Radha, as the only one of all the characters in the novels...

Radha, as the only one of all the characters in the novels is a true representing of the modern Indian woman. In her study of the imaginary of Indian women in literature, Rajan states that The image of the new Indian woman is of course derived primarily from the urban educated middle-class woman (Rajan 130) and describes her as attractive, educated, hardworking, and socially aware (Rajan 131). In spite of her origin as a daughter of a middle class traditional family, while studying and in the years following her education, Radha became well aware of her possibilities. Living in a large city away from home, having a job and later even a lover, she likes to think of herself as of an independent young woman who can freely decide about†¦show more content†¦This dilemma is inevitably the theme of the novel—and Saadiyas pursuit of freedom can be seen as a variation on the theme. The closer to the ideal of a housewife Radha gets, the more she feels the need to escape. The more boundaries she crosses, however, the more she tends to get back to her role of a wife. The longing for adventure as well as the guilt she feels while pursuing it is the main driving power that makes her sway between her duty to Shyam and her attraction to Chris. The two men stand for a safe yet dull and tiring life full of stereotypes in which she is unable to realise herself fully on one hand and an exciting yet strange life full of the unexpected that makes her feel alive again. She feels trapped by the expectation that are applied to her, such as having a baby or being a glossy, silly wife (Nair 61) and struggles to find a way out so that she could breath freely. While Chris gives her, at least in her eyes, the space she needs in able to breathe freely, Shyam expects her to behave in the way his situation requires, denying her own individual choices. His expectations (Does she ever consider that such silly acts have repercussions? Besides, what will my friends and their wives say if they find out? We have a place in society. A standing that Radha has always treated rather carelessly) stand in a contrast to Radhas feelings. (nair 70)12 This makes her decide to break the conventions once