Man-Woman Relationship in Shobhaa De’s Second Thoughts

Abstract

Shobhaa De’s Second Thoughts is a realistic representation of the psyche of the traditional Indian men and women. The freedom of women is permitted in a very restricted manner in the Indian Society. This novel is the ancient story of sacrifice and adjustment that a woman is destined to. Maya, the protagonist, lives in loneliness and sadness. In Second thoughts, Maya learns to survive in the sultriness of not only Bombay, but also of her marriage life. She strikes up a friendship with Nikhil, her charming, college-going neighbor leading to love and betrayal.  The way Shobhaa De narrates each and every aspect of human relationship in general and man-woman relationship in particular, is really wonderful. This paper aims to explain the emotional and psychological needs of Maya and also gives the picture of the modern urban woman who is subjugated and suppressed in the meaningless marriage.