Nepal, June 28 -- The morning hues settled quietly amid the bustling market of Shankhamul. Rita slowly draped a long shawl around her shoulders to shield herself from the morning mist. It was rare for her to sit idly and enjoy her morning tea. Her mother had warned her not to dawdle outside for long, as she was prone to catching a cold. She will have sneezed a few times by the time she finishes her tea.

Across the road, she saw her friend Meera appear on the balcony. She was laughing at something her brother said. She teased her brother back, and they started to bicker like cats and dogs.

She was the elder sister, yet arguing like a little girl. I smiled to myself, "God! When will she grow up?" Then I realised the drooping shawl and rem...