Christmas calling in times of Omicron

Flora Fountain. Pic/Ashish Raj

"Why so glum, Lady Flora? Is it because the number of visitors to see you aren't as high as previous years?" Sir PM checked on his old friend during their weekend walk in SoBo; this time, they decided to stroll around Wodehouse Road where the Holy Name Cathedral was located. "You seem awfully quiet," by now, Sir PM was genuinely concerned about his friend's silence.

"Oh, Pheroze, where do I start from? As another Christmas must be spent with restrictions, it is turning out to be a disappointing realisation of how we live in such challenging times. Just when the world was beginning to believe that everyone was out of the woods, Omicron, the new variant, has made its presence felt in a big way. I remember that queasy-in-the-tummy feeling that took over last year as well during Christmastime. I was hoping to attend service on Christmas Day [pointing to the cathedral] but now with protocols and rising cases, I am not so sure. What a dampener!" rued Lady Flora. Her voice wasn't the usual cheery tone, and Sir PM racked his brain to think of a topic that would make her feel better.

"My cousin Sohrab who lives in Bandra was all praise for the gorgeous Christmas décor that is an annual affair in the suburb; one of his favourites is the stunning, elaborate window display of the popular furniture store, Damian, near the Church of St Andrew's. They create scenes from the Nativity; I was so curious after all the hype he had built up around it that I actually went all the way to have a look at it. And, it was well worth the trek!" he exclaimed. "You should come see it as well. We'll go around Christmas? It will really be quite something, I promise you," Sir PM assured his friend, who by now seemed a tad intrigued with this magical frame that Sir PM had painted.

"See, the pandemic seems hell-bent on continuing to torment us. So it is up to us to ensure that we don't let it get the better of us; of course, following all protocols along the way and acting responsibly. I remember this time last year...we were filled with so much promise as we looked at 2021. But yet, this year seems to have taught us to work around the extra baggage of the past year," Sir PM was in his element, and his friend was impressed by his positive frame of mind.

"The current boss of my illustrious workplace only recently sent out a guarded warning that people must behave with caution now with festivities reaching its peak. Even gatherings in people's homes need to be monitored, he advised. Clearly, these aren't normal times but we cannot lose hope, my Lady. And, I really feel for you, and how another Christmas will be low-key. But, I am sure we will find ways to keep the spirit of the festival alive. Let's do our bit for one of those NGOs that keep abandoned little ones off the street, and help them with education and a safe abode, or an animal welfare organisation that looks after injured and ill four-legged strays," he suggested. Lady Flora stopped in her stride and smiled, "I quite like the sound of it. We must certainly drop by one of these places and share the love that is representative of Christmas, Pheroze. It's time we stop being so self-involved, and look out for those who don't have too many people in their corner."

The two friends turned towards Wesley Methodist Church. "Pheroze, do you know that it has one of the few pipe organs that remain in the city? More importantly, have you heard it in full flow during service? My goodness! It was a heavenly Sunday morning when I was lucky to have heard it...that was a long time ago. And, have you seen the interiors? They are quite pretty and quaint; I'll take you there sometime soon," Lady Flora volunteered; she seemed to have kept her disappointment aside, Sir PM could see. It was a good thing.

"My cousins back in England are going through far tougher times, they told me recently, thanks to the new variant. We are better off, but we cannot afford to let our guard down. We need to be conscious of our responsibilities as citizens, and yet stay positive to ensure we come out if this strongly, Pheroze," she continued. "Oh yes, my Lady. We mustn't become callous. I pray this Christmas brings forth a new dawn for our dear city. We've been through so much, and now, it's time once again, to stay resilient," shared Sir PM, as they reached Apollo Bunder.

"May the difficult days bind us together, and the coming year be abundant with compassion and joy," wished Lady Flora as she and her friend soaked in the early morning calm. They were optimistic that their beloved Bombay would tide through this challenge as well, just like it always did in the past.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana

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