Reflections on Daily Routines and Creative Pursuits During Quarantine

Recently, I had the chance to discuss Tony Hillerman, particularly his book Sinister Pig, with several individuals. This rediscovery of his work reignited my interest in his unique storytelling and cultural insights. Besides delving into his literary history, I also shared a bit of my personal experiences, including an interesting interaction with my wife who is currently nine months pregnant.

Personal Life during Quarantine

Due to the widespread coronavirus outbreak, especially in Mumbai, my wife, who is expecting our child, is staying with her mother in the village of Tala, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The following conversation with my wife is quite telling of the challenges and support we offer each other:

My wife: Good morning.

Me: Good morning. I just woke up.

My wife: What’s your plan for today?

Me: Well, I am going to write something and read a book.

My wife: That’s good. I had breakfast; I was very hungry.

Me: Cool. Take rest. Walk a bit whenever possible.

My wife: Yes.

After lunch, as usual, these are the typical daily inquiries and responses we engage in. Here’s a snippet of our conversation:

Me: I just had lunch. What are you doing?

Wife: I had lunch. The baby was kicking after I ate. Now, it’s not letting me sleep. I really want to sleep.

Me: It’s okay. Take your time. Relax. Just a few more days, and you’ll be fine then.

Support in Times of Need

Reading these lines, I often find myself wishing I was with her to help in any way. However, the reality is that I can only offer patience and encouragement. Here’s what I texted her:

Text Message: See her reply below:

Wondering how natural, genuine Bollywood would look without the significant influence of nepotism. The actresses mentioned above are self-made YouTube actors. Watching their videos, you can see their acting skills far surpass those of the influencers they replace.

Despite the numerous challenges, such as my wife's ongoing pregnancy, I find solace in creative pursuits which help keep us connected and inspired. During these quarantine days, I've been engaging in various creative activities, including writing and crafting.

This past afternoon, I decided to put away household chores and turn to crafting. It's been a rewarding experience, allowing me to engage in new creative endeavors. Here are some thoughts on how Bollywood might look if the above-mentioned YouTube actors were to replace the influencers listed below:

Bollywood's New Cast

Barkha Singh replaces Katrina Kaif Sejal Kumar replaces Ananya Pandey Apoorva Arora replaces Jacqueline Fernandes Ahsaas Channa replaces Parineeti Chopra Prajakta Mali replaces Jahnvi Kapoor Mithila Palker replaces Sonam Kapoor Prajakta Koli replaces Sonakshi Sinha Heli Daruwala replaces Sara Ali Khan Jitendra Kumar (Jeetu bhaiya) replaces Arjun Kapoor (suggested by Shubham) Ayush Mehra replaces Varun Dhawan Sumeet Vyas replaces Siddharth Malhotra

Imagining a different cast of actors brings a fresh, genuine interpretation of Bollywood, free from the usual nepotism. Watching their videos offers a clear glimpse into their superior acting skills and natural talent.

Work and personal life may seem mundane at times, but they provide a foundation for meaningful experiences. These interactions, creative projects, and the support we offer each other during tough times are the true pillars of our mutual growth.

Thank you for reading and supporting this write-up. May you remain blessed in these challenging times.

With gratitude,

Quarantine Daily Routines Specialist