Amma Bi is an elderly widow who lives alone in her deserted Lucknow haveli. Every afternoon at precisely 3 o'clock she hears the sound of unknown footsteps. Every afternoon she peeks out ... but no one is there.

In a state of growing panic Amma Bi considers moving to an old people's home before finally taking in a lodger -- a winsome young woman named Sabiha. Her arrival fills Amma Bi's lonely world with love and laughter and Jumman the household help is transformed as well.

When Sabiha finds herself in trouble Amma Bi must draw on hidden reserves of skill and empathy in order to resolve the situation...

Dopehri -- legendary film and theatre personality Pankaj Kapur's first novel -- is a wonderfully evocative work of great charm wry humour and quiet power a story that readers will fall in love with.