On the morning of their funeral, Anil Patel, 60, revisited his home filled with love and aspiration brought by the couple, who had traveled from Britain. The tragedy struck just days after they returned to the U.K. following a surprise visit to their father, whose world now stands empty. Amid India’s vast backdrop of socio-economic disparities, the Patels symbolize the struggles of ordinary people caught in larger narratives as they seek a brighter future.

As he prepares to scatter their ashes in the Narmada River, Anil reflects on how their support gave him joy after years of hardship and grief, signaling a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in the face of loss.