Porthwar-based Santram is killed while fleeing from Muslims during the religious riots of 1948 following the partition of Pakistan from India. His wife, Tagpyariye, manages to flee along with their sons, Kartar and Ram, but gets separated from them, and the children end up with her servant, Dukhiya. Shortly thereafter Kartar, too, gets separated, leaving Ram alone with Dukhiya. Three years later, Ram runs away after being physically abused and forced to steal by Dukhiya, and unknowingly befriends Kartar, and the duo go to work with Subedar Varyam Singh. Years later, Kartar is a farmer, while Ram has received an education from the city. Both are still unaware of their relation, until they meet with Dukhiya, who also informs them that their mother is also alive. Before they could be reunited with her, misunderstandings over who is to marry Ajeet Kaur, the daughter of Varyam, tear the brothers apart - so much so that they not only separate - but also take up arms against each other - both determined to marry Ajeet at any and all costs.