The intrepid Lady Edwina Esketh journeys to the regal region of Ranchipur in India alongside her spouse, Lord Albert Esketh, who is intent on acquiring some horses from the Maharajah. To her astonishment, she encounters an old acquaintance, Tom Ransome. Ransome had arrived in Ranchipur seven years prior to create a portrait of the Maharajah, but chose to remain there. Over the years, Ransome has earned a bit of a notoriety due to his womanizing ways and excessive drinking, though this suits Edwina just fine as she seeks excitement to escape her ennui. During her stay, she also engages with the local physician, the diligent and earnest Major Rama Safti. Despite her initial flirtations, he doesn't immediately reciprocate her interest. However, when the monsoon arrives, catastrophe unfolds as a dam bursts, inundating large swaths of the surrounding land. As disease spreads, everyone, including Ransome and Edwina, tirelessly labor to rescue as many individuals as possible. Safti grows to admire Edwina's selflessness, but destiny takes an unexpected turn.