Gopal Banerjee had come to Mumbai thirty years ago to take up the job of an accountant in a private firm. He had married Sudesha, a Bengali like himself, but born and brought up in Mumbai. They had three lovely daughters. The elder two had been married off with the help of Banerjee's cousin in Kolkata into well-to-do families soon after they graduated. The youngest daughter, Anjali, was eighteen and was doing a degree course. She was tall and slim with perfect features. She was a shy and good-natured girl.

The Banerjees lived in a posh flat inn Bandra. Their next-door neighbours were the Kelkars with whom they had a good rapport. The Kelkars had two sons, of whom the elder was married and staying in another part of the city. The younger son, Arun, was a Finance Manager in a reputed firm. He had been an admirer of Anjali even when she was studying in school. He confided to his mother about his love for Anjali and his desire to marry her. His mother pointed out that she was a Bengali, with different customs, language and food habits and was doubtful of her parents agreeing to the proposal. But Arun persuaded his mother to go to the Banerjees with his marriage proposal.

Mr. and Mrs. Banerjee, though very friendly with the Kelkars, did not know how to respond to their proposal. Already a proposal for Anjal had come from Banerjee's sister in Kolkata. They wished to settle Anjali's marriage only after her graduation. They tactfully put off Mrs. Kelkar's proposal saying they would talk to Anjali before deciding anything. Meanwhile, Banerjee's cousin was persisting with the idea of Anjali's alliance with Sushant Chatterjee, who was well educated and rich. He had a good job in Delhi. At last Banerjee babu agreed to the "girl-seeing" ceremony. The Chatterjees came over and were bowled over by Anjali's beauty and sweet nature. Sushant, who was tall and handsome, made a perfect match for Anjali.

Anjali's father told the boy's parents that Anjali should be allowed to continue her education and they readily agreed. The date for the marriage was fixed after a brief engagement ceremony. No dowry was demanded - they only wanted the wedding to be held in a grand manner befitting the Chatterjees' status, and as Sushant was their only son.

When Arun came to know about these developments, he was the most unhappy man on earth. He could not get over his love for Anjali though his mother tried to divert his attention. His mother convinced him that Anjali's parents were not in favour of a non-Bengali groom for their daughter. She told him to forget Anjali and get on with his life. She invited friends and relatives with eligible young daughters home to introduce them to Arun to make him forget Anjali. To satisfy his mother, he agreed to marry a poor but intelligent girl who would fit into their household without difficulty.

In the Banerjees' house preparations were afoot for Anjali's marriage. The elder daughters had already arrived. The wedding took place in a five star hotel. The Chatterjees then left Mumbai with the lovely Anjali, who looked radiant with happiness. After spending two days in Kolkata, the bride and groom went off on a honeymoon to Darjeeling. Soon it was time to leave Kolkata for Delhi. Sushant's flat in Delhi was well furnished with all conveniences. Anjali had no work to do, except supervise, as there was Sushant's faithful old servant to do the cooking, with a maid coming in to do the other jobs. Sushant showered gifts on his bride, and took her for sightseeing to the historic places in and around Delhi. They attended and gave many parties to Sushant's friends and colleagues. Life seemed to be a round of enjoyments for Anjali. Anjali quite forgot that she had promised her parents that she would join some college there to complete her degree course.

After some time, Anjali felt a change in Sushant's behaviour. He started coming home late and going away frequently weekend "official" trips. His ardour and love seemed to have waned. She was puzzled as she had not done anything to displease him. At parties he would joke and move about with others, leaving her to herself. She had no friends to whom she could turn to for help. At a party given by Sushant's boss, she was sitting dejectedly in a corner. Not noticing her, the boss's wife said to another lady. "Poor girl, she doesn't know about Sushant's philandering nature. Or that his interest in any woman does not last long. How do men like him get such beautiful and dutiful wives?" she then moved on to speak to another lady.

Anjlai was shaken to the core. What cruel words! Was Sushant really a philanderer? Was that the reason for his indifference? Had he tired of her? She began to watch him secretly. She went through his coat pockets, but could find nothing incriminating. She could however smell expensive perfumes on his clothes when he came back from his outstation tours. She could bear his indifference no longer. She confronted him one day and asked him point blank about his affairs. He did not deny anything but said, "Yes, I do have some lady friends who are more fascinating and sophisticated than you. You are just a dumb beauty. You have everything you wish for to lead an easy and luxurious life. I am not troubling you in any way. Why complain?"

In a voice trembling with emotion, Anjali asked him, "Why did you marry me and ruin my life?"

"Well, it was to satisfy ma and baba and have a beautiful hostess for the parties at home," said Sushant coolly.

Anjali stamped out of the room in anger. The next day she packed her bags and told the old man - the faithful servant, "I am leaving this place for good. Thank you for being so good to me." Though he tried to stop her, calling her choti ma, she brushed aside his pleas and took the flight to Mumbai. Her husband came to know of her departure only when he came home in the night. He was unruffled and unaffected by her going away without informing him.

Anjali's parents were stunned to hear her story. They saw that their naïve daughter had turned into a mature woman within a few months. Fortunately, they did not behave like traditional parents by telling her to go back to her husband. They advised her to continue her education from where she had left off.

The Kelkars had their share of misfortunes too. Arun's wife died, leaving behind a baby girl. Fate seemed to be cruel to Arun. His wife had been a good helpmate and a loving daughter-in-law. His mother took upon herself the task of looking after the motherless babe.

It was at this time that Anjali had returned to her parents' house and divorce proceedings were started against Sushant. Arun happened to meet Anjali one day and was quite moved to see her pale and serious face. His dormant love for her was kindled again. He found his love for her had not diminished or changed. Could he hope for a second chance?

Again, his mother approached the Banerjees with Arun's proposal. This time their reaction was different. They welcomed their proposal as they wanted Anjali to be happy - but would she agree? Arun decided to meet Anjali and plead his case himself.

Anjali was at first not very receptive. One bitter experience was enough for her. But Arun persisted saying, "At least we can be friends?"

Anjali and Arun began going out together and knowing each other better. Their families were hoping that Anjali would change her mind about remarriage. She was persuaded to visit his home and instantly took a liking to Arun's little baby. It was perhaps the little one who softened Anjali's heart - for after months of refusal, she agreed to be Arun's wife. Of course, she had already begun to like Arun for his gentle and caring nature. At last Fate seemed to have relented by bringing together two of its victims in search of happiness.