A Haunting New Collection Of Short Stories From One Of Indias Most Acclaimed Writers Shashi Deshpande, In Her New Collection Of Short Stories, Explores A World Darkened By The Despair And Unhappiness Of Women Trying To Break Out Of Pre-defined Roles. There Is The Newly Married Protagonist Of The Title Story, Whose Self-respect And Sense Of Self Are Violated By Her Crass A A Haunting New Collection Of Short Stories From One Of Indias Most Acclaimed Writers Shashi Deshpande, In Her New Collection Of Short Stories, Explores A World Darkened By The Despair And Unhappiness Of Women Trying To Break Out Of Pre-defined Roles. There Is The Newly Married Protagonist Of The Title Story, Whose Self-respect And Sense Of Self Are Violated By Her Crass And Insensitive Husband The Wife Who Finds Herself Involved In An Affair Because Of Her Husbands Indifference The Mother Who Tries To Forge A Relationship With A Hostile Daughter.... These And Other Stories In This Collection Serve To Reaffirm Shashi Deshpande In Her Reputation As A Writer Of Acuity And Compassion.