Matrimonial relationships have never been more fragile despite being morally bound and legally secured. The two parties in the relationship, sometimes after weathering the early hitches and glitches caused by temperamental clashes and/or external influences, come to terms with each other and enjoy the nuptial bliss. However, doubt over a man's patriarchal potential or a woman's fidelity can irreparably damage a marriage.

We can't pass a blanket judgement on any one gender for souring the matrimonial bliss. Circumstances vary from family to family, as Leo Tolstoy says: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." And I have selected two unhappy families.

In the first case, the husband is the sole earner for his wife, a divorced sister having a daughter, and a maternal uncle's orphaned daughter. He is embroiled in the family politics, ending with his wife demanding a separate residence despite having the second story of her husband's six-marla house all to herself. The husband can neither afford separate lodging........

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