“Are you awake?” The phone buzzed!
A message from a long lost friend busy shaping his career.
A hard worker, intelligent, workaholic, learner, dreamer, and what not!
I replied with excitement, how are you!? Kaise Yaad Kiya!?
After a normal conversation, he said
“From the past 4 months, I have realized one thing which I never thought before, even though I stayed in the same home. “
I let him speak his heart out…I dialed his number…
With very slow voice he said,
“I never felt the same before..I don’t know..it’s strange..”
Initially, I was annoyed with the loud talks and interference during my stand up meetings and important zoom calls…I always shooed them away and locked my door.
One fine day…at around 2:45 pm…I was in a video conference meeting and mom silently peeped in. I did not turn as I could see her on my screen. I was “embarrassed” as she was smiling and waving at my colleagues on screen!
Suddenly I took all the actions required- ‘mute’ and ‘camera off’.
I screamed at her, she did not utter a word and left the room.
I apologized for the interruption and continued the meeting. After 5 mins all of a sudden she again came with food in her hand and in front of my colleagues, she started to feed me.
This time I didn’t turn off the camera as I was awestruck by her action. She loudly said “tum sab bhi aise hi karte ho kya? Ye khana hi nahi khata hai..10 baar bulana padhta hai”
One by one my colleagues started to share their home stories with mom.
We took a lunch break and joined after half an hour.
There was a different vibe. Everyone felt different.
After that day, I observed changes..
Gradually I could see my colleague’s parents roaming in the background.. calling out names, kids crying, cooker whistle, etc.
Initially, it was distractive, gradually we all got used to it.. it was the “new normal” in our workspace.
Now I find them very comfortable and productive. I get more candid responses, creative ideas, structured plan.
I was no more embarrassed for my mom calling me with my nickname..
“Home is home”. We can’t force our parents to be away from us during work. Let them be free. Let us focus on our work rather than being conscious.
They wait for me to open the room door and just be with them. It’s the same as how I used to wait for my dad to return from the office.
I take out my time just to be with them..just my presence
makes them happy. I started talking more with dad. I plan properly and wrap my work before it gets too late.
I don’t let them wait for me anymore. I join them for lunch and dinner.
I take care of them now, I bring groceries, I help mom in the kitchen, I water plants, I clean my room,…these many years I never realized this even though I always stayed here..this is so different.
Yes, this is our new normal! And you penned it so beautifully Deepa 🙂 Great going 👍🏻
I was going through all of your stories which you have penned down in recent times and believe you me,this is the best thing I have ever came across.
With this post,you have unwinded the complex problems of our daily lives beautifully. This brings in a lot of positivity,at a time where people are going through their worst phase..
Keep writing and keep showing us the positive perspectives which we normally miss out or don’t give much importance.
A pro writer and someday I would definitely like to meet you in person.
You have already set the bar high and nothing should stop you as there are people who are eagerly waiting for your next story:)
A small request, please pin your Insta/FB Id in your website as I don’t want to miss out any of your blogs in future!
Beautifully explained. You get best of both worlds which otherwise was not happening.
This year, thus far, has been very different from any in the past. None of us expected the impact of the COVID to be so sudden and as harsh. The work environment has thrown at us new challenges in the ways we think and act.As a result, most people’s lives have taken a turn.
Beautiful writing 👏
Beautifully conveyed 👏👏👏
Good read
Everyone’s life changed with Covid-19, Everyone is happy with family at home even it’s work from home, understanding will be better among each one, team productivity has been increased, results orientated works are going🤠….. Everyone knows that it’s a Pandemic but many life lessons we learnt Personally and Professionally Both.
Superb dee…. I could relate the same with me tooooo…….
These are really memorable days which we will remember and smile even after some years. There is really something Covid has done with our lives and it Shows our really different sides for every ones life. Beautiful blog
Covid situation forced many people to work from home like it or not. Writer brings up the positive aspects- The Family, well the new norm of working begins!
Wow, what a beautiful and thoughtful story that truly brings to light the effects of quarantine and work from home to our daily life. It highlights the importance of family and friends that we may have brushed aside due to the stress caused from work. Very well written!
Everyone’s life has changed now in this pandemic situation, The work environment is changed for us from office to Home, Desktop to Laptop. It’s a new change, New Beginning and of course as the blog says “The New Normal”.
Very well narrated. Thumbs-up for this article. Throwing light on the perspectives of the family as we work from home. 🤟😃