The roof beneath their feet

Roofs are meant for wild things. They are meant for romance and play. A place to dry pickles and grains while exchanging gossip about quiet caresses.But above all, they are realms of freedom.  This is the story of Chachcho and Lalna and their much- talked-about friendship. Chachcho lives with her frigid husband in Laburnum House, a cluster of a hundred or more houses that share a common roof. She leads a lonely life until she takes in Lalna, who's been dumped by her husband. Their closeness makes many uncomfortable. Then suddenly one day, Lalna has to leave, to return only after Chachcho's passing. There are rumours and there is gossip in the neighbourhood while Chachcho's nephew tries to piece together his memories of the two women, one of whom is his mother. The truth he is searching for could destroy him forever, but to not find out is no longer an option.  A beautifully crafted story with many twists and turns, The Roof Beneath Their Feet is easily one of the best contemporary Hindi novels you  have read in a long time.