It was a glorious day; the sun, lofty in the blazing blue sky, beamed its saintly light into the vast expanse of Kathmandu with gracious kindness. It was that cheerful hour when gentle peace begins to envelop the noble valley. People stream jauntily along the footpaths, the streets are filled with the cackling of the children, the elderly smile with hearty kindness, women amble with an exquisitely attractive grace that turns men’s heads and vehicles whizz along the road with a calming hum. Bathed in the golden joy of the sun, the world was brimming with gleeful spirit. The breeze that blew gently had a softening effect upon the human species, and a thrilling effect upon the lower-ranking members of the animal kingdom. The cows chewed the tender grass and digested it with saintly dignity. Dogs frolicked around with merry playfulness. Insects sailed around with fluttering restlessness. Mice poked their heads from their holes and drank in nature’s fresh and sweet air. The spirit of keen enjoyment enveloped the valley. The soft white clouds curved soothingly above, and birds floated in the sky, bringing a message of hope and contentment.

Aunt Kriti stood on the veranda, tossed a cup of untold sorrows into the street below, and watched it shatter with a satisfied smile. She rested her elbows delicately on the warm blue railing. Her eyes surveyed the strangely scattered houses. Everywhere there was light and gaiety, but in Aunt Kriti's heart there was an overhanging darkness. One would guess, by looking at her face, that she had witnessed the perils of humanity. Her features were simply clouded. Suddenly, a dapper figure ambling the streets below arrested her attention. A flood of emotions rushed through her, to her heart. She sank into her chair with moving emotion. Was it him? The thought of it chilled her feet. She squeezed her eyelids shut and felt awful colours riot in her forced darkness. Her heart took wing and soared into dizzying heights. It seemed to her that the surface had begun to wobble.