Belapur-based Ratan Ramprasad Malhotra lives an impoverished lifestyle along with his wife, Shanti; a sister, Gauri, and Bombay-based law student brother, Ramesh. He makes a lot of sacrifices, including mortgaging his property, in order to ensure the latter's education. Ramesh graduates with good grades, prompting Judge Motilal to get him married to his only child, Kala, on the condition that he move in with his family, which also includes his rather snobbish wife. The marriage takes place, Ramesh accordingly re-locates, while Gauri's wedding is arranged with Raja, the only son of parsimonious dowry-seeking widower Daulatram. Ratan and Ramesh agree to all dowry demands, and the marriage is arranged. On the day of the wedding, Ramesh does not show up, an enraged Daulatram not only humiliates Ratan but also cancels the wedding, and returns home with his son. With creditors lining up, Ratan is unable to handle the situation and becomes ill. Gauri then decides to travel to Bombay and confront Ramesh without informing anyone - leaving them to assume that she has abandoned them for a better life elsewhere. It is in Bombay that Gauri will face humiliation from Kala and her mother - but nothing will prepare her for the shock when her very own brother will refuse to speak nor even recognize her.