Asha, 33, creative director with a publication house, finds it all too silly. "I wish people would understand that the right guy matters more than the right time. Why would I get married just to get married?"

Poonam, 34, National Sales Head in an International Real Estate Company, has a unique way of dealing with this. 'Of course' and 'You are absolutely right' is her response to anyone who reminds her that she should really be married. "Sometimes, saying 'It's my destiny' with an enigmatic smile, also works", she adds mischievously.

The Search for the 'Suitable Boy'

And then comes the part where you have to convince people that they do not really need to 'fix you up' with someone. Having a successful career does not seem to help either - even a Sushmita Sen or a Preity Zinta is not spared. If not the proverbial aunt, the media will try its best to marry them off in a hurry.

"By now I have seen enough of that, really," sighs Elizabeth, 40, HR Head at a reputed Software Firm. She has her own way of tackling this. "An aunt of mine will not rest till she sees me 'settled'. I get around it by saying, "My inner voice tells me this is not the right match. I must pray to God and wait for his go ahead."

Not Dying to Mingle

Then there are men who conveniently assume that 'single' is equal to 'available'. "Especially married men see you as an opportunity for a hassle-free affair on the side," says Poonam. "Just because I am single does not mean I will go out with anybody."

"I am just not open to the idea of casual relationships. I would go out with someone only with marriage in mind, "adds Sujata, 34, an Executive Assistant.

It is Worth the Wait

Being "happily single" does not mean one is a man-hater or closed to the idea of marriage. "I will definitely marry, when a person who understands my priorities, comes along," says Poonam.

"I do look forward to marriage, but that does not mean I have to settle for divorcees or widowers just because I have crossed a certain age," affirms Elizabeth.

The difficult part is when you have to face the wrath of rejecting the unwanted proposals. From the usual 'you will regret', to 'this is why you are still unmarried' Elizabeth has learnt to take it all in her stride even through it hurts. She accepts that some people will never understand.

Whether they remain unmarried by choice or due to circumstances, these women are not prepared to just 'settle' for someone that their family or friends feel is 'good enough'. All are open to the idea of marriage, but only when true love calls.

At the same time, their lives are not an eternal wait for the 'knight in shining armour.' Nor are they begging to be rescued from singlehood. "I am fiercely independent and being single, I am free to live the way I want," says Poonam.

And loneliness? That happens to everyone, married or no. After all, you cannot have it all in life. "Best to make the most of what you got," says Elizabeth. And these women seem to know the art.