Day 1 Lockdown

Dear diary,

Today I was standing at my balcony n looking around, how does the 1st day of a lock appear to be. How different is it from the regular day? It was completely silent. Though it was 12 noon, no people were found on the streets, no honking vehicles, no selling shops, no women's chat. Nothing. The view from my balcony was completely mute. Within a few minutes, I heard my neighbor screaming at her 5-year-old daughter.

Neighbour (mother): What happened Pinky why are you disturbing me, I told you to know I can't play with you now. I have a lot of chores to do. Go and play with your brother.

Kid: U always say like this. He says he wants to prepare for the exam and you say you have more work as the maid is not there. I will go to granny's place.

Neighbour (mother): Yes, go. Call the Police, in this lock downtime they will take you to your granny's place which is in lock-up.

Kid: Ok.

The kid went to her older brother and said: "bro can you lend me your mobile please?"

Brother: You want to listen to rhymes, take this. But don't touch anything else ok..? I am going for a bath. Once I am back from shower return me the phone.

The kid nods her head. Bro goes inside for a shower.

Sitting on the swing she dials 100.

Kid: "Hello is this police station." says Pinky in her sweet voice.

Police: Yes. Tell me.

Kid: I am Pinky I want to go to my granny's house. My mom said the police can help me.

Police: Where is your mom, give the phone to her.

Kid: I can't disturb her. She is super busy in doing the household chores.

Police: Give to your dad or any other elder.

Kid: My dad is a superman he is in hospital for the past 3 days. My brother has gone for a shower. There was one more elder Shanti masi, she is on leave. And you are speaking to the 5th eldest person in the house.

Police: What is your superman doing in the hospital?

Kid: He is a doctor he brings babies from heaven.

Police: Ok. How old is the 5th elder person and why does she want to go to her granny's place?

Kid: I am 5 years girl. I don't have anyone to play so I want to go to my granny's place and play with her. Granny, grandpa, aunty uncle, didi, choti, Chintu, Maharaj Ji, Kanta Ben there are so many people to play there.

Police: where is your granny's place?

Kid: Allahabad

Police: Ok. Give me your address so that I can come to you.

Kid: I am in Calcutta.

Police: Where in Calcutta...?

Kid: You are police right? Then you know everything. Then come to me fast. Till you reach here I will pack my bags. I want to go to my granny's place at the earliest. Bro came to see you. Come soon. Bye-bye.

Kid cuts the call.

Brother: To whom were you talking? Dad?

Kid: No. I was talking to the police. They are coming here to take me to granny's house.

Bro: what?

(Looking at the dialed list screams)

Mom come here. See Pinky has called the police & they are coming here.

Mother: What? A Pinky why did you call the police?

Packing her clothes Pinky replies

"Chill mom. You only said know, call the police. I called. Now they are coming here to pick me up to granny's place."

The dumbstruck mom screams at her son.

Bunty you stupid boy why did you give her the phone? Now call your dad I can't handle this alone. Oh god! What to do.

Bunty calls his father and informs about the entire blunder little Pinky has done.

Father: "Don't worry son, I am already on my way home. Tell ma'am not to panic and don't beat Pinky everything will be alright.

Tracing the mobile's geo-location Police arrives in 10 minutes.

Pinky waiting in the balcony shouts " Police uncle it's mee Pinky. I am here please come. Police officers with one lady and 1 gents constable enter the house.

In a trembling voice, Mrs. Ananya Bhat says" sorry officer, by mistake my daughter called you."

Police: it's not by mistake ma'am. Said the police officer in a bold tone.

Pinky dragging her little suitcase say " let's go officer.

Police: Pinky, you know what? Your grandmother has already left Allahabad to meet you. But since it is a lockdown, she will come here only on the 14th. Do you know what is a lockdown?

Kid: Yes it is closing of my school, brothers college, mom's office and all shops. No bus, flights n train to go anywhere. And if I want to go to meet granny then I need to go with the police.

Police: Yes. Do you know why is this lockdown happening?

Kid: Yes. Dad said to fight against a monster called Corona.

Police: Yes. Smart girl. You know everything. See your grandmother had sent you these gifts. Giving her soft toys and chocolates. Pinches her chubby cheeks.

Kid: Mom looks at this, granny has sent me to do many gifts. And she will come here on the 14th. Mom, I want to thank her please call her.

Dr. Anil Bhat arrives

Dr. Bhat: Officer, sorry for the inconvenience. And thanks a lot for your help.

Police: Never mind Dr. Bhat. It was nice speaking to Pinky, she is a smart girl.

Dr. Bhat: Sir please have a seat. Would you like to have some tea or coffee?

Pinky: Oh ! Dad it's so hot one should have fresh juice. I will bring the lemonade which mom has made.

Ananya runs to the kitchen and brings the lemonade jar. Ananya helps her. She pours the lemonade in cups n offer to officer and constables.

Pinky: wait for all of you pause.

(She runs to the kitchen again and brings the sanitizer.)

Please wash your hands with sanitizer. Dad said we should wash our hands often with soap n sanitizer especially before eating and drinking juice.

All wash hands with sanitizer drink the lemonade and with a smile bid goodbye to the Bhat family. Little Pinky waves goodbye to them.