Melanie Hughes War changes everything

This is Nita's Story.

Born during the First World War, she is illegitimate.

When her mother marries, she doesn't get on with her stepfather.

At grammar school she meets Yolanda who introduces her to the vibrant Italian community.

The two young women become involved in the left-wing intellectual life of London in the 1930s.

She meets Rikh, an activist in the India League.

When war is declared, Rikh is seconded to bomber command and they marry in haste.

While Rikh is away, she meets Lal, an Indian prince, and they have a whirlwind love affair.

As the war engulfs the world, Rikh is posted back to India and Nita goes with him even though their marriage is unhappy.