Set in 19th-century Bengal, the story revolves around an intelligent and lonely housewife, Charu, who is married to Bhupati, a wealthy and politically active man. Bhupati, engrossed in his newspaper business and political matters, often neglects Charu, leaving her to fend for herself emotionally. Bored and isolated in their grand manor, Charu turns to reading and music to occupy her time, but her dissatisfaction steadily grows. Sensing her loneliness, Bhupati invites his cousin Amal to stay with them, hoping the young man's presence will provide Charu some companionship.

Amal and Charu quickly form a bond over their shared love for literature. Amal encourages Charu to pursue her own writing, nurturing her talents and inadvertently igniting emotions between them that transcend mere friendship. As Charu blooms under Amal's attention, the complexities of their relationships deepen, putting both emotional and ethical strains on all involved.