In the town of Ranchipur, four people find their lives become entwined by unexpected feelings and events they cannot control. Tom Ransome, son of an English earl, is living a painter's life. He is pursued by a flirtatious young English girl who adores him. Lady Esketh is a beautiful bored sophisticate and Tom's former girlfriend. And Major Rama is the dedicated Hindu surgeon who captures her heart. When a catastrophic earthquake and flood bring disaster to India, all their lives are forever transformed by the striking clash between good and evil, duty and forbidden love.