Several family members suffering from COVID - wife's cousin sister succumbed to the disease yesterday. She was only in her early 40s and the virus took only 4 days to do the job.

Wife is inconsolable - says her sister always stood by her through thick and thin - and such is the cruelty of our times, she couldn't even say her last goodbyes to her.

Both my maternal uncles and their families have had mild-moderate symptoms. Elder uncle (55+) has had a fever for 7 days - but wouldn't agree to get tested - until today when his daughter literally forced him to.

He kept saying "It is just an allergy" - now that his oxygen is fluctuating - he claims smelling camphor will cure him. His son lives abroad - how helpless must he be feeling right now.

Younger uncle's entire family had symptoms for two full weeks before they even considered getting tested - and finally chose not to. Now that uncle is fine - he's off to his paternal village to help in the panchayat elections. Because priorities.

Paternal cousin brother and sister, both in their early 20s, are positive too. They couldn't find a lab in their city for RTPCR but tested positive in Rapid - took them two full days before they could get tested.

My mum's RT PCR results are awaited - lab says wait another 4-5 days. She willingly came in contact with her brother's kids (the same family who chose not to get tested) - has high BP and sugar, recently recovered from TB. Says her Krishna will protect her.

A distant relative chose to throw a birthday party for their granddaughter. Both he and his wife have already died from the virus. Several others who attended, including the granddaughter, tested positive. Mom remains critical.

Despite following all distancing norms, both wife and I developed symptoms earlier this month - tested negative - but the doctor kept saying it's likely COVID with low viral load or new strain. Symptoms are gone but we feel heavily fatigued - & the muscle pain is insufferable.

Have now reached a point when every single ring on the phone scares me. Almost all my near and dear ones, especially those who thought they were invincible, are down right now. I keep wondering how we will manage with all the shortages around.

This is my most sincere and heartfelt appeal to you - please for the love of your families - don't take this virus lightly. Only the vaccine can save us and we're in for a long haul.

More than anything - our patience is at the test right now. If you have the means - be grateful for your privilege and stay at home. Stay at home so that those who REALLY need to be outside, have fewer idiots breathing in their faces. Take care.