For a Mumbai-based content writer, her biggest regret of this year has been that she could not attend the funeral of her paternal uncle, who passed away in Kolkata in May, due to health complications. “We knew he was not keeping well for over a year, and we were mentally prepared, as well. But to receive the news one day, and not be able to do anything about it, was crippling. My husband and I wanted to attend the funeral, but because of the lockdown, it was all done swiftly, and with his immediate family in attendance. Just like that, my uncle was gone, he was no more, and we mourned for him sitting in another city,” she shares. 

A complete lockdown was announced earlier this year, in the wake of the pandemic which continues till date. While some restrictions have been lifted, the government is still closely monitoring the situation. The hardest part of the lockdown, undoubtedly, has been staying away from family. The announcement in March gave many people little time to gather themselves and head home. And in the tragic event of a death in the family, they have had to stay put, with no means to travel anywhere. Now, domestic travel has been permitted, albeit with many restrictions, but international travel continues to be off-limits. 

Different people react to their loved one’s death differently, but everyone seeks closure. But how does the emotional catharsis happen when people do not even get to say their goodbyes physically?