Neeta dreamt of Diwali that night, and her garden being illuminated by a hundred candles.
It was the 59th day of lockdown, and it was expected to last a few more weeks, since they resided in a red zone. Another 40 days meant the lockdown would end on First of July, and then … they would celebrate with a hundred candles to commemorate each day of survival.
The oil lamp which the fabled Paro had kept aflame for several years, till her beau returned, spelt hope.
It did not matter that Neeta had been suffering from a terminal disease.
P.S.
Paro is the protagonist of an Indian love story (like Romeo-Juliet)
Reena Saxena 
I think of how important life is while we yet breathe. It is precious.
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It is consciousness as we know it.
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Well titled. And hope is certainly well portrayed throughout your story.
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Thank you so much, D.Avery!
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100 days of lockdown. 100 days of survival. That’s worth celebrating. Light the candles.
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Yes. Survival with mental health unaffected is certainly an achievement.
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Indeed!
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A story that is both appealing and sad. Well-done!
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Thank you so much!
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