THREAD:
Lost my uncle to #Covid in Rishikesh yesterday afternoon. His heartbroken daughter drove back home from Delhi, reached at 11 pm, sat across her mother & cried, unable to hug each other. Mins later, her mother collapsed. Decalred dead at midnight.

My aunt couldn't bear the loss, the doctor said. Now, we've lost 6 people in the last 6 months -- 4 to #Covid. My mind is playing tricks & every memory of Rishikesh -- their house next to the river, their kirana store, cosy lunches -- is playing on loop.

My parents are devastated. My father's childhood is tied to his cousin's, Roshan bhaisaab, in Rishikesh -- both born in India after their parents migrated from Pakistan in 1947. Roshan uncle & Kamla bharjaayi raised the kindest children.

There was no dearth of love in that house. Today, as the whole family grieves, we are unable to be together. Just loud cries over the phone & a shockwave. News has been kept away from some senior citizens of the family for now. Too fragile, scared, emotional?

I wrote a long piece on grief last month with @toramatix. Little did I know that my family too will get caught in this emotional turmoil. My parents are heartbroken. I am scared for their physical health, equally scared for their mental well-being.

Our house is quiet, not a smile on anyone's face. Just going about our day without any eye contact. We are grieving.
WEAR YOUR MASKS. #Covid is destroying lives, entire families. Be safe.

Overwhelmed by everyone's messages & calls. Thank you, truly. We are indebted to your kindness at a time like this
Apologies if I haven't been able to reply to each one of you Be safe.