We all stood outside, flabbergasted, feeling bad for Rajesh. Ashok pulled the sheet on the table where the sweets and ladoos were placed. All things fell, crashing and making a loud sound. Ashok tied the cloth around Mom’s chest, covering half of her body to her knees.

He lifted her in his arms and came out of the office room. He made her lay on the couch in the common hall and commanded everyone to leave. “Saajan, you stay by,” said Ashok as everyone emptied the room. Mom was trying not to look at me and was shy, all curled up to a pillow.