In the deeply snowed-in and empty valley of Dhor, only Thuli and Kalima remain. Their job is to guard 200 empty houses left behind by villagers who migrated south for winter. Twice a day, they must check for intrusion or theft. Thuli and Kalima are the same age, they have always lived in Dhor, and they even shared a husband. This is where similarities end. Thuli’s husband married Kalima without telling Thuli. They are closer now but once were rivals. Thuli was a folk singer and lives like an artist. She is a chain smoker, an alcoholic, and detests housework. Bad health limits her mobility. Kalima is dedicated to her house and animals. She listens to the radio to catch up with the outside world. On the phone with her daughter, she orders shoes, food, and vitamins. Kalima looks forward, while Thuli is stranded in the past. At the end of the day, the women meet and drink and pore over the problems of old age. They interpret each other's dreams and pray for good health or a painless death. Setting differences aside, they have to collaborate for duty. When they find some houses have been robbed, they fear the village committee will fine them and fire them from the job next winter.