The Virus - Chapter 10

How a Virus Changed the World .... for the Better…

Chapter 10          An Unexpected Turn of Events

Dr. Jolly was buried in a sea of information. The pandemic was picking up momentum by the hour. Country after country was initiating lockdowns and restrictions. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical companies were working around the clock trying to come up with a vaccine.

There was a lot of confusion. On one hand, governments were trying to protect people by imposing lockdowns, mandates for wearing masks, and keeping distance to curb the spread of the virus. On the other hand, it was a question of running the economy. Everyone was trying to figure out how they were going to work. So, working online from home wherever possible was the obvious solution while some jobs like the first responders, pharmacy staff, grocery store workers, and people providing necessities required physical presence.

Meanwhile, some were busy spreading misinformation and pushing conspiracy theories claiming that it was all a hoax. Some were saying that the pandemic was planned by government agents or even foreign spies. The misinformation campaign was making it difficult for governments to take preventive measures and in some cases was causing loss of life. Unfortunately, the misleading half-truth and the campaign of lies were happening, in some countries, at the highest levels of government.

Dr. Jolly was communicating regularly with his daughter to keep up with the developments at the mediation center in India.

Around noon, he received a message. “Hi dad, as I promised I am trying to give you regular reports of what’s happening here. Today we had a couple of people at the center who had breathing problems and had to be taken to the hospital. So, now we are all trying to isolate ourselves in our rooms and food is being delivered to our rooms a few times a day. But please don’t worry. I am meditating in my room, and I am totally fine. Plus, I check my emails and phone messages all the time.”

The message was like a shock to Dr. Jolly who had been hoping for the best but anticipated that this might happen given the speed by which the highly contagious virus was spreading worldwide. He tried to get his thoughts together and wrote a message in response. “Hi honey, it’s great to hear from you. thanks for sharing the details of what’s happening there. I’m trying to find a way to get you home. Please keep me posted and let me know if anything comes up or if you experience any symptoms like cough or fever. Love you.” 

Dr. Jolly was in deep thoughts as he was trying to figure out how he could bring Jenna home. So much was happening in such a short time, and he was managing tremendous challenges with wisdom and patience.

He sent a message to Dr. Kaviani at the CDC in Atlanta to consult with him.

He got a call back right away. “Hi Tony, it’s great to hear from you. I saw your message about Jenna in India and the outbreak at the meditation Center.”

“Well, thanks for calling Vahid, I am trying to figure out what I can do. I am in touch with the ministry of health over there. The virus is spreading at the meditation center in Mumbai and already a couple of people have been taken to the hospital.”
“Wow, that’s concerning. The virus has penetrated the meditation center and could spread quickly. We are getting reports here at CDC that the virus is spreading in very protected areas. We have never seen anything like it.”

“Exactly, we are also seeing the same dynamic all over the world. The speed by which the virus spread is incredibly fast. Hospitals are treating patients in makeshift tents and even in stadiums where quarantine facilities are set up for the infected.” Dr. Jolly paused for a moment, took off his glasses, and closed his eyes as he continued. “I am really worried about Jenna over there. Mumbai is a city of over 20 million people and medical facilities can overrun with patients quickly.”

“Well, Tony, I wish there was something I could do. The lockdown in India makes it difficult to get around.”

“I know, I feel that if I somehow could go there, I might be able to bring Jenna back with me.” Dr. Jolly said.

“Well, I have a friend in Los Angles who is a pilot with a private jet company. His name is Boris. He flies all over the world. It might be a good idea to give him a call. I’m sending you his contact info.” Said Dr. Kaviani

“Sure, that sounds good. I’ll call him. I’ll let you know how it goes.” Dr. Jolly quickly checked the information for the private jet pilot and sent him a message right away.

After about an hour, he got a message from the pilot. “Greetings, Boris, here. I got your message, Dr. Jolly. I also got a message from Dr. Kaviani about you and your daughter in India. I’ll be happy to help if I can.” 

“Hi Boris, please call me Tony. Do you think you can pick up my daughter in Mumbai?”

“I can fly anywhere. It’s just a question of getting permission to land. The pandemic is making it very difficult, and we are getting a lot of cancelations.”

“Thanks, Boris, I’m going to check with my contacts in India and will get back to you.”

Dr. Jolly sent a message to Dr. Singh in New Delhi at the Ministry of Health asking him about the possibility of a private jet picking up his daughter.

Meanwhile, he went to his office where Malaika, his secretary, gave him a long report of all the messages and mail that had come into the office.

“How is your family in Uganda, Malaika?”

“Well, Dr. Jolly, it’s bad. A lot of people are in the hospital, and they do not have enough beds, nurses, or doctors. It’s very difficult. It doesn't look good. I am worried about my family. So far two of my uncles ended up in the hospital.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Malaika. The global picture is very chaotic.”

“How is your daughter in India?”

“Well, I am trying to bring her home. We’ll see.”

“I will pray for her.” Said Malaika.

“Thanks so much. I appreciate it.”

Dr. Jolly got a message from Maria.

“Hi Tony, how is everything?”

“Thanks for asking Maria. I’m exploring the possibilities for bringing Jenna home.”

“Great, we are making some progress in vaccine research. We might be able to start clinical trials soon if our initial test results are good.”

“Wow, that’s wonderful news. we desperately need the vaccine. I will call you tonight.”

In the evening Dr. Jolly got an email from Dr. Singh. “Dear Dr. Jolly, it’s great to hear from you. I checked with several government agencies in charge of giving clearance for flights into the country. It seems like there are lots of restrictions on flights landing in India. We must have a special and urgent reason for such permissions. It might take a long time to get the approval.”

Dr. Jolly wrote back. “Dear Dr. Singh, thanks so much for taking the time to check on the information. I am wondering if it would make any difference for me to come to Mumbai with the idea of leaving together with my daughter?”

There was no response. Dr. Jolly was anxiously waiting for the response from Dr. Singh.

Meanwhile, he called Maria. “Hi Tony, it’s good to hear from you.”

“Hi Maria, I am kind of down right now. Running into obstacles is not fun.”

“I know what you mean. I am sure doors will open.”

“Yaa, something as simple as a flight has become such a huge issue.”

“I hear you, Tony, don’t get discouraged. It’s going to be fine.”

“Thanks, Maria, I am trying to stay positive. Jenna is my only child. She means a lot to me.”

“I know. You’re a great dad. Just keep up your efforts. I am sure it will all work out.”

“I appreciate your positive mindset, Maria, I am waiting to hear from India. I might have to go there myself to bring her home.”

“Wow, Tony, please let me know if I can help in any way.”

“Thanks, I will keep you posted.”

Late at night, Dr. Jolly got an email from Dr. Singh. “Dear Dr. Jolly, After consulting with my coworkers at the ministry of health. We can invite you to visit India as a specialist with the WHO. Should you accept our invitation, of course, our team would like to have an opportunity to meet with you in Mumbai for consultation on the pandemic before your departure with your dear daughter.”

Dr. Jolly was so happy to get the message. This was a great favor. The whole thing sounded like a fairytale. He read the message a couple of times to make sure he was reading it correctly. But that’s what it was – an invitation and a solution to his dilemma.

He quickly wrote an Email. “Dear Dr. Singh, I am delighted to receive your invitation. I would love to meet with your team. I will make the arrangements for a private flight and will let you know my arrival date and time. Looking forward to our meeting. With much appreciation, Tony.”

It was half-past midnight in New York. But Dr. Jolly was so excited he couldn’t sleep. He sent a message to Jenna letting her know of the plan. He then sent a message to Boris in Los Angeles and kept reading till he fell asleep.

In the morning, Boris called. “Hi Dr. Jolly, I got your message. That’s good news. I can pick you up at JFK tomorrow early afternoon around 2:00 and we can leave for London for refueling and then we are on our way to Mumbai. I guess we stay in Mumbai for a few hours or as much time as you need before we fly out back to New York.”

“That’s fine Boris, I appreciate it. please send me the bill for the total cost and I will send give you a check.” 

Dr. Jolly sent messages to Vahid and Maria letting them know of the plan. He got a message back from Maria. “Wow, Tony, that’s good to hear. I hope it all works out. Let’s talk tonight if you have time.” Vahid sent a message of congratulations. “Dear Tony, I am so happy for you that you were able to make this arrangement. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during this trip.”

At night, Dr. Jolly talked to Jenna. It seemed like they had many more cases at the meditation center and several people had been taken to the hospital.

He also had a long talk with Maria on the Phone. Their relationship was evolving and they could talk to each other for hours. She was happy that Tony was able to make this trip. Although she was a little worried given the situation with the pandemic.

The next day, Dr. Jolly was able to make the arrangements to go to JFK airport. The road to the airport was mostly deserted and JFK was kind of empty. Most flights had been canceled.

Boris landed at JFK a little before 2:00 as planned.

“Dr. Jolly, it’s a pleasure meeting you. I heard so much about you from Dr. Kaviani. This is my copilot Captain Kovalenko from Ukraine who I have asked to join me. Boris’s name tag read Captain B. Pavlov.”

“Hi, it’s great meeting you both. I truly appreciate your help with this flight to India.”

“It’s our pleasure to serve you,” Boris replied.

The flight to London for refueling and then onto Mumbai went smoothly but because of the pandemic, they were not able to leave the plane in London as they refueled. Dr. Jolly was texting Jenna all along the way to keep her posted on the progress of his flight.

The plane arrived in Mumbai around 8 AM local time. Dr. Singh had been notified of the flight plan and he was waiting at the airport.

Dr. Jolly together with the two pilots headed for the immigration and customs area. Right before Immigration, at the health department desk, they were asked to have a test done. Two officials wearing hazmat suits with special masks and face covers did the testing. They were asked to wait for a few minutes for the test results.

Through the windows, they could see that It was a beautiful sunny day. Dr. Jolly was anxious to see Jenna. He expected to spend a few hours meeting with Dr. Singh and his team as planned. It seemed like early in the afternoon they could head back to London and then New York. He got a text message from Jenna that she was in the waiting area inside the terminal.

After about 15 minutes, the health officials approached Dr. Jolly and the pilots. “Dr. Jolly, we know that the officials from the ministry of health are waiting to meet with you. But I am sorry to tell you that you and the two gentlemen have tested positive for the virus.”

© 2022 Ramses Rashidi