The third and final film in the renowned Apu Trilogy (which also includes PATHER PANCHALI and APARAJITO) from Satyajit Ray follows Apu, now a man, as he decides to become a writer. He takes a wife out of loyalty to the bride's cousin. This arranged union gradually brings the couple great--but ephemeral--joy.

Living alone in a tenement above the railway, a grown Apu passes his days reading poetry, playing his wooden flute and looking for work. Though poor and without family, he remains hopeful about his future. An unexpected reunion with childhood friend Pulu provides a respite from his lonely routine. Pulu invites Apu to attend his cousin Aparna's wedding. Moments before the ceremony, they discover the bridegroom is mentally ill and the marriage cannot proceed as planned. So Pulu--desperate to marry his cousin, lest she be cursed for life--asks Apu to take the groom's place. Feeling betrayed and outraged, Apu refuses but later, out of friendship, he changes his mind. Apu and his delicate bride Aparna slowly fall in love, spending almost every moment together. But marital bliss is short lived, as a terrible tragedy awaits the newfound lovers.