ARIF IS THE SON OF A SUB-INSPECTOR IN PATNA. HIS ONCE PROSPEROUS LANDOWNING FAMILY HAS SLIPPED LOW DOWN THE CLASS LADDER. ARIF 'S SOLE AMBITION IN LIFE IS TO CRACK THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION AND BECOME AN IAS OFFICER. HE BELIEVES THIS WILL RESTORE THE FAMILY'S FORTUNES AND WORKS HARD AT HIS STUDIES. UNTIL HIS FIRST GLIMPSE OF SUMITRA, A VOLUPTUOUS LONG-HAIRED BEAUTY. MARRIED, HINDU AND SEVERAL YEARS OLDER THAN HIM, SHE IS WRONG FOR HIM IN EVERY WAY. IT IS THE BEGINNING OF AN INFATUATION THAT WILL CONSUME HIS LIFE.