LIVING THE i LIFE: ‘I am enjoying time with 16 puppies at home'

 I wanted to look at the economy and take a call for the best of my business. The needs of my customers earlier might not be their needs after the shutdown. I’m still studying what people will need after this. As a restaurant owner, we were stuck with rent, EMI and salary commitments.

There are concessions for us, and we are working with people to ensure we can pay our staff and the bills. The old trends won’t last. Things are changing. Our restaurant is pet-friendly and people might not want to touch the pets due to safety. We have to prepare for that as well. I believe in diversification of risk. I was working on other things. They were to be launched over the last few weeks, but all is on hold. It’s not just that business, it’s about my other ventures as well. Animals are my source of comfort. I’m also stuck at home with my 6 puppies. I can’t believe 40 days are gone. I’m spending time with my puppies and enjoying myself. I also feed puppies in my area in the mornings and evenings. Three hours go into just taking care of the street dogs. I’m exploring new opportunities as well. I’m looking to see how I can go beyond the restaurant business. I’ve wanted to get into animal-based therapy for autistic kids. I’m reading up and studying on it more, so that makes me happy. I’m utilizing this time to work on myself. I’ve lost eight kgs after the lockdown. My work made me eat meals late. I’m taking care of my health now. Sometimes I worry over business. But since I’m thinking of and working on other things, it’s keeping my mind busy. I’d also tell people not to focus on the news too much, only to find out the most important things and stay at home and stay safe.