Nostalgia is a story from Bharati Mukherjee's short story collection Darkness.
'Nostalgia' deals with an Indian who has made his fortune in America. Dr Patel is married, has a son who studies at a prestigious college and he works in a hospital for mentally ill people.
One day he falls in love with an Indian girl and has an affair with her which results in disappointment after he learns that she takes advantage of him.
The protagonist, Dr.Patel has achieved what he feels is the fulfilled American dream - an American house, wife, car and education for his child. But when he meets a beautiful young Indian woman,he begins a disastrous affair. The reasons for his affair is later portrayed through his thoughts and recollections during the affair. He is nostalgic about his country and the image of a simple, Indian wife never had really gone from his mind. It was what was lacking, according to him despite all the comforts he currently has. As the story progresses, the girl takes advantage of him through a scheme with her pimp uncle. When everything is over Dr. Patel is washed out - from a bit of money, respect and something more - nostalgia of an Indian wife. His chameleon mind suddenly realises the futility of his hopeless life and returns reluctantly to his American dollhouse.
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