Bhano, a poor woman belonging to a poor farmer family in rural areas of Punjab, is the female protagonist of the novel. In her village women are often treated as commodity and sold for a little money. Bhano's father was ready to sell her daughter and arranges her marriage with Sarban, a resident of Moranwalli village. After her marriage she faces harassment and tortures. Sarban's four unmarried brothers try to abuse her sexually. The friends of Sarban also harass her. After the death of Sarban, Bhano's life becomes more miserable and her father tries to sell her once again to the brothers of Sarban. Bhano tries to escape by committing suicide. A man named Narain saves her and accepts her as his wife without denying to give any social recognition. Because of circumstances and patriarchal setup in her society Bhano fails to fulfil even her simplest goals in life.