New Delhi, Feb. 7 -- A few months ago, my friend Nilanjana Paul asked me to help her buy some make-up for a flashmob in which we were both performing. I confessed to my scanty knowledge of potions and lotions, but accompanied her to the store where my only contribution was convincing her to buy a red lipstick. "All women should have one. It suits everyone and makes you feel like a million bucks," I said. She baulked at the idea, but finally selected a warm shade. Now, among the things she credits me with is getting her to buy red lipstick, convincing "old fossils to dance," and to think about writing again.

Nilanjana, 61, and I, 44, have been friends for several years now. We met through the choir in which we both sing and have grown clo...