Reclaiming self with sisterhood

Vasant Kunj has a distinct personality that is reminiscent of an old-time mohalla: tightly packed DDA flats, unlawfully occupied pathways and pervasive water and electricity issues. Legions of “dailies”, including Rani and Rani-ki-ma, work as domestic helps in these flats and are not above spreading gossip. Everyone meddles in each other’s business. Except for a few reticent individuals like Shailja, a college professor, and Dini, an activist trying to change the world, the aunties openly pass judgment on each other and don’t hesitate to share their opinions with their hapless listeners.

‘Auntie’ is a word that has changed connotations over the years. While calling a woman ‘auntie’ is a sign of affection and respect, it can also be a somewhat derogatory title for a woman who is no longer in her prime. All the three protagonists, Shailja, Mrs Gandhi and Dini, are not young anymore and are dealing with their existential crises. Despite being extremely different from each other, they are united in their struggle to define their identities.

At first, they have trouble getting along. Mrs Gandhi, a mother of three, lives in a flashy house filled with excessive furniture and cooks rich dishes like curries, kebabs and paranthas. Dini has a daughter and strives to create a fair world for her. Shailja is single, not by choice, but because her partner walked out of a 10-year relationship for a younger woman. Shailja is learning to live with loss but ironically, teaches romantic novels like ‘Gone with the Wind’ to her students.

Inevitably, and somewhat predictably, the three women find common ground in their troubled relationships with men. Shailja, labouring under betrayal and damaged self-worth, also has to contend with the harassment of her college principal, who is making unwanted and repulsive advances. Her predicaments lead her into a self-destructive spiral of bad choices. Dini, who was born into a Brahmin family but has rejected her caste, becomes sexually and emotionally involved with an irresistible but unsuitable colleague, leading to a unique dilemma. The activist in her wants to embrace her field worker Dalit lover, but his persistent requests for marriage and differences are a deterrent. Adding to her troubles is the entry of her daughter Maithili’s biological father into their lives. The fragile job situations don’t help.

Mrs Gandhi must contend with a boorish and cheating husband. He buys expensive jewellery for his young secretary and the signs of their affair are obvious to everyone. Although Mrs Gandhi admits to herself, “Men were all alike, weren’t they? A woman just had to be single to get their interest,” she pretends to overlook the situation to maintain peace and keep the family together.

However, Marwah’s book is not about the suffering of unfortunate women. The three women find strength in sisterhood and navigate their lives to remain relevant in the ever-changing scenario of Delhi.

Mrs Gandhi moves from holding kirtans to Buddhist chanting, reclaiming personal space in her drawing room by establishing a Gohonzon. She learns to live in harmony with her cantankerous mother-in-law by transferring the power of the kitchen to her. Shailja and Dini also change paths and straddle the changing circumstances. Indeed, Marwah’s feminist vision explores women’s lives, seeking empowerment and agency.