A Fine Balanceáis the second book byáRohinton Mistry. Set ináMumbai,áIndiaábetween 1947 and 1977 during the turmoil ofáThe Emergency, a period of expanded government power and crackdowns on civil liberties, this book is about four characters from varied backgrounds-Dina Dalal, Ishvar Darji, his nephew Omprakash Darji and the young student Maneck Kohlah-who come together and develop a bond.