India, March 26 -- I got married at the age of twenty, just after finishing college, without knowing how my husband looked. In those days, matrimonial ties were decided mostly by the parents. I was told that the groom gave his nod after seeing my photograph. Well, I was beautiful to say the least. He had a good job, was of good character, and had a decent place to live. What else would a girl want? Yes, they were right! I really didn't want anything more.

On our wedding day, I saw him for the first time; tall, slender, with a wheatish complexion. Our eyes met during the exchange of garlands. Did I see a tinge of a smile in them? I cannot say! However, they were the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. In the initial days of our marriage,...