The Music of Solitude

The novel follows Aranya and Ishan, two independent neighbours in Delhi who develop a rare friendship. Their conversations explore ageing, love, family, spirituality, changing cities, music, and the meaning of life.

Krishna Sobti was a celebrated Hindi writer known for her bold, distinctive prose and exploration of identity, relationships, society, and women's lives. She received the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.

Aranya and Ishan live alone in Delhi and meet at a stage of life when meaningful companionship is uncommon. Aranya is independent and fiercely feminist, while Ishan is gentle, orderly, and spiritual. Through their conversations and shared experiences, they reflect on ageing, love, loneliness, death, changing Delhi, and the possibility of finding companionship later in life.