I rarely get ill so inspite of a particular student sitting in class and coughing into my face, I did not think I would ‘catch’ the virus. PG students are not young, some in their 30’s but strangely many do not have basic etiquette and I have to stop them from yawning straight into my face besides stretching and sneezing into one another’s faces. Are parents too busy to teach their wards today or do kids just not want to learn?

Anyway to my bad luck, the continuous coughing by the nun I guess got to me and the next thing I knew was my chest was being squeezed in a vice of phlegm. I was terrified as I had not been ill like this for several years. For the first few days there was no difference between night and day and I lay supine on the bed coughing and retching and not aware of my surroundings.

The wheezing gun was taken out to help relax my chest muscles which were so taut I was unable to breathe. Then I would saline gargle to help soothe my throat and even then there was no relief in sight. I had begun the second week ill and just lying in the bed sleeping away most of the day was very unlike me. I had lost my appetite as well.

Independence day came and went and normally I love going for the programme in the club as its members day and that one day I enjoy their mutton biriyani. It’s a bit squishy, but its delicious. For a diabetic its a no no, but I take a few heaped teaspoons and enjoy them. Mutton has a special flavour and t6hey try to avoid putting in bones, so we get to enjoy a really delish biriyani.
Bonny was asked to bring me a packed lunch which I did try and enjoy, dunked in raita.

The next day I decided to go back to college but it was impossible as I had lost my voice. A teacher with no voice cannot work, so I sat quietly at home worrying about the number of hours which I would have to make up.

I could not even speak for my monthly iBrowse event and had to ask Bonny to take over which ofcourse he will without even reading the book. He talks his way through the event which is smart. I write out a few questions for him and like Sheila Kumar the author of the evening of “ No Strings Attached’ she said she was amazed that the 'voiceless wonder’ could even be so bold as to ask a question in writing!

I was so ill I did not even want to sit and watch the fun channel that I love-- Romedy with all those silly romance movies. Steve went down the road and bought me some chaat, my favourite, which I did not want to even taste. Masala Poorie he said in disbelief?? Poor chap, but that's Steve gentle and sweet.
Rather than sit at home I headed to college on Wednesday and Thursday and it was good, though keeping the kids quiet was a challenge with a voice that was half not there.

Then Friday today I get an sms saying the PG section that I take on Friday were busy with workshops. What a relief. Hopefully by Monday my voice should have returned.

Being sick for someone like me is a challenge and next time, I don't intend being polite and will ask the 'cougher' to kindly leave the class.