Well, the title itself is an oxymoron and sometimes so is life. It surprises you well especially when you are sloshed in the glory of your impeccable planning. One such incident has shaped my life and gave it an all-new meaning. Two years back, like any other ambitious, career-oriented couple, my husband and I, were torn between the decision of whether to expand our family or not; our son is 10 years old and we had come a long way from ‘nappy changing’ and ‘sleepless nights’. Amidst many discussions and anxieties, one fine morning, I was standing with a pregnancy test strip showing positive, fate had its way!
Since that day, each day was occupied with regular work and meticulous planning for our child due in May 2020. From nursery to clothes, bottles to lotions, a crib to a pram, the list was endless. All the shopping was done and the tickets were booked. Bua and Mausi, both wanted to be the part of the ‘hospital squad’ to witness the birth of the youngest one of the generation.
Came March and the most deadly news of the decade. ‘COVID-19’ had started unleashing its tentacles all over the world and was declared the deadliest pandemic of the century. Lockdown became the new word, social distancing the new norm and masks were the new accessory. Doctors were not running OPDs and were scared at the sight of any unplanned patient.
I was in my 7th month, entering the most crucial phase of the pregnancy. With barely 40 days to go, I was restless and scared. Locked inside the house with no household help, it was nothing short of a nightmare. There were zillions of video calls from relatives and friends giving me hope with their innumerable suggestions.
Finally, after much resistance, my gynaecologist agreed to deliver my child sticking with my original natural birth plan. I was given a list of dos and don’ts along with a prescription to undergo the COVID-19 screening test. Before the test result could arrive, I underwent labour. Doctors and nurses were sceptical and honestly, even we had no choice but to embrace what was coming our way. The entire hospital floor was booked and only one attendant (my husband) was allowed to take care of the things during this crucial hour. The operation theatre was full of whispers with everyone hoping me to be ‘negative’ of the virus. The only one who was unaware of the ongoings and determined to come to the world was my newborn warrior. He overcame all obstacles and arrived shining like a star in all his glory.
Days became nights, scare and anxiety were overtaken by happiness, laughter and delightful cries. With no office leaves to plan, no time management to follow and no guests to entertain, our entire focus shifted to the new love of our life. We are happily following his schedules, taking joys in his activities and holding him before he outgrew our arms. This made me realize there is always a better and a brighter side of the story, which is not planned by us but planned by the supreme power. While we are perturbed by small incidents and focus our energies on thinking what can go wrong, God surprises us by painting a brighter and more beautiful picture with colours unknown to our myopic vision.
Now, I can say it without a second thought that it couldn’t have been better than this and I am happy it didn’t happen my way.
Roma Bachchani
roma.bachchani@gmail.com
I am an educationist by Profession and a wanderer by heart, Post graduate from NIFT I have spent a lot of time mentoring children for various career options and shaping them for future.
Mother of two I believe that life is “each day” and dreams are it’s essence!
