Supreme Forces Were Listening: Reflections on COVID-19

 

Supreme Forces Were Listening: Reflections on COVID-19
By Dr. Shashi Prabha
June 16, 2025

The world had fallen silent. During the peak of the second COVID-19 wave, we watched the devastation unfold on screens until it reached our doorstep.

After my first vaccine in April 2021, I felt protected. But before my husband could get his dose, he contracted the virus. His fever remained stubbornly around 99°F, never subsiding despite medication. A negative test result complicated matters; hospitals would only admit positive patients. Then I fell ill too, with a high, unrelenting fever. Doctors advised home care medication, oxygen checks, and rest. It turned out to be a grave mistake.

We hired mobile doctors who charged steeply but offered no relief. By the fifth day, my nausea worsened. With no ambulance available, we drove ourselves to the hospital at midnight. I was given IV fluids but was asked to leave. My husband’s condition declined rapidly. Through family efforts, we were admitted to MedStar Hospital, where the grim sounds of patients losing loved ones haunted us.

Soon, due to an oxygen shortage, my husband was moved to Mallya Hospital. I was still unwell but not taken seriously. Fortunately, our family arranged a bed for me at Fortis. I was exhausted, breathless, and emotionally numb. The staff were diligent, doctors consulted virtually, and my cousin risked his own safety to ensure I was admitted and supported financially by our family.

In Fortis, I was too weak to speak, while my husband refused the BIPAP mask. Calls came from my family, urging me to convince him, but I had no strength. Meanwhile, I discovered my cash was stolen. Yet, I understood how adversity can bend ethics.

Eventually, I was discharged still coughing, breathless, and alone. Back home, I struggled to even open the door or cook. I left my keys by the window in case I collapsed. My oxygen level fluctuated. My driver delivered food daily, while my maid stayed outside, afraid to enter.

Despite objections from my family, I visited my husband in the ICU. In PPE, I was led to his bed. The sight was shattering. He looked frail, unaware of time or place. I watched helplessly. Every visit left me with tears, pleading silently for a miracle. The doctors tried different treatments, but nothing seemed certain. On the 15th ICU Day, my husband still refused food. That night, a call came for an urgent medicine that was needed but unavailable in India. Again, our family successfully arranged it. The gods were listening.

Surprisingly, I found myself not only managing my illness but also making difficult decision, coordinating with equipment suppliers, the electricity board, ambulance drivers, and handling the emotional turmoil of my loved ones. My sons, though far away in the U.S., were emotionally devastated. Yet, they supported me by managing payments to everyone who assisted us and stayed in constant contact throughout.

On the 16th day, his condition improved. He was moved to a private ward. I arranged for a BIPAP machine at home after many failed attempts. When he arrived home on a stretcher, it broke my heart. That night, his oxygen dropped dangerously. The BIPAP settings were inappropriate. I panicked. Just then, a call came from a family friend, director of Tirupati IIT. He had arranged a bed at Apollo Hospital.

At Apollo, tests showed trapped oxygen around his lungs. Surgery was suggested. He refused. The doctors agreed to wait. Miraculously, the issue resolved on its own. He slowly began recovering. Friends sent motivational videos, family continued to offer prayers and his appetite returned. He was moved to rehab.

A final challenge came from black fungus. An MRI done, gave a negative result. I ran errands for medicines, food, and reports, all while still weak. Recovery was slow but steady. Professors in my Institution motivated me and also shared uplifting news about my published book and my Podcast release. Their support and our family’s selfless love kept me going.

After a month, we returned home. Neighbors watched from balconies as the ambulance arrived. Within days, my husband regained stability. I coordinated follow-up visits, arranged oxygen support, and gradually resumed life.

Looking back, I marvel at the strength we discover during adversity. That strength comes when family, friends, care, and faith align. I now make it a point to message our doctors and family every year in gratitude.

Yes, the supreme forces were listening!

 

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