As the tale unfolds, Vasudha (Vidya Balan) steps off a bus, her life poised to be transformed in ways she could never foresee. Concurrently, Hari (Rajkummar Rao), a man deeply haunted by the memory of his deceased wife, finds himself confiding in a psychiatrist about the harrowing hallucinations that engulf him. The funeral of his beloved serves as a solemn reminder of life's fragility, and it is here that Hari takes a desperate action—stealing her ashes and leaving behind a diary intended for his son, Saanjh. This diary contains a cryptic message hinting at the intricate emotions yet to be explored.
The narrative gracefully navigates to the past, revealing Vasudha as a devoted single mother, waiting for the return of her husband, who has been missing for five years. Bound by tradition and loyalty, she clings to hope, but her life takes an unforeseen turn when she meets Aarav Ruparel (Emraan Hashmi), the charismatic owner of a lavish hotel chain, where she flourishes as a floral arranger. A seemingly innocuous mock fire drill becomes the catalyst for their burgeoning friendship, which eventually leads to a tempting job opportunity in Dubai—a prospect she hesitates to embrace.
As the truth regarding her husband's dark past comes to light, revealing him as Hari, a terrorist involved in the gruesome murders of five American journalists, everything she knows is shattered. Her priority swiftly shifts from personal grief to ensuring a secure future for her son, leading her to accept Aarav's job proposal in Dubai.
As their bond intensifies, Aarav falls deeply for Vasudha, blissfully unaware of the tangled web surrounding her. He recounts his own family history, narrating the poignant tale of his mother—a cabaret singer and single parent who sought solace in a man battling the despair of poverty. This intimate moment fosters a sense of connection within Vasudha, who, despite her feelings, ultimately rebuffs his advances in loyalty to her husband.
A critical moment arises when Aarav invites Vasudha to meet his mother, signifying her gradual acceptance of their growing connection. However, this newfound openness quickly unravels when she confronts Hari at home, resulting in a tempest of anger and despair that leads to his arrest.
In an unexpected twist, Aarav’s attempts to save Hari by bribing the home minister collapse when it becomes apparent that Hari intentionally confessed to his crimes. The true sacrifice emerges: Hari willingly gave up his freedom for love, leaving Vasudha to grapple with the profound implications of this choice. As the story approaches its conclusion, Aarav realizes he has been a pawn in a complex game of love, loyalty, and redemption—serving as a poignant reminder that the most significant sacrifices are often made for those we cherish.
In her desperate quest for solace from guilt, Aarav embarks on a journey to Bastar, where misunderstandings mar Hari's reputation. Upon arrival, he meets Father Dayal, who reveals the truth about Hari's innocence. The familiar scent of the mysterious flowers that first connected Vasudha and Aarav envelops him once more, urging him deeper into the perilous jungle. Engulfed by instinct and curiosity, Aarav inadvertently steps on a booby trap, realizing too late the precariousness of his situation. In a moment of acceptance, he prepares to disarm the lethal threat.
When Vasudha learns of Aarav’s tragic fate, her grief compels her to abandon Hari, who subsequently spends two grueling years searching for her, ultimately finding her to confess that she understands his self-sacrificial deception. She declares an end to her fears of tradition, prompting Hari to warn her that their paths would inevitably intertwine once again. After twenty-one long years of waiting, disappointment looms large for him.
In the present, Vasudha yearns for a reunion with Aarav’s spirit at the site of his death. Hari dutifully brings her remains to the very forest in Bastar, where Aarav met his untimely end. It is in this hauntingly beautiful setting that Aarav and Vasudha transcend the barriers of life and death, finally embracing their love in a reunion that defies mortality’s grasp.
