The entire world has been gripped by the corona virus. Every street is deserted and every corner lonesome. It is rare to see even a few people on the road. The number of deaths has gone from two digits to four digit numbers, fast approaching five digits. And in all this, the offices have declared work from homes for a month, and school holidays have been extended.

Every single person in this world has been affected by this virus in one way or the other, directly or indirectly. And us, school kids are no different. With all schools, parks, movie theatres and malls being shut, it feels as if we are on lockdown!!! None of us have seen our friends since school has been shut, and calling each other is our only way out. And it is in times like this, when we realize how big of a role school plays in our lives, and how much each of us miss it.

Starting from the juniors who irritate us to no end, to the seniors who mercilessly tease us, all of it is being missed. Ask any kid, a home away from home, now seems better than their real home. Those familiar walls with chipped paint, and the delicious aroma of food from the canteen, the harmony(or its absence) of the school choir, and the soothing sound of the bell indicating that it is time for a boring class to end, all of it has a special corner in each of our hearts. The thrill of meeting your best friend after a weekend, and waiting for games period eagerly is something that every school going kid can relate to.

However, the most important part of school has never been studying (frankly). It has always been friends. The one idiot who you call you best friend, the Arijit Singh of the class, the crazy cricket fan, the next instagram queen, the aspiring Sundar Pichai, the wannabe Mukhesh Ambani, and the Usain bolt of the school, every single person is missed.

At school, the day is fun, full of surprises and friends, and delicious Tiffin’s!!! Here at home, the day starts with” Trisha!!! It’s 8 o’ clock!!! Wake up!! You have to study!!” And ends with ”Trisha!! It’s 11 o’clock!! You have to sleep!!” And in between, you can hear assorted shouts of “Trisha!! Get the door!” “Trisha!! Wipe the dining table” “Trisha!!Arrange your study table” “Trisha!! Go take a bath!!” and “Trisha!!Start studying” .Trisha, Trisha, Trisha!!! The house echoes my name ALL DAY LONG!!!And, I am pretty sure; most of my friend’s stories won’t be any different.

All in all, I miss school. All of us do. But, far more important, are the matters concerning the welfare of the world. The entire world has been brought to its knees. But we will fight back. With every reserve of strength left, we will contain this virus, which has threatened life on Earth. And for that, we need co-operation- from everyone. Stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands often, abide by the directions of the central and state governments, and visit the doctor in case you feel unwell. And don’t worry, this too shall pass.

For, as Bruce Lee said, “When life beats you down, get up, brush your knees, and fight back..” Together we can, and together we will…