drink. A plate of hummus and pita accompanied the order. Akanksha was as comfortable as a couch potato in front of a TV.

Interest piqued, Rakesh inititated a conversation.

" Havent seen you around, first time at the Star? "

"Oh yes, New to the city and  had read such great reviews on zomato. I had to experience it!"

"Excellent thought. What brings you to our city"

"Work and a bit of fernweh. This state is so beautiful, no wonder it is truly God's own country".

" Will someone be joining you for dinner. I can recommend a great sea food choice"

" Haha, sorry to disappoint. But am a vegetarian who shall be dining alone."

" My bad. My habit of interacting with guests makes me carried away with liberties at times"

" No problems, glad to have some company to talk to. "

" Have u done any sight seeing around? Again, i can recommend few things, Haha"

" Sure, please do. I have just been to the sea face marine drive, the cruise was interesting but at times, people ask me many personal questions here. As if am an exotic creature."

" Not to blame them, but its simple curiousity regarding what brings a beautiful girl to this side of the country"

" Is it your job profile to flatter everyone who has a drink here?"

" You are an exceptional case"

" Glad.. Atleast it will be a fun evening rather than personal musings"

After 2 Mojitos, 1 Bira white and amazing conversation with Rakesh, Akanksha was all set to return to her place.

" Hope to see you again back at the STAR. I shall make interesting fruity cocktail for u next time"

" Sounds delicious! Hey, Rakesh how about catching up for coffee as well.. I mean, if you would like to.. off duty hours"  She was fumbling with her words yet hoping, a positive reply.

Rakesh's heartbeat was so erratic that he could hear it in dolby sound! Elated beyond words since he loved the ease of conversing with her on various topics!

"Sure, Give me your number and i shall ping you"

" Awesome.. See u soon.. My City google"