Z. Hussain

Raised by a kind matriarch, Madhavi (Meena Kumari) shares a close bond with her foster brother Rajesh (Dharmendra). When Rajesh marries the insecure Bhanu (Padmini), Madhavi faces false accusations and attempts suicide. Rescued by Moti (Raaj Kumar), she marries him, only to discover his manipulative and exploitative true nature, leaving her trapped in a life of further sorrow.

A village head's son's accidental death in the sea forces the government to ban fishermen from diving in search of pearls. However, the ban obstructs the main occupation of the villagers.