The sudden death of their fathers on a hunt for rubies sends Anju and Sudha's mothers into premature labor, and the two girls are born twelve hours apart.

Anju and Sudha grow up in a household run by their three mothers: Pishi, Gouri, and Nalini.

But her love for her sister does not falter, and she even refuses to elope for fear it would damage Anju's reputation.

Anju and Sudha exchange regular letters and short phone calls, but their old intimacy is missing.

Refusing to tie her life to another man and realizing Anju needs her, Sudha and her daughter decide to go to the United States.

Her poetic language, elaborate descriptions, and symbolism really do place the otherwise cliché themes on a higher level.” Julie Rajan[3] "Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has written an intense, powerful book about the close relationships that women form with each other.

The story is absolutely unforgettable, and it will keep you thinking about your own relationships with your friends and relatives, and just how far you would go to protect them."

Judith Handschuh[4] The book was adapted into a Tamil television series titled Anbulla Snegithiye.