Teesri Kasam

Hiraman, a rustic bullock cart driver from Bihar, is involved in smuggling illegal goods. He narrowly escapes the police on the road, surviving the chase. This brush with danger makes him aware of the precarious line he walks between survival and law.

Shaken by the escape, Hiraman makes a firm resolve to abandon illegal cargo for good. He swears to uphold pehli kasam, a vow that shapes his choices thereafter. The vow marks his attempt to lead a more honest life, at least in his own eyes.

While transporting bamboo for a timber trader, Hiraman's load upsets the horses of two men. They beat him, leaving him bruised and humiliated. The incident leaves him wary of the consequences of his trade.

Struck by the brutal beating, Hiraman takes a second vow to never again carry bamboo in his cart. He resolves to change his line of work to avoid further harm. The second kasam deepens his commitment to a simpler, less perilous life.

One night, Hiraman is asked to give Hirabai, a nautanki dancer, a ride to a village fair forty miles away. He agrees and begins the journey with her on his bullock cart. Their journey introduces Hirabai to Hiraman’s uncomplicated philosophy and gentle kindness.

As they travel, Hiraman sings the legend of Mahua and speaks of life in simple terms. Hirabai grows intrigued by his innocence and begins to see him as an angel of purity. The exchange deepens their bond during the long ride.

They reach the village fair and Hiraman joins his band of bullock cart drivers, while Hirabai joins the nautanki troupe. The two begin to live separate roles within the same festive milieu. The encounter sets the stage for public scrutiny later.

Hirabai arranges free passes for Hiraman and his friends to watch the nautanki every night during the fair. The gesture lets Hiraman indulge in entertainment but also exposes him to the community’s judgments. The bond between them deepens in the glow of the performances.

As Hiraman sees society condemn Hirabai as a prostitute, he tries to shield her from harsh judgment. He confronts the locals who disparage her, defending her dignity despite the risk to his own reputation. The tension between love and social stigma intensifies.

Hiraman urges Hirabai to abandon her profession and live a respectable life, but she refuses. Distressed by the conflict, he leaves the village fair and returns to his own village. The departure marks a turning point in their relationship.

Hirabai later meets Hiraman and reveals that she had been sold. The revelation shocks him and intensifies the emotional distance between them. After this revelation, Hirabai decides to leave.

In response to the heartbreak, Hiraman takes a third vow to never again carry a Nautanki dancer in his cart. The vow completes his tragic cycle, reinforcing his vow-bound life. The tale closes with him returning to his village, carrying the weight of his decision.