This book would not have been possible, but for

My father, who got me into story-writing and always believed that I had a book in me.

My mother, for her paranoid belief that if her children did not study, they would have no roof over their heads and they would starve.

My sister, Nilofar, who gave me the halwa recipe.

Ramachandran-Uncle and Suseela-Auntie, for being wonderful hosts and giving me a view into a Brahmin household.

My friends, and early readers of this manuscript: Tom, Sue, Suchi, and Jasmine, for their comments and encouragement.

James Lynn and the chain of friends who led to Guy Walters, who led to . . .

Jenny McVeigh and Cecile Barendsma, who seem to love my work as much as I do, as all good agents should.

Jenny Parrott and Amy Einhorn, my British and American editors respectively, for their enthusiasm and many ideas.

My wife, Sameera, for supporting me throughout this exercise and taking on even more of the running of the household than usual while I disappeared into the study practically every evening after long hours at work.

My two boys, who think that all writers will be as famous and rich as J. K. Rowling. If only.