WhatsApp Chat - Priscilla 

March 21, 2020

Me (8:05 PM):

Forwarded:

IMPORTANT: The Government has requested that all citizens should remain inside their house at all times unless there is an emergency. The lockdown was hinted by analysts for the past few days and now it has come into action. Given the rate of infection of the virus... (Read More)

Priscilla (8:06 PM): Hey, yeah, I saw the news!

Me (8:06 PM): I cannot believe this. This sucks. They are such a spoilsport. * sad tears *

Priscilla (8:07 PM): That's alright sweetheart, they are doing this for our safety. We must not blame the government.

(8:09 PM): Sweetheart? Are you there?

(8:10 PM): Hey?

Me (8: 12 PM): Hmm. Yeah.

Priscilla (8:15 PM): Aw, don't be so sad babe. Wait, let me call you.

WhatsApp Call - 1 hr and 20 mins

March 22, 2020

Priscilla (12:00 AM): In a world full of thorns, you are the rose. In a world full of sleep, you are the sweetest dream. In a world full of magic, you are the wand. If my life is magic, you are the magician. Happiest birthday my sweetheart! 

Me (12:00 AM): OH MY GOD! That was so sweeet! I love you so much! 

Priscilla (12:01 AM): * kisses * x 10

(12:01 AM): Are you happy? 

Me (12:01 AM): NOT AT ALL! * sad face *

Priscilla (12: 01 AM): What happened babe? Why are you sad? 

Me (12:01 AM): Here is an idea. Catch a bus in the morning. Come here by evening. Let's spend the night together. 

Priscilla (12:02 AM): Babe, you know what the Government says.

Me (12:03 AM): Screw the government. It is not a mandated curfew. Just a request. I'm pretty sure this is just some drama to show off their commitment to the United Nations. I mean come on, you seriously believe it is that serious?

Priscilla (12:04 AM): It is probably not but what if I catch the virus? You know my condition....

Me (12:05 AM): Babe, you seriously gonna spoil my birthday? You suck. 

Priscilla (12:05 AM): Hey no, that's not what I meant....

(12:05 AM): Babe? 

(12:06 AM): There?

(12:07 AM): I am gonna call you....

WhatsApp Call - 3 hours and 48 mins

Priscilla (5:00 AM): Hey sweetheart! I boarded the bus! 

Me (5:01 AM): Awesome. You're the best! Thanks for taking the right decision babe! 

Priscilla (5:02 AM): How could I say no to your birthday wish? * kisses *

WhatsApp Chat - Gary

March 22, 2020

Gary (5:03 AM): Yo man, happy birthday! * party *

Me (5:04 AM): Thanks best friend! * grin *

Gary (5:04 AM): Sure. How is self-isolation going? 

Me (5:04 AM): Duh! That's the government nonsense. 

Gary (5:04 AM): You're joking right? Don't tell me you're roaming outside. 

Me (5:05 AM): Nah. I am not. But Priscilla is coming to see me. 

Gary (5:05 AM): WHAT? IS SHE OUT OF HER MIND? 

Me (5:06 AM): Dude, like really? What is wrong with you guys? Do you really believe in all this government nonsense?

Gary (5:06 AM): Your so-called nonsense is the lives of thousands of people we know. How can you be so careless?

Me (5:07 AM): * rolls eyes * Don’t cry like a grumpy old man. It is going to be fine. 

Gary (5:07 AM): I hope so man! Take care.

WhatsApp Chat - Priscilla

Me (2:00 PM): Hey. Did you get down from the bus?

(2:05 PM): Hey! Where are you? You should have reached by now.

(2:06 PM): WhatsApp Missed Call (3)

(2:08 PM): WhatsApp Missed Call (3)

(2:10 PM): WhatsApp Missed Call (3)

Me (2:11 PM): I am really worried. What happened to you darling? 

(2:12 PM): HELLOOO???

(2:14 PM): HEY? 

Priscilla (2:30 PM): Hey. Sorrrrryyyyyyy. Wait. I am calling you right away. 

WhatsApp Call - 20 mins

Me (2:51 PM): This is unbelievable. I hate everyone! 

Priscilla (2:52 PM): Babe, it is alright. It is safe for you. There was a guy in the bus who was positive. We cannot help it now. I have to be on quarantine. 

Me (2:53 PM): Oh god, I really hope you didn't catch it. How far was he from your seat?

Priscilla (2:53 PM): Idk, I guess he was sitting way behind unless....

Me (2:54 PM): Unless?

Priscilla (2:55 PM): Nothing. Chill. Let's see.

March 28, 2020

Priscilla (11: 30 AM): [ Photo - Document titled "Report of Ms. Priscilla Silva". Test Results: "Tested positive for the virus". Condition: "Delivering daily doses of drugs to ensure stability. Patient has known history of complications" ] 

Me (11:31 AM): * crying * x 20

Me (11:31 AM): * crying * x 20

Me (11:32 AM): * crying * x 20

Me (11:33 AM): It is all my mistake. You do not deserve this. I should have got the virus. 

Priscilla (11:33 AM): Babe, don't worry. I will be fine. Don't blame yourself. Don't be guilty. 

Me (11:34 AM): No really. If only I had not been so adamant. If only I had taken the government seriously. I shouldn't have forced you out inspite of the Government's restrictions. 

(11:35 AM): * crying * x 10

Priscilla (11:36 AM): That's alright. Let's not think about the past right now. Okay. I gotta go. Bye!

March 29, 2020

Me (8:30 AM): Good morning, how are you feeling?

Me (9:30 AM): Good morning! You didn't wake up yet?

Me (10:30 AM): Hey sweetie. What's up?

Me (11:30 AM): Heyyyy! Hellooo???

Me (12:30 PM): Babe! I am so worried. I might as well just come to the hospital and see you.

Me (1: 30 PM): Hey? 

Me (2:30 PM): * crying * x 20

Me (2:31 PM): Babe? 

Priscilla (2:34 PM): Hey! Sorry babe. Terribly weak. Severe breathing issues at middle of the night. I think it's my asthma kicking in. Or it could be the virus. I don't really know. They gave me a few doses of drugs. I guess it was too strong. Slept through it. Sorrryyyy!

Me (2:35 PM): Hey! That's alright. Take care sweetheart. How do you feel now?

Priscilla (2:36 PM): Okay I guess

Me (2:37 PM): When can I see you? 

Priscilla (2:38 PM): I don't know. Let us wait for this pandemic to get over shall we?

Me (2:39 PM): Hmmm. * groans * 

(2:40 PM): I am just going to come and see you now. I do not care.

Priscilla (2:40 PM): NO! YOU WILL NOT DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT! 

(2:41 PM) Promise me you will not step out of your house until this pandemic is truly over. Promise?

Me (2:41 PM): BUT?

Priscilla (2:42 PM): Promise ?

Me (2:43 PM): Fine. I promise to stay inside until the end of the pandemic. 

............

WhatsApp Chat - Priscilla 

March 21, 2021

Me (8:05 PM): Hey, look at this!

(8:05 PM): [ Photo of Newspaper Clipping with an article reading - Will we roar again? Back in the 1920s, after the 'Spanish Flu', people were so rejoiced post-pandemic that we saw a HUGE trend in partying, buying and the like. People were just happy to be alive. Are we going this trend again? ]

Priscilla (8:06 PM): Seems about right babe. We should definitely party a lot once all this is over.

Me (8:07 PM): I know right. But this is just making me sick. It's been more than a year now. How long will we remain in self-isolation?

Priscilla (8:08 PM): I don’t know babe. But promise me you won't try anything silly until the pandemic is over. 

Me (8:08 PM): I promised you last year. And I won't break it. I swear not to set foot outside my house until the pandemic is over. And I am not going to be foolish and force you to walk out. * smile *

Priscilla (8:08 PM): * kisses * x 3

Me (8:09 PM): You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. I am glad we made it through this year. We will stay through this together and come out with a roar babe. 

Priscilla (8:10 PM): Yes, we will * kiss * 

March 22, 2021

Priscilla (12 AM): In a world full of walking illnesses, I cannot wait for the sun to shine. For once there is a new beginning, I will party with you like it is the end of time. Happpyyyyy birthdayyyy my lover!

Me (12:01 AM): Omg thank you so much babe! 

(12:01 AM): I am dying to see you! 

Priscilla (12:02 AM): Me too. But we cannot really meet until the pandemic is over right? 

Me (12:03 AM): True. 

Priscilla (12:03 AM): Are you happy?

Me (12:03 AM): I am happy as long as you’re mine. * heart * x 3

..........

March 21, 2022

Me (7:05 PM): Babe, this is so weird. 

Priscilla (7:05 PM): What happened babe?

Me (7:06 PM): If things had been normal, we would have married by now. 

Priscilla (7:07 PM): Ah, I know right. 

Me (7:07 PM): I don't know. It just feels really weird. When will all this self-isolation get over? There are drones to deliver food like always. 

Priscilla (7:08 PM): We had always predicted that drones would deliver food by 2022, didn't we? Pandemic or no pandemic?

Me (7:08 PM): Hahaha, oh yeah. I can't believe all our dreams from those days have become a reality now.

(7:08 PM): Except the dream of our marriage.

Priscilla (7:09 PM): Aww sweetheart. That will become a reality too. Do not worry.

March 22, 2022

Priscilla (12 AM): Happy birthday handsome! 

Me (12:01 AM): OMG thank you so much babe! But no special lines for me this time?

Priscilla (12:01 AM): Hmmm. Yeah.

Me (12:02 AM): Hey! What happened? Are you okay? 

Priscilla (12:03 AM): It is been so long since I saw you. I am just losing hope this will ever get over. If I had just taken another bus that day… If I had just not come into contact with him at the boarding point…. Argh!!! 

Me (12:03 AM): Don't worry about it. Everything will come back to normal this year.

Priscilla (12:03 AM): Yeah I hope so * smiles *

Me (12:03 AM): You're the cutest! * kisses *

Priscilla (12:04 AM): * blush *

(12:04 AM): Are you happy??

Me (12:05 AM): Yes sweetheart. I will be happy as long as you’re mine. * hearts * x 3

Me (8:01 AM): Hey. Check this forward!

(8:02 AM):

Forwarded

The Government has announced weekly sanitisation for all streets and crowded marketplaces. This new Clean Drive initiative is expected to roll out next week. The Prime Minister, in a statement, said that this is being done to avoid future pandemics..... (Read More)

Priscilla (8:03 AM): I am glad they are getting some sense of responsibility now!

Me (8:04 AM): I know right. I am guessing the world after the pandemic is gonna be so kickass! Like real awesome. Clean cities, people partying their survival. Wow. A story to tell our grandchildren, yeah? 

Priscilla (8:05 AM): Hahaha, Ikr! Oh god. I really wish I had made it home that day....

Me (8:06 AM): We would have been married by now * smiles * 

(8:06 AM): * kisses *

Priscilla (8:07 AM): Probably had a baby by now * wink *

Me (8: 06 AM): * kisses *

..........

March 22, 2023

Priscilla (12 AM): In a world of thousands of stars, you shine the brightest. In a world full of noise, you sound like music. In a world full of colours, you are the only art. Happy birthday my love!

Me (12 AM): Aww, you're so sweeet! 

(12 AM): * kisses * x 20

Priscilla (12:01 AM): Haha * kiss *

Me (12:01 AM): I am so glad to see your special lines for me again. 

Priscilla (12:01 AM): * smile *

Me (12:01 AM): But not seeing you is just killing me everyday. I wish I were dead instead.

Priscilla (12:02 AM): Please don’t say such things. 

(12:02 AM): Don’t worry sweetheart. I have an intuition that this is the year we will finally be out in the world, full and bright!

Me (12:03 AM): I hope so too! 

Priscilla (12:04 AM): Okay okay. Stop talking about the pandemic. You are the birthday baby. Let's talk only about you!

Me (12:05 AM): Awww. Okay! 

Priscilla (12:05 AM): Oh but before that, check this forward. 

(12:06 AM):

Forwarded 

The Government is announcing that they are preparing themselves for the next pandemic. There will be a mock curfew tomorrow .... ( Read More )

Me (12:07 AM): Next pandemic? Haha, these folks are preparing for the next pandemic even before this one is over. 

Priscilla (12:08 AM): Ikr. They are so silly.

Notification: WhatsApp Message from Gary

WhatsApp Chat - Gary

Gary (12:08 AM): Happy birthday dude. I really hope things work out for you this year.

Me (12:08 AM): Hey Gary! My man! Thanks. Sure, things will “work out” if this pandemic just gets over. The second I am allowed to set foot outside, I am gonna marry her * grin *

Gary (12:08 AM): Dude? No? Not again?

Me (12:08 AM): What happened?

Gary (12:08 AM): What are you doing?

Me (12:08 AM): Chatting with Priscilla of course! * blushes *

Gary (12:09 AM): Have you stopped taking your medicines? 

Me (12:09 AM): What are you saying? What medicines?

WhatsApp Call from Gary (1 minute)

WhatsApp Chat - Priscilla

Priscilla (12:10 AM): Hey babe. What happened? 

Me (12:11 AM): Hey. Seems like I cannot chat with you for now. I have to go.

Priscilla (12:12 AM): What happened my love?

Me (12:12 AM): Um, you have to go now Priscilla. Gary says so.

Priscilla (12:12 AM): Okay. Bye sweetheart.

WhatsApp Chat - Gary

Gary (12:12 AM): Dude? Dude? 

Me (12:12 AM): Yeah?

Gary (12:13 AM): Did you do it? 

Me (12:13 AM): Do what?

Gary (12:14 AM): Have you switched off Priscilla's phone?

Me (12:14 AM): Yes, I have.

Gary (12:15 AM): The psychiatrist told you to take the medicines everyday. Why did you stop?

Me (12:15 AM): No Gary. I do not want those medicines. I am not able to talk to Priscilla. 

Gary (12:16 AM): Oh come on! Please. Just throw away that phone. 

(12:16 AM): Please please please please get this inside your head.

(12:16 AM): Please man. Priscilla died. She is been dead for such a long time now.

(12:17 AM): Priscilla died because of the virus. She died within two weeks of catching it. It is been three years now. 

(12:18 AM): You have to stop this now. I know the doc told me you're doing this subconsciously as this coping mechanism but….

(12:19 AM): You are chatting with your own self for three years man. This is insane. You cannot pretend to be Priscilla just by chatting from her phone and live like this forever. * crying *

(12:19 AM): How do you not realise that you are using 2 phones at the same time? How do you not realise that you are chatting with yourself?

Me (12:20 AM): What are you even saying? I am not pretending.

Gary (12:21 AM): Let's meet the psychiatrist again tomorrow. I will pick you up at 8

Me (12:22 AM): NO WAY! 

Gary (12:23 AM): Why?

Me (12:23 AM): I promised Priscilla I won't go out during the pandemic. 

Gary (12:23 AM): * sad tear * * slight smile *

(12:24 AM): The pandemic concluded almost a week after Priscilla's death man. 

(12:24 AM): You went into a guilt trap. You feel responsible for her death. 

(12:24 AM): So you are trying to fulfil the last promise you made to her - staying inside. 

(12:24 AM): We have been in a post-pandemic world for three years now.

Me (12:24 AM): What? NO?!

Gary (12:25 AM): * tears *

(12:25 AM): I wish I could help you. Sorry man.

(12:26 AM): The pandemic is in your head.