BOHEMIAN CLAPSODY

Scene 1 - Friday, 20th March 2020, around 11:30 am

Security Guard Gopinath and Gardener Madhav are sitting in the patio of the garden of a random housing colony in Mumbai, having a conversation.

"Did you listen to the PM's speech last night?" Gopinath took off his cap and began fanning himself. Once upon a time, he used to wonder why security guards had to wear caps and why those caps had to be black even during scorching summer afternoons.

"About the 14-hour Janata Curfew?" Madhav responded, maneuvering the garden hose like a pro, "Secretary Sahab told me about it this morning. But no, I couldn't listen to the entire speech. I think Mansukhbhai had sent me to fetch some groceries at the time."

"These managing committee guys, I tell you!" Gopinath complained, "Mansukhbhai thinks this colony is his fiefdom. Chairmen ought to have some sense of honour and ethics!"

  

"Ethics?", Madhav finally dropped the hose and spat on the ground in anger, "These guys simply take advantage of their positions. Do you know what Secretary Sahab sends me to get?" He spat again because it's hard to comprehend a mouth full of gutkha.

"Condoms?" Gopinath's eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

Madhav rolled his eyes, "He sends me every morning to fetch cow urine from the stable nearby. He thinks it keeps his hair healthy. Crazy chap! Anyway, what did the PM say in his speech?"

Gopinath leaned forward, "He said the 14 hours of the Janata Curfew will play a big role in fighting against the Coronavirus. I am very confident his plan will work and that we are going to defeat this virus in less than 14 hours!"

"Yes, we can do it!" Madhav punched his fist in the air.

"Absolutely", Gopinath sat back in his chair, "And that's not all!"

"No? What else?" Madhav's eyes widened in excitement.

"The PM asked everyone to come to their windows or to step out into their balconies at 5pm on Sunday, and either clap their hands or make some noise using vessels or other metal objects, for about five minutes."

"Hainh?? Why so??"

"As a mark of tribute to all the doctors, nurses and sanitation workers."

"What a great gesture!" Madhav shot back, "These workers have played a great role in helping our countrymen during this pandemic."

"And guess what!", Gopinath continued, "Experts are saying that the clapping of hands and the clanging of metal by all Indians simultaneously will create a great amount of sound energy, which will then kill the virus. NASA has done research on this. See, someone sent me this news on Whatsapp!"

"That's such a brilliant idea! Waah!", Madhav's eyes started getting a little moist.

Anshuman suddenly appeared out of nowhere, interrupting the conversation without wasting time on pleasantries.

"Gopinath, did you get those things I asked for!"

"Yes, Secretary Sahab! 100 plastic cups, 100 paper plates and 40 big bottles of flavored soda. I've kept them in the society office."

"What about the samosas?"

"I've already spoken with Chandu, he'll keep them ready by 4pm on Sunday."

"Great!" Anshuman rubbed his hands in anticipation, "And what about the speaker system?"

"They'll be set up in time too", Gopinath assured him, "Don't worry Sahab."

"Super!" Anshuman exclaimed. "Oh, by the way, the people living in my other flat...number 403...I've asked them to move out. Very dangerous people...they can spread the virus in our colony. They might move out on Sunday. I've told that guy to hand the keys to you, okay?"

"Sure thing, Saheb."

Anshuman nodded his head and hopped away with a spring in his stride. 

Madhav waited for the Secretary to vanish out of hearing range before asking, "What's this? Is someone getting married here?"

"Wait till Sunday evening my friend. We're going to thank India's health-workers and sanitation staff and celebrate the country's victory over the virus...with great fanfare!"

Scene 2 - Sunday, 22nd March 2020, 4:59 pm

The colony seemed ominously silent and bereft of life, just like it had been throughout the day. But as the time drew closer, Gopinath and Madhav waited with bated breath for the party to get started.

And soon enough, an electronic speaker system placed in the middle of the colony flagged off a countdown. As the countdown reached five, Gopinath and Madhav also joined in the chorus.

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

"Go!"

At once a collective shriek of excitement reverberated in the air and a huge group of men and women - young and not so young - came running out of the building. They were all dressed in traditional, colourful and exquisite Garba attire.

Gopinath and Madhav witnessed a glorious spectacle of 100-odd revelers running out in perfect synchronization and harmony. Anshuman was right in front, leading the group like a pro.

"Wait for the song", Gopinath nudged Madhav, "We listened to the original on Whatsapp the other day...this is a dandiya remix version. You'll love it!"

And soon enough the speaker system started blaring "Corona Go...Go Corona!" in a fresh remastered Dandiya avatar. As anticipated, it was an instant hit with the crowd, who presented a wonderful display of Garba. Needless to say, the footage was shared on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Tears of joy welled up in Madhav and Gopinath's eyes as they saw the crowd dance around the cutout of a doctor and nurses. "Our doctors and nurses are sacrificing their family time and risking their lives to keep the virus in check", Madhav commented. "This is such a fitting tribute. Our health-workers will really be proud today."

But just then, they noticed a man quietly leading his wife and young children out of the building with a couple of huge luggage bags. Although they all were wearing masks, it was easy to see the grief and disappointment in their eyes. The man of the family, trudged hesitatingly towards Gopinath and handed him the keys before going back to his family. They then sat in their car and drove away.

Gopinath reminded Madhav, "That's the tenant from flat number 403 - the tenants living in the Secretary's second apartment." 

"I didn't know he lived there. His name is Doctor Chaturvedi", Madhav muttered in disappointment.

Meanwhile, the dance of gratitude and victory continued across the country.