Thoughts in a Waiting Room

I seem to spend most of my time waiting.

Today I’m waiting at the ACI Cumballa Hill hospital down the road . I’m waiting for the Physiotherapist.

This old hospital has yet another avatar as the Asian Cancer Institute.

It started out as a premier nursing home in the early 1900’s by Dr.V.N. Shirodkar who is famous for the stitch named after him. This hospital has witnessed the birth of many a South Mumbai baby and even celebrated outsiders like Rajiv Gandhi.

Yes, it may come as a surprise to many that Rajiv Gandhi has a deeper Mumbai connect than just his Parsi relatives.

 

In the 70’s it became a cardiac hospital under another illustrious doctor – a cardiologist this time – Dr. Shetty.

Today it has been taken over by a group of dynamic Oncologists who offer a whole range of specialities including diagnostic services and physiotherapy.

Few know of its existence because for the past several years it had closed down because of sibling rivalry and petty infighting.

I’m glad it’s reopened because it’s literally a hop, skip and a jump away from home.

Sitting in a waiting room gives you plenty of time to ponder and reflect.

What will March bring?

As we enter the third month of the year, I wonder what March will bring . The hope and cheer promised by January was dashed by the outbreak of the Corona Virus.

Despite having a name now  CoVid is no less familiar to us. We still don’t know how it came about. How it is spreading and why.  And how much longer will it continue with its destructive path?

Already weak, the economy seems to be dealing with this new threat with caution. Every day the market dips and with it, investors lose their money ‘notionally.’ How long will it be before the loss is real?

As a Senior Citizen, the situation presents real fears of diminishing incomes coupled with imminent retirement. Is this a good time to buy blue-chip shares? Or is it better to be a conservationist investor and depend on the Central Bank?

And as a young unemployed person or even employed person, how long will it be before new jobs open up? Or how long will it be before existing jobs close down?

Delhi is far away from where I am, but the situation there is frightening.  Currently, the situation is quiet. But is this a lull or a genuine cessation? 

And what was the real reason for all the carnage?

These are all thoughts that spin in my mind like needle pricks before the Physio calls me for my session.

And more pricks await me as I brace myself for a short session of muscle stimulation.

What are your fears as the year goes into March?

Sharing these thoughts on #MondayMusings.

Ciao