He was newly motivated and energized. He had a very strong feeling to approach Laxmi. He decided to now reply to every possible status and messages in group to start a series of conversation. And as soon as they match their frequency, he will approach her. He waited for a good post of a cake she had baked and send her text
Looks really nice: Shub
Lax : Thankyou
That was all for the first post. Then it was the teacher's day. Everyone were wishing each other in their social media group on the occasion. That's when she texted saying, "In few years, we will get such wishes from our students as well."
To this, Shubh replied her privately
Happy Teacher's Day Ma'am: Shub
Why wait for years: Shub
Lax : hehe
Lax ; how sweet.
He did think of replying 'Very sweet', which would have been a good joke for any other person, but sending to your crush would have just crushed his reputation, he thought and decided against sending it.
He need to talk to her as early as possible. He just awaited the college reopening. But it seemed that the luck wasn't on his side. The COVID cases were on rise again. Every day, the number of new cases were rising drastically. Death tolls were high, but as a precautionary measure the state government decided to impose another lockdown for fourteen days currently. Essentials were to be kept open till 7 p.m. and schools, sports complexes, gym etc. were remain shut. However, schools and colleges were ordered to take online classes.
This was a huge setback for Shubh. He knew that the lockdown would be extended even more, which meant more separation days from Laxmi. He didn't want that at all.
The online classes begun soon and they could hear each other but cameras were to be kept shut according to guidelines. This was the arrangement Shubh could meet her under any circumstances. This was really a bad news. The Ganesh festival was nearing. Everyone were worried about the celebration. It was advisable to just attend the Arti, a ritual to pray to Lord Ganesh, and go home. But few of the aunts insisted on celebrating normally. None would deny any wishes of his grandmother.
His grandmother was now 92 years old. She was the strongest and best human being he had ever seen. She was operated many times, even passed from a death bad. She had trouble walking due to spine operation many years back, thus took the help of walker. Even at this age and with all the pain, she was totally independent. She would take up her medicine on time, do all her daily routine like bathing washing her clothes herself.
All the family members had a high respects and love for her. She had raised her sons very well and suffered as much. Therefore, they did everything in their power to fulfil her wishes and never denied her of anything. Thus, when she said to hold the festival celebration normally, all agreed upon it.
By the time festival was due, the curbs had been eased. Thus everyone were joyed enough to celebrate. It has been raining lightly but continuously. Since the house was old, when they used mud and wood, the floors were moist. Everyone were careful to not catch a flu.
Celebration was enjoyed by all. They gathered and talked, had lunch together, played games and remembered the old times. But the sadness came due. After the celebration, everyone who lived there were caught up by the cold and fever. This reduced their immunity which resulted in being infected by COVID from someone.
One by one, all had to be hospitalized. Shubh's grandmother too showed the symptoms. Even though she could have been treated at home itself, but then she lost balance one day and fell. She wasn't the only person scared by this. Without any delay she was hospitalized as well. Treatment was started immediately after she tested result positive.
All were recovering slowly. After quarantine period, they were discharged as well. Everyone sighed relief once all the members were home. Shubh's grandmother as well returned home after recovery. Even though old, she understood the situation very well. But sadly she took to the bed. A nurse had to be appointed to look after her 24x7.
As days passed, Shubh's grandmother stopped eating due to throat blisters. She was shifted to liquid diet but it didn't suffice at all. She grew weaker and weaker every day, until she stopped recognizing anyone. Shubh was scared from inside out looking at her in that condition. He had partially accepted that she may be in her last days. Everyone were phoned and informed about the situation and pay her visit soon. They couldn't accept it too and visited her at once.
Soon she stopped waking up. She was asleep all the time due to weakness. Doctors didn't give any hope or medications looking at her age. She was still given liquid diet but it wasn't very promising as well. Shubh knew the truth but could accept it. He tried to speak to her but somehow words died in his throat. He had never seen anyone in that condition. He held his grandmother's hand and wanted to cry and request her to wake up. No tears came out. The toll of all the exhaustion affected Shubh as well. He started having strong headaches and acidity. He was weak himself after says of puking and no food intake.
After 15 days on liquid diet and sleep, she passed away. Shubh didn't know how to react at that news. He just didn't have any feelings at that moment. He neither felt like crying nor hurting. When he went near his grandmother, she seemed to be in deep sleep. He wished her to wake up and be alive till his own death. But it wasn't possible anymore. She was gone and so was a part of Shubh.
He wasn't well himself but he wanted to mourn completely. He didn't shed even a single tear. He knew she was no more but couldn't believe and accept it. That night, as an old practice, he slept in his ancestral house even after everyone's advice. He wanted to be surrounded by people. His father tried to persuade him till the end, but to failure. After the last rituals and cremation, he mourned for all 12 days according to Indian ritual practice.