Copyright © 2026 by Sadhna Gautam
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the author.
First Edition: 2026
Title: PANCHALI: Phalguni
Author: Sadhna Gautam
ABOUT BOOK
PANCHALI: Phalguni is an emotional and thought-provoking novel inspired by true incidents and rooted in the lived realities of women across generations.
The book explores the silent pain, unseen strength, and unspoken sacrifices of women who are often shaped by family expectations, social pressure, and the rigid rules of tradition. It draws a powerful connection between the struggles of women in the past and the challenges they continue to face in modern times, showing that while the world has changed, the burden on women has not disappeared.
Through deeply personal stories, the novel reveals how women’s dreams are often ignored, their voices silenced, and their identities reduced by the expectations placed upon them. It speaks of emotional suffering, sacrifice, endurance, and the strength it takes to survive in a world that often refuses to understand them. At its heart, the book is not only about pain, but also about courage, resilience, and the quiet power that women carry within themselves.
The first part of the novel follows Phalguni, a girl whose life changes after marriage. Her story reflects the emotional struggles, adjustments, disappointments, and inner conflict that begin when a woman enters a new world with hope, only to face the pressure of fulfilling roles that society has already decided for her.
Her journey opens the door to a larger world of women’s experiences, making PANCHALI a moving portrayal of suffering, strength, and survival.
Chapter 1: Phalguni’s Marriage
Falguni was a very simple girl who had complete faith in God and her parents. This is the story of her struggles in life.
She lived a modest life, always dressed plainly, without makeup. Yet deep inside, she loved to dress up. Her simplicity was not her choice—it was her fear. She feared being mocked by others, feared bringing shame to her parents.
She was the second among four sisters, but the most sensible and disciplined of them all. In those times, girls’ education was restricted, yet she managed to study up to intermediate level.
And now, her story truly begins.
Every person believes that their life will be simple and well-planned. But fate often has different intentions. Life takes turns toward directions we never wish to go, yet we are forced to accept it, because we have no other choice.
Falguni had just turned twenty when her father began searching for a groom for her. Though they loved their village, her father did not consider it suitable for his daughter’s marriage.
The village had such a bad reputation—filled with conflicts—that no one wanted to marry their daughters there, nor bring a bride from it. People used to say, “It is better to throw your daughter into a well than marry her into that village.”
Many proposals came, but none worked out. Whenever families came to see her, they rejected her. Some didn’t like her simple appearance, while others demanded heavy dowry.
All this made Falguni deeply troubled. She belonged to a time when girls did not even raise their eyes while speaking to their parents. She shared her pain only with her closest friend, Kavita.
Kavita, who was also one of four sisters, understood her deeply. Falguni loved spending time at her house.
Kavita often said,
“Falguni, this is your life. You should make some decisions for yourself. In today’s world, you need to present yourself well. Otherwise, no one will like such simplicity. Try to dress up a little—you’ll see proposals lining up.”
But Falguni never listened.
One day, a family was coming to see her. Her father, a police officer, did not have enough money for luxurious furniture. So, they borrowed cups, plates, and a teapot from Kavita’s house. A sofa came from her uncle’s house, a bed from a neighbor, and curtains from her aunt. Everything was arranged somehow.
Her younger sister stitched the oversized curtains to fit.
Her father returned with sweets—jalebi, rasgullas, halwa.
Falguni thought, “How much effort father has put into this…”
Her elder sister and brother-in-law arrived too. The brother-in-law joked,
“When I came, I only got two sweets. Look at this grand welcome!”
Her sister replied,
“That was enough for you.”
Preparations were complete.
“Mother, what should I wear?” Falguni asked.
“Wear a saree. Call Kavita to help you,” her mother said.
Kavita dressed her in a pink saree and applied a little makeup.
Just then, her father walked in.
“What is this? Wipe that lipstick off.”
Her mother intervened,
“Let it be. She looks nice. If she doesn’t dress up, how will anyone like her?”
Her father replied,
“They are village people. Women there live behind veils. They don’t believe in such things.”
Hearing this, Falguni was shaken.
A thought rose within her—
“Does father want to send me into a house where I will live like a prisoner? Where I will only serve and never have desires of my own? Does he want me to become a servant in someone else’s home? Do my happiness and pain mean nothing to him?”
