It's All A Choice
Team Atverts wishes each and every single person out there a very very Happy Durga Puja! This Puja, always remember to stay safe, above everything else.
At Pen:
—-In front of the River Ganges—-
Looking over the horizon, he stared at the vast stretch of the ocean. This is where he first learned the art his father had perfected many many years ago. This is where his father spent most of his days, trying to master every other difficulty that was thrown his way. This is where, he decided that he would not let his father’s work of his entire life go to waste. He will carry on the tradition, the art of making idols, for as long as it takes.
However, he didn’t know what would happen this year. The increasing cases of coronavirus had out a dampening mood across the whole country, let alone his city. He was in a grave predicament one that he thought couldn’t be avoided. Despite the reassurance of the government, he was quite uncertain whether there will be any type of celebration. And even if there is, whether the general public would be able to see his brilliant work on the idols. After all, if there’s no one to appreciate art, what would be the use of creating it?
—-Somewhere among the hustle and bustle of the city of Joy, Kolkata—-
“So which pandals are we going to visit?”, Rhea asked her friend Mini.
Both Rhea and Mini have been friends since childhood and nothing could stop them from being together during the pujas. Despite the fact that both of them lived thousands of miles apart, one in Delhi and the other in Bangalore, they had decided a long time ago that whether they meet any other time of the year or not, they would always visit kolkata during the pujas no matter what. After all, it was their tradition, their ritual and they had to abide by that.
Hesitation crept into Mini’s voice. “Rhea..... I was thinking.... let’s skip going to Kolkata this year.... I mean... there’s such a surge in the number of coronavirus cases... I really don’t think it’s safe now...” she said, a lot o pain quite evident in her voice.
“What?! What do you mean Mini?” Rhea asked extremely shocked. She hadn’t even thought, for even a fraction of a second, that Mini would back out of their long standing tradition.
“Well, to be honest, I’m afraid to even step out of the house, you know. The way the people are roaming about without a care in the world and most importantly without any masks on their faces, is what scares me the most. Plus there’s also travelling involved. It’s not like we live in Kolkata.” Mini tried to reason. However, she knew there wouldn’t be any use.
“So you mean to say that if you were in Kolkata, you would have gone pandal hopping with me?” Rhea countered.
Mini sighed. Once Rhea set her mind onto something there wouldn’t be any way left to get her to change her opinion. “No. That’s not what I’m saying. Irrespective of where we live, it’s very dangerous to go out now. No matter what anyone says the threat of coronavirus still persists. It has not been eradicated yet. If it had been, I would have gladly gone with you to Kolkata. Tell me, when have I ever backed out of our deal?”
“But... but.. I know it’s tough and I know it’s not the ideal situation.... but you should.. at least try.. to come you know..” Rhea stuttered. Generally, Mini used to let her win all the arguments but even Rhea knew that there was no way she could win this one. Mini was adamant about it.
“Rhea, listen. It’s not just about me. It’s about you too. You are at threat too and not just me. Do you think people will actually maintain social distancing while pandal hopping? Do you think they will be wearing their masks, that too in the proper way, after a few hours? Do you think that despite HC banning entry to the pandals, people will stop crowding near them? No, I don’t think so. Do you?” Mini demanded.
Rhea sighed. No matter what she thought, she knew Mini was right. There will remain a high chance that no one would follow the norms. This in turn would put both of them in danger. Despite her festive mood, despite everything, she cannot deny the fact that Mini was the practical one among them, and what she was saying was very very practical.
“....Okay... I guess you are right...” Rhea concluded. She didn’t like losing an argument. However, this time she was left with no choice.
“No matter what happens, we can always video chat. I know it’s not the same but at least we’ll be able to be with each other.” Mini suggested in order to lift up Rhea’s mood.
“Yeah, but it’s not the same.”
“Yeah, it’s not. But nothing is.”
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Just like there are two sides to a coin, there are two sides to all types of situations. All situations have a positive as well as a negative side. It just depends on where you’re standing.
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