An Unravelling
Vaibhav's brother-in-law passed away 12 days ago. He had suffered a stroke, about two years ago and had been struggling to resume 'normal' life. Normal, as in the way we had defined it for him. He passed away, after he had had a fall, two weeks prior. As soon as he passed away, arrangements were made for his cremation. Since that day, there have been on- and off traditional, cultural and religious activities taking place. A few days ago, there was a 'havan' held and during that process, everyone who was present had a red, orange and yellow thread tied around their wrist. I somehow missed this step and didn't have it on me. I don't know what this thread is called, but it is pretty evident and is largely a symbol of Hindu men (and women). Vaibhav had it around his wrist too. Vaibhav has actually stopped wearing this thread around his wrist. When we were in Teach For India, I remember he had the threads on his wrist, forming almost a thick red rope. It was to...
