A multi layered novel, which bears universal testimony to the oft spoken proverb, "Behind every successful man is a woman." And as ever so often happens, the woman remains in the shadows. Mallika is the story of one such unacknowledged woman, who was the muse to Bhartendu Harishchandra, who is hailed as the father of modern Hindi literature. While there are several books documenting his life, there is only a passing mention to Mallika in them. Based on the scattered references to Mallika found in literature, the renowned Hindi author, Manisha Kulshreshtha, has skillfully woven together facts and imagination to create the unforgettable character of Mal ka, who many claim was not only the muse but the actual author of several works credited to Bhartendu Harishchandra.