Subhash, the protagonist of the novel, grows up in a middle-class suburb in Calcutta, Tollygunge. He leads a happy childhood, playing football and going to school. Conservative and obedient Subhash occasionally feels overshadowed by his radical and spirited younger brother, Udayan, who appears to have more of his parents’ affection.

After undergraduate education, Subhash decides to pursue a PhD in the United States. When Udayan is killed, Subhash decides to marry Udayan’s pregnant widow, Gauri, to provide her with a better life in America. Subhash raises his niece, Bela, as his own daughter; he is an attentive and loving father. His marriage to Gauri is loveless, and she eventually leaves him. Subhash struggles with self-confidence and is constantly afraid that Bela will find out the truth about her biological father and not love Subhash anymore.

In the end, Subhash and Bela work through their relationship issues. He ends up helping Bela raise her own daughter, through which he finally discovers love and self-acceptance.

Subhash and Udayan are attached to each other, despite the growing differences and distance between the two brothers. Udayan has been outspoken and rebellious ever since he was a child. He is constantly getting in trouble with his parents and teachers at school.