Summary of “One Indian Girl” by Chetan Bhagat
Sure, "One Indian Girl" is a novel by Chetan Bhagat, one of India's most popular contemporary authors, known for his take on the socio-political issues of modern India through relatable stories and characters. The story centers around the life of a young Indian woman named Radhika Mehta, working in the high-paced field of investment banking and dealing with the societal expectations of a 'typical' Indian woman.
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The book begins with Radhika Mehta, a successful investment banker who makes a lot of money, is a bit overweight, and very opinionated. Radhika is in Goa, planning her wedding, when the book begins, but is unsure if she wants to get married. The narrative then moves back and forth in time, exploring her life, relationships, and experiences that have led her to this point.
Born and raised in a middle-class family in Delhi, Radhika is academically brilliant. She gets a degree in Finance from IIM Ahmedabad and lands a job at Goldman Sachs, one of the most prestigious investment banks, based in New York City. Here, she faces the pressures of a demanding job, but also the added challenges of racism, sexism, and being an Indian woman in a predominantly Western workspace. However, she thrives in this environment and quickly climbs up the ranks.
Despite her professional success, Radhika is constantly judged by her family for not adhering to traditional gender norms, such as learning to cook, getting married early, and prioritizing family life over career. This tension increases when she enters into romantic relationships that defy traditional expectations.
Her first relationship is with Debu, a fellow banker in New York who is less successful than her. Debu expects Radhika to fit into the traditional Indian female stereotype, constantly belittling her for her high ambitions and salary. Their relationship ends because of Debu's insecurities and traditional expectations.
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Radhika then moves to Hong Kong for work and gets into a relationship with Neel, a married man twice her age. Neel appreciates her intelligence and independence. But she eventually ends this relationship, too, due to the guilt of being a 'homewrecker' and her desire for an exclusive commitment, which Neel cannot provide.
On returning to India, Radhika is pressured into considering marriage. Amidst this, she takes a vacation in Goa where Debu and Neel, independently, come to see her, each hoping to reconcile. Now, she finds herself in a dilemma with three men - Debu, Neel, and Brijesh, her suitor chosen by her parents, who turns out to be understanding and respectful, qualities she's not experienced in her previous relationships.
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As the story progresses, Radhika must reconcile her past, her family's expectations, her own desires for love and marriage, and the independent woman she has become through her experiences. The book climaxes at her wedding, where she asserts herself and makes a bold decision.
"One Indian Girl" challenges societal norms around femininity, relationships, and career aspirations in India, giving readers a glance into the struggles of a modern Indian woman. It addresses the stereotypes faced by career-oriented women and the struggles of balancing professional success with personal life in a society where gender norms are deeply entrenched.
