Story Overview

A Hindu soldier in the army of Tippu Sultan loses his young wife in childbirth at a time when he was to report back to fight in a war that the English army was readying for. In order to save for his child's future, he buries his wealth, but is killed soon after.

The grandparents, unable to look after the very sick infant, abandon her at the doors of a Catholic Convent, where she is brought up.

Her grandson, four generations later, trying to lift the family from dire poverty, finds that society and the world at large are merciless and unforgiving. Only unnerving stoutheartedness, and an unusual twist in destiny is all he can fall back on.