Political turmoil, student unrest, barely disguised battles for power and supremacy...the goings on in this novel are loosely based on events that occurred at a University in India during the last decade of the last century. But the personal crises of the story, essentially, belong to certain individuals, all three women - Shahnaz, Gayatri and Sarah, who struggle against attempts to de?ne them according to their career, religion, or sexuality. Shahnaz suddenly ?nds herself without a job and decides to challenge the decision of the university. As the court battle looms large and ominous in front of her, Shahnaz is given to doubt. Is all her bravado real? Or is she going to be weak and give in? Then there is Gayatri, the ever righteous, enthusiastic planner. Why does she look to her lover for giving meaning to her life? For a woman doing perfectly well in her chosen career, what is this void she seeks to ?ll with his validation? Sarah Jahan, the youngest of the three, ?nds that she is more vulnerable than her tough exterior would suggest and fumbles with her footing as she falls for a colleague who comes from a different faith and ?nds it difficult to overcome his prejudices for the very same reason! Will the three learn to stand up for themselves and negotiate their own identities? Can friendship and love cut across the self-imposed boundaries of religion and convention? The highly charged, dramatic setting of the University unfolds many an interesting tale of doubt, fear, complacence, pride, ignorance, intelligence, in spite of the seemingly languid pace of life.