This Blessed House

Sanjeev and Twinkle's love for one another seems to be up for debate throughout the story.  Sanjeev was single, making a hefty income, and was pressured by his parents to pursue a marriage.  When he met Twinkle he was financially prepared and he had finally reached a time in his life where he could settle down and share his life with someone.  Sanjeev found a convenient home for the two of them to live in "...together, forever" (145).  The excitement of finding a wife and a home distracted Sanjeev from the reality of the flaws and downfalls to his future. 

The home and Twinkle share similar characteristics.  Sanjeev is attracted to both the home and his wife, but once the outer beauty has worn off and the interior is revealed, neither seem desirable to Sanjeev.  Twinkle's initial luster fades when Sanjeev discovers her carefree demeanor.  Twinkle is not the "ideal" housewife; she cooks what she wants and cleans when she has the urge to do so.  This lackadaisical attitude sharply contrasts Sanjeev's rigid manor and attention to cleanliness.  The knickknacks left behind by the previous owners of the house anger Sanjeev and his view of a perfect home is crushed.  He is Hindu and does not want symbols of any other religion displayed in his home.

It seems that Sanjeev liked the idea of having a wife and a home so much that he failed to anticipate the negative aspects that followed his marriage.  It is clear that Sanjeev and Twinkle have contrasting attitudes, and certain things Twinkle does gets under Sanjeev's skin.  Whether she is wearing heels or placing knickknacks on the mantle, Twinkle's carefree actions bother Sanjeev to no end.  In addition to his annoyance with his wife, the house that Sanjeev perceived to be a perfect place to live turned out to be quite the opposite.  The objects left behind in the house excite Twinkle, which angers Sanjeev all the more.

Interested about the author of Interpreter of Maladies?  Check out this website containing a reporter's perspective on one of Jhumpa Lahiri's lectures.

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