My daughter’s measles is almost cured. I’m relieved. So is everyone at home. Folks at home were taking extraordinary measures. Some steeped in traditional superstitions. We could not sleep on beds. So the mattresses had to be removed. Anyone entering our house had to first wash their feet. After entering, they are springled with turmeric water to ward off evil spirits. There was complete ban on any frying in kitchen. This meant no use of oil and eveyone survived on a staple of curd rice. Krithya’s uncles (ie, my wife’s brothers) were barred from coming and seeing my daughter, presumably because the measles wouldn’t get cured. Neem leaves are kept underneath my daugter’s bed and pillows. My parents wanted to play it absolutely safe. I know these are superstitions but I wouldn’t object to any of these. Afterall, all well that ends well.