Lockdown Reflections Tishara Rajagopal How the time passes, and how you should pass the time Before lockdown measures were introduced in London, but just when panic seemed to have spread overnight, my friends were having an upsetting conversation in our group chat. A birthday celebration had moved from dinner at a comedy club to potluck in a flat. We sat debating whether we should meet at all, hoping for the best, but knowing it would be a while before we saw each other again: “i am not sure whether going out and gathering with people is the wisest thing to do at the moment. i really dont know.” “breaks my heart to think that that means i won’t see u guys” “i think we cannot give ourselves a choice” “i want to be able to use this opportunity before it’s gone :(“
We decided not to go, to serve everyone’s best interests, but a sweet Zoom call dinner party ended in tears and disbelief. The days that followed were a series of confused answers to difficult questions about where in the world would be safest. Over time, in the face of uncertainty, I found comfort in new routines of online classes and daily check-ins with friends and family. I was embarrassed to say I was moderately thriving despite having my present and immediate future taken away. But I was! I invested in a guitar, practiced yoga, participated in weekly game nights, and worked productively during the day. A few more birthdays down the line, and it came time to celebrate mine. I baked a carrot cake, hosted an elaborate pub quiz, and stepped onto my rooftop to see the sun finally set on a long, fulfilling spring day. I probably wouldn’t have invited my friends from different time zones to celebrate with me if all of this hadn’t happened. It was special to have my childhood friends on call with the ones I met a few months ago: “looooved the quiz i learnt so much!!!” “was vying for first place :(“ “haha it was a hard quiz though like damn some questions were specific but i had a lot of fun”
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