KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Away from the central bus park in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, and the hustle and bustle of the Balaju area, life has stopped some two kilometers away in Goldhunga, another village in the district.

Inside a one-story house there, Purna Patuwar lies in bed. His eyes are moist as he holds a photograph of his wife close to his chest. They were married in April 2011, but she died before the year ended.