Chapter 1 - "Portrait of Lady" by Khushwant Singh (Hindi Summary)

Introduction:
"Portrait of Lady" is a captivating short story written by Khushwant Singh, one of India's most renowned authors. This story revolves around the protagonist, Mrs. Bhatia, and her journey of self-discovery and transformation. It explores the themes of identity, self-perception, and societal expectations.

Summary:
The story begins with the introduction of Mrs. Bhatia, a middle-aged woman who is dissatisfied with her monotonous life. She lives in a small, conservative town and is constantly burdened by the expectations of society. Mrs. Bhatia's life lacks excitement and purpose, which leads her to feel unfulfilled and unhappy.

One day, Mrs. Bhatia visits an art exhibition in her town. Among the displayed paintings, she is drawn to a portrait of a young lady. The portrait captivates her attention and evokes a strong desire within her to be like the lady in the painting. Mrs. Bhatia becomes obsessed with the idea of transforming herself into a glamorous and sophisticated woman.

Driven by her newfound aspiration, Mrs. Bhatia embarks on a journey of self-improvement. She starts investing time and effort into enhancing her physical appearance, learning social etiquettes, and acquiring refined tastes. She adapts to the ways of the upper class and tries to distance herself from her middle-class background.

As Mrs. Bhatia's transformation progresses, she begins to receive attention and admiration from others. People start noticing her newfound elegance and sophistication, and she becomes the talk of the town. However, amidst all the external changes, Mrs. Bhatia neglects her family and relationships. She becomes self-absorbed and disconnected from her roots.

Eventually, Mrs. Bhatia realizes that her pursuit of becoming someone else has led her astray. She feels a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness. She yearns for the simplicity and warmth of her old life. In the end, Mrs. Bhatia decides to abandon her false identity and embrace her true self.

Conclusion:
"Portrait of Lady" is a thought-provoking story that highlights the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to one's roots. It serves as a reminder that external changes and societal expectations cannot bring true happiness. Mrs. Bhatia's journey of self-discovery teaches us that true contentment lies in embracing our authentic selves and finding joy in the simplicities of life.

Charactersketch of grandmother and grandfather