SPIDER WEB

CH 1: THE BACILLUS

March was a disastrous month. The tragedy that threatened the lives of humans occurred. Everyone lived in fear of sudden unexpected and lonely death.
In Mumbai
Meera was an ordinary office worker. Her daily life consisted of work and taking care of her old parents.
Next week were the company holidays she desired for a long time. Meera decided she would enjoy the whole week with her friends.
During night Meera was shuffling through the documents of the company. Seeing the thick pile of papers in front of her she got a headache. Fortunately, her mother called her for dinner.
“Meera, come and have dinner dear,” Meera’s mother Shanti shouted from the dining room.
Meera’s family was a middle-class family that lived happily even though they were not that rich.
Her father Deepak was working for the government for some years and he was comfortable with his job. Her mother was a housewife.
Meera’s hobby was to write stories. Everyday Meera would take some time out and write on various topics. Meera arranged her work documents and went downstairs to have dinner.
“Wow! Mom today you cooked my favourite prawn curry and steamed hot rice, thank you so much,” said Meera energetically.
“Well, your dad got a promotion today and will be having a congratulatory party with his peers that’s why special food,” Shanti said looking lovingly at her daughter’s happy face.
The doorbell rang and Shanti opened the door.
“Hello Savita, why are you looking so worried and sad,” Shanti asked in concern to her neighbour.
“Oh my god Shanti! Did you see the news,” Savita shrieked in her ears.
Meera heard the commotion and decided to switch on the television. What she saw brought tears to her eyes.
“Mom! Mom! Let us hurry to the hospital right now,” Meera screamed at top of her lungs.
The news had been reporting that a new virus had spread in the country which was incurable at the moment. One of the places where the virus had spread was a local and popular restaurant.
It showed government officials wearing full body suit taking infected people out of there. Meera’s father was one of the patients that were going for isolation at the nearest hospital.
She thought she could see her father but as soon as Meera and her mother arrived at the hospital they were stopped.