Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part A (2022)

Abstract
Deshpande, in the story symbolically presents the conflict between the old and the new through the peacock and robin. This shows that a woman-mother does not want to come out of the orbit world. The research deals with the short stories of Shashi Deshpande-the eminent writer who has been successful in providing a window into the world of women through her novels and short stories. Through her stories, she has portrayed before the readers that howsoever people admire and appreciate the life of a New Woman; it is never easy. Her stories deal with the challenges which are to be won, the tough time of decision making and struggle to get whatever the woman desires. The ultimate goal is to gain freedom, respect and love, but still, she is despised for being independent and having a voice of her own. The struggle for identity continues throughout life. The choices that the woman makes decide her fortune, and due to this, she has to be observant of what happens around her in order to be able to make decisions that make her fortune. Shashi Deshpande portrays a realistic and authentic picture of woman in her stories. “These characters are not just mothers, daughters or even women; first they are human beings living in different circumstances, conditions and personalities”. The short stories talk about the condition of women in the Indian society who belong to different castes, region and time. In every story, we get a glimpse of the woman who possesses the characteristics of a new woman who has grown and matured because of the struggle of identity and has begun to have a clear perspective of things around her.