A word that has gained a lot of attention in recent times. The spread of the novel virus has refrained everyone from 'The Touch'. Gloves have become an intermediate layer when coming in contact with any surface. Gone are the handshakes, the warms hugs, the planting of a kiss on the cheek, the 'High Fives', 'The Low Fives', 'the pinky swear', the makeovers in parlours, the window shopping or the door bells ringing; with the advent of the separate outdoor footwear and of course not to forget the inseparable masks on everyone's face.
The Social beings that humans are, 'Touch' is inevitable. The evolved beings that humans are, 'Touch' can be an expression of deep involvement with no physical contact.
And so I reminisce-
The umpteen video conference calls with friends and relatives!
The virtual birthday, anniversary celebrations!
The heartfelt e-letters to parents and parents in laws!
The birthday ode to a distant friend!
The uninterrupted work from home!
The recorded songs sent via WhatsApp!
The elaborate recipes and dishes clicked for Insta posts!
The sharing of books maintaining the 3 feet radius distance with a mask on!
The uninterrupted payments and more to helpers!
The cleaning of the building common areas!
The clockwise and then the anticlockwise scrubbing of the utensils!
The touch of the morning Sunlight, invigorating the day!
The 'sparsh' of the drizzle in the balcony!
The watering of plants!
The touch of the soil, embrace of Mother Earth!
The delicious mangoes touching the taste buds!
The enormous coconut leaves kissing my curry leaves!
The squirrel nibbling on the fruit!
The squirrel nibbling on the fruit!
The unseen of birds pecking at the balcony grill demanding their lunch!
The reverberation of the morning & evening chants, 'Hanuman Chalisa' of the devotees!
The joining of hands to form a 'Namaskara'!
The joining of hands to form a 'Namaskara'!
The lighting of lamps to express solidarity!
The resonance of bells, conch shells, 'damroos', 'thalis', applause expressing gratitude!
The glowing faces on every floor with gleaming eyes of friends; social distancing well maintained!
Indeed, umpteen ways life touches! If only, there is the right perspective.
