Gharaonda

Sudip and Chhaya fall in love while working in the same Mumbai office. They vow to marry only after they own a house, and begin saving toward that future. Their shared dream anchors their early days together.

The couple searches for a home and pours their savings into a flat in a building project. They are excited by the prospect of owning a space of their own and building a life together. Their plan hinges on finding a trustworthy project in Mumbai.

The builder is revealed as a fraud and disappears with the investors' money. Sudip's roommate Sadhu Mehar, who had also invested, commits suicide, wiping out their hopes. The entire building project is abandoned, leaving everyone financially and emotionally broken.

Mr. Modi, the wealthy owner of Sudip’s firm, begins to take an interest in Chhaya after noticing how she resembles his late wife. He proposes marriage as a means to secure her future and support her family. Sudip sees this as a practical shortcut to solve their housing problem.

Sudip suggests marrying Modi after his presumed death to secure their future. He frames Modi’s heart condition as a countdown toward an inevitable end. Chhaya considers the plan, weighed by her family's needs.

Reluctantly, Chhaya agrees to Modi’s proposal, driven by the chance to send her younger brother abroad for education. The decision strains her relationship with Sudip and challenges the love they once shared. She emphasizes pragmatic choices over romantic dreams.

Chhaya marries Modi and assumes the role of a dutiful wife. Sudip continues to visit on pretexts and to check Modi’s health, while Modi’s health improves. The marriage marks a sharp turning point in their lives.

Sudip grows disheartened by Modi’s vitality and resigns from his job after a brief talk with Modi. The resignation underscores his desperation and willingness to gamble for a better future. He steps away from the stable path in hopes of a faster solution.

Chhaya chides Sudip for his constant visits, and Modi overhears the exchange. The confrontation triggers a heart attack in Modi, jolting the household with the fragility of his condition. The event rekindles domestic tension about their future.

Chhaya nurses Modi back to health, showing care and resilience. Modi’s recovery renews Sudip’s hope, but also presses him to decide whether to stay in Mumbai and start over honestly. The situation highlights the city’s relentless pressure on ordinary people.

On the railway platform, Modi hints that Sudip could marry Chhaya after a divorce, testing his resolve. Sudip refuses the shortcut and declares he will not leave the city. He commits to rebuilding their life from scratch without any shortcuts.

The film closes by reflecting on how a middle-class couple fights to fulfill basic dreams in a brutal, fast-moving city. Their resilience and choices illustrate the cost of ambition in Mumbai. The final message is one of perseverance despite losses.