The Mask

“To hell with the Mask. Of what use is this if people can catch COVID -19 virus infection even after taking all precautions ” muttered Ravi who had a strong urge to pull out the mask. With great difficulty, he controlled his anger and frustration and regained composure. He remembered how, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, his parents patiently kept an eye on him and his sister Rama, never allowing them to go out without a mask. Slowly mask became like an integral part of their body and they were rarely seen without a mask. His mother used to often remind him, “This COVID-19 is going to trouble us for quite some time. Do remember to always wear a mask and make sure your sister does the same. You both are like our two eyes and we cannot let anything happen to you.”

“Now how can I and Rama describe our loss of mom and dad? You and dad are gone suddenly. You were our universe and without you, we are totally lost. I am not getting words to describe our feelings.” Ravi’s both parents passed away due to COVID-19 within a gap of 2 days. Ravi and Rama, both teenagers pursuing graduation, were sitting on a bench in the hospital lounge, waiting for their uncle to finish some formalities. Their world turned Topsy Turvey and they went through an array of emotions like anger, insecurity, pain, frustration, fear and so on. Sadly Ravi could not even say few words consoling and comforting his sister, with the mask on. It was a big impediment. That was the time he muttered,” to hell with the mask.”

His sister who was completely exhausted and half asleep, moved closer to her brother involuntarily as if seeking protection. He took his sister into a protective hug and both were drawing strength and solace from each other and were preparing to face the world alone without the protection of their parents. In that instance, Ravi also realized that human touch can convey much more than words do. They both sat there and let the silence speak.