Reclaiming the Self: Dreams, Desires, Decisions in Kavita Kané's Ahalya's Awakening

This Research paper deals with Ahlaya’s power to reclaim the self, ambitious woman who dares to ignore the societal norms with her choices. Androcentric perspective had dominated the mythological narrations, which had consistently shown women characters as an ideal or victim to society. Their voice and contribution remains unheard, their roles are restricted to be ideal, beautiful and docile women. Retellings in postmodern literature had given more power and space to minor characters. Kavita Kané in her book Ahalya’s Awakening shows infidelity as Ahalya’s choice. Destiny from princess to Rishika is decided by her courage, determination and faith. Her assertion for the self should be embraced by the modern women, they need not to fear from the society nothing remains with them except self-satisfaction. The study highlights struggle of a woman who dared to dream, fulfils her desires by taking decisions for herself by ignoring the patriarchal norms.