Explosions abroad, unease at home

War’s subtle impact on daily life

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The raging war in West Asia is the talk of the town. Most definitely unnecessary, and I am sure even Israelis and Iranians feel the same. As for Americans, it’s hard to say—they often fight conflicts outside their own nation. Modern wars are increasingly technology-driven, but my thoughts and prayers are with those on the ground who have lost family members to this relentless game of power.

I have a cousin sister living in Dubai with her family. She tells me that nighttime there feels like Diwali, with fireworks bursting everywhere. People are advised to stay away from windows, but otherwise life continues almost normally. Another relative, who has lived in Doha for a long time, is currently enduring the situation with gritted teeth and a thudding heart, constantly aware of the tensions around her.

Back home in India, I can’t help but notice how even our daily life is affected. In Hyderabad, for instance, the gas cylinder has become a symbol of these cascading effects. Cooking gas is such an everyday necessity—from waking up to going to bed, it’s as much a part of life as eating. Rising cylinder prices have pushed ordinary households into panic buying, with some people waiting in long queues, according to newspaper photos. Even street vendors, the humble bandi fellows, have had to raise prices to cope.

I have been using an induction stove for a long time, and during this crisis, it has been a boon. I suggested that Raju, my vahan chalak, start using one too, as I have an extra stored. But he said his landlord is wary of anything electrical, worried that it would raise the shared electricity bill. I tried explaining the benefits: fast cooking, lower cylinder use, and minimal electricity consumption, provided one has the right cooking vessels and stays present to stir the dish. Thankfully, at home, the induction stove has reduced our cylinder use considerably, keeping me calm and tension-free.

Recently, I returned from a trip to Rajkot, Gujarat—my janmabhoomi. Revisiting familiar places and meeting school friends was a pleasure. Coming back to Hyderabad, I was welcomed by exceptionally pleasant weather.

To relax, I watched Anil Kapoor’s Subedaar on Prime. The start was enticing, but the story eventually took a vigilante turn, creating tense moments. It reminded me of the uneasy reality we face—one hopes such people don’t exist anywhere in the world. I try not to worry about bad people around me, but the war has already provided enough nightmares.

Even from a distance, this conflict permeates our thoughts, routines, and choices. From rising cooking costs to personal anxieties about safety, it is a reminder of how global events can quietly reshape everyday life.

— Lalita Iyer

Sr. journalist & blogger