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Lochan is only a servant boy, but Manas Moru depends on him to sort and gather herbs, care for his son Sundar, and cater to his wife Dalia. Then Manas dies, and Dalia sends her child away.  Years later, Lochan still feels responsible for the family, and sets out to the distant city of Sindhapur to confront Manas’ killer, and retrieve Manas’ stolen ruby.  He and his companions, a shepherd, a weaver, a merchant’s daughter, each have secret expectations of what will happen in Sindhapur.

When a precious family heirloom disappears, two young people search for the thief.  Simi and Raju follow the Sindhu to the sea, threatened by floods, kidnappers and river pirates, and torn by suspicions against family and friends. They are aided by a cowherd, a holy man, a robber band, and perhaps a tiger.

Chandu of Sindhapur spends most of his time at an ashram in the forest.  He serves Baba-ji, a holy man supported by Chandu’s family. A prince and princess arrive, fleeing from their dead father’s advisor who plans to seize their throne.  They travel with Chandu and Baba-ji’s wife to speak with the Kumari, who warns them they will have to pay a price if their wishes are granted.  Chandu learns how high the price is as he is drawn into the siblings’ struggle for their throne.

Arun’s older brother Dharm tells a lie to protect the leader of the ashram where he is studying, and is expelled, willingly accepting punishment.  Arun leaves with him, having promised his father to keep a practical eye on his high-minded brother.  They are befriended by Mohinder, a wanderer who is distrusted by city officials and respected by river and forest folk. Mohinder’s sister, a priestess of the tiger shrine, asks Arun and Dharm to help in the rescue of the priestess’s daughter from a neighbouring king. Dharm begins to learn that following rules is not always the best path.

Parini is a servant girl, a thief, a schemer, a mother, an herbalist, a matchmaker, a healer.  But whatever role she plays, she leaves happiness and wisdom in her wake.