On getting to that Raja, a doctor, was an eligible bachelor, my mother wasted no time and approached his parents and exchanged particulars and photographs.

Raja was very handsome and looked gorgeous in the photo. I was 25 and Cupid’s arrow hit the bull’s eye. In no time I was daydreaming about him.

From my silence my parents assumed that I approved of Raja as I had vehemently opposed earlier proposals.

My mother’s friend, who was posted in the same place as Raja, went ahead with the plans and the marriage was finalised. As her close friend was behind the entire marriage preparations, my mother did it was necessary to see the boy herself. And it was all right with me too.

My mother was jubilant as her only daughter was getting married. She wanted it to be a wedding fit for a princess. She started renovating the house and asked her closest friends and neighbours to give a helping hand.

However, when the janti reached my home, my mother was devastated on seeing the groom. She was in deep agony for having fixed the marriage of her beautiful, very fair-complexioned daughter with this very dark-complexioned man.

It was decided that this marriage should be called off. I had also caught a glimpse of my husband-to-be and was in a dilemma. However, I said that it was irrational to call off the wedding.

“If this is my fate, let it be,” I said.

My mother then quietly told me, “Nanu, colour is only skin deep. He is a doctor... like an angel who saves lives of others. See his inner beauty not outer. You will be happy with him forever. My blessings are with you.”

Today we have been married for 10 years and in those years we have become soul mates. My mother’s words still ring in my ears and it is all thanks to her that I could take such a decision.