The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar

Bhima is an illiterate old woman who lives with her granddaughter in the slums of Bombay. She works as a housemaid in a wealthy home headed by a widow named Sera. Over decades of employment Bhima and Sera have become friends who look out for each other's families. Bhima endures the drudgery of housework and the humiliation of servanthood (she is not allowed to sit on the furniture in Sera's house.) Sera, who has endured her own pain and unhappiness, comes to Bhima's aid with money or influence when needed. Eventually events conspire to make clear the boundaries and distance between them. Thrity Umrigar is a good story teller who takes you deep into Indian culture in this page-turner.