Partition

Gian Singh travels to join the British Indian Army along with his best friends Andrew and Avtar. They are sent off by Andrew's sister Margaret and Walter, who promise support and good wishes. Gian pledges to look after Andrew, a pledge that shadows the early days of the campaign.

During the fighting, Andrew is killed, shattering Gian's resolve. Wracked by guilt for not being able to save his friend, Gian relinquishes his duties and withdraws from the army. The weight of loss sets the emotional tone for the rest of the story.

In the riots, Naseem, a young Muslim woman, is separated from her family. She hides and hopes to stay unseen, unaware that her father has already been killed. The violence disrupts lives and foreshadows the coming peril.

After returning to his hometown near the border, Gian stumbles upon Naseem hiding in the woods. They are forced to hide together from danger, and they strike a dangerous bargain to secure Naseem's safety. The encounter sparks the beginning of a fragile bond between them.

As the couple remains concealed, the town gradually accepts Naseem's presence and their quiet life begins to improve. Tortured by memories, Gian and Naseem's bond deepens, and their shared past gradually binds them together. Their union culminates in marriage and the birth of a son named Vijay.

Margaret arrives at Gian's doorstep with the grim news that Naseem's family has been found alive in Pakistan. Naseem prepares to visit them, believing she will return within a month. The looming separation unsettles the couple's fragile happiness.

Tired of waiting, Gian disguises himself as a Muslim to cross the border, shaving his head and wearing a kufi to blend in. He leaves their son Vijay with Walter and Margaret for safety as he goes to fetch Naseem. The perilous border crossing underscores the dangers of their forbidden love.

Gian reunites with Naseem in Pakistan; she recognizes him despite the disguise and they rush toward each other. Their escape is thwarted when Naseem's brothers, led by Akbar, intervene and beat Gian before the couple can flee. The family conflict intensifies the risk of their relationship.

Gian is hauled off to jail as the authorities confront the scandal of a Sikh marrying a Muslim. In the darkness of his cell, he recalls that he has a son who needs him and steels himself to fight for his future. The moment marks a turning point, forcing him to confront his own loyalties.

Naseem's mother, realizing the couple's genuine love, frees Naseem to chase her husband. Naseem runs toward the train, recognizing Vijay and embracing him, unaware that Gian lies just beyond the tracks. The scene blends hope with peril as reunion fights to prevail.

As the lovers finally near each other, Akbar pulls them apart and a struggle erupts on the platform. Gian is pushed onto the tracks just as the train roars in, and the collision proves fatal. Naseem collapses into tears, the dream of reunion shattering in a single, devastating moment.

Naseem and Vijay escape on the train, while authorities close in on Akbar. The couple begins a new life in England with support from Margaret and Walter. Avtar spreads Gian's ashes over a banyan tree, sealing his memory within the community.