| The third of three children, all daughters, Ivani was born to strict, traditional parents. Devout Hindu, they were a moderately well to do family and had chosen a husband for her at birth. Although conservative in their political, social, and religious stances, they did believe in allowing their daughters to achieve at least a good, basic education. She was expected to finish her schooling at eighteen, then marry her betrothed and make a house and home as well as bear children.
Ivani didn't particularly care to accept this fate. She was expected to remain chaste and pure, but she and her intended were allowed to meet from time to time. He, however, was arrogant, rude, and obviously had no intention to allow her to further her education, despite her desire to do so.
When she was fourteen a young man who had just entered into the University arrived in New Delhi. He was striking to behold in the young girl's eyes and she'd caught his attention. The two ran into each other several times in various places in the city. On one of these occasions, they struck up a conversation. After that, they began to coordinate meetings, usually with other friends. Had her parents discovered her intentions, they would have forbidden her to go out to meet him, or even force a chaperone on her.
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