Sitting on the edge of the beautifully carved cot, she gripped the heavy zari border of her silk saree so hard. Like thousands of whispers from her mother and elder sister, their words echoed in her ears. They exchanged furtive glances at her in the kitchen.

"He will undo your saree," her sister whispered in her ear. "He will undo every pleat to see your body, Sunita... He is your husband now, and he has rights over you. Lower your eyes and let him do as he wishes. Else he will search other women's... Men are not like women, and they can't control the sex urge. Else your life will be in trouble."