His grandmother, a heart patient, has not been told that Ayush is dead. She still waits, believing he will return. The crowd of relatives and neighbours surprises her. In a house rarely visited, the sudden flurry of activity has raised her suspicions.

Seventy-year-old grandfather Top Bahadur Thapa knows the truth but struggles to accept it. The grandson he raised in his arms is gone. Though his eyes are wet, his mind is restless. He waits for Ayush’s body, meeting relatives as they arrive.

Ayush Thapa’s life ended at 19. The only son of his family in Dhamboji, ward 1 of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, he was a beloved grandson. His elder sister is married.

He completed his Secondary Education Examination from Angels School and class 12 from Adarsha Higher Secondary School. Hardworking, cheerful, and friendly, Ayush was also active in sports.

Following his family’s military legacy—his grandfather served in the Indian Army—he tried to join the British Army. Dental issues ended that dream, but he refused to give up.

Determined to succeed another way, he planned to study abroad and had been learning French in Kathmandu to prepare for university in France.

During Monday’s protest, a bullet ended his life. All shattered in an instant. His untimely death has left the household in deep mourning. His parents, Sushil Thapa Magar and Poonam Thapa, flew to Kathmandu early Tuesday to bring the body home.