Somos Nós: Anila Khanna
In the beginning of March this year that all was going our way. We had completed one year of opening of our restaurant in Caldas.
My husband and my daughter decided that before we hit the summer season we ought to visit India and look up the old parents. On the fourth of March they left for India.
Fate seemed to have a different plan for us. Within fifteen days of their departure the whole world got engulfed by the corona virus. All international flights were suspended especially from India, the businesses in Caldas were told to put their shutters down and all were told to stay home and not venture out for their own safety.
Suddenly, I found myself all alone without my family, without work, nowhere to go and in a country which I still was trying to know and make it my home!
Today after more than two months when I look back I see how lovingly the people of Caldas have looked after me. My land lords for both the apartment and the restaurant said that I should not worry for paying the rents till the times get better, this showed their large hearts and generosity.
There were people who had visited my restaurant months back were calling me up to ask and to reassure that I am not alone in the country and if I require any help at any time of day I should not hesitate to ask for it. I was practically getting calls, messages every day asking about my well-being. Somebody brought a basket of fresh vegetables from their farm, sent me flowers, baked bread, made a mask for me and a very young friend of mine brought over a plate for lasagna which she herself had baked.
In the middle of April my customers encouraged me to start a take way service from my restaurant. Today, I am glad that I listened to them, not only has it kept me busy but it has also helped me to tick over financially. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lovely people of this beautiful country who went out of their way to help and comfort me in these times of crisis. I can never repay the respect and generosity the people of Portugal have showered on me! Obrigada
