Maya (played by Padmini Kolhapure) attempts suicide just ahead of her first conjugal night with her husband. Dr. Anand (played by Naseeruddin Shah), Maya's husband, who is a doctor, treats her, and finds out that she attempted suicide. When Maya gains conscience, she confirms her secret to Dr. Anand: She didn't want to get married and was forced.
The story moves to a flashback, where a new singer, Prem (played by Anil Kapoor) and his sidekick Master Raju, come to Maya's house. It is love at first sight for Maya as she falls for the naive, innocent Prem.
However, Prem, aspiring to be a true musician, rejects Maya's advances. Furthermore, Prem is in love with Maya but believes that he isn't worthy of her. They declare their love for each other, and plan to elope, but destiny has other plans in store for Maya and Prem. On the day of their elopement, the lovers are caught by Maya's parents. As a result, Prem and his sidekick are kicked out of the house and Maya is forced to wed Dr. Anand.
The plot returns to the present, where Dr. Anand confides in her that he only married her due to his ill mother, Savitri (played by Dina Pathak). Dr. Anand promises to unite the two lovers after his mother's death.
During the time of her stay, Maya gets attached to Dr. Anand's daughter (played by Suchita Trivedi). Meanwhile, Dr. Anand searches for and finds Prem. When his mother dies, Dr. Anand reunites Prem and Maya. However, his attempts remain fruitless, as Maya refuses to leave Dr. Anand. Maya realizes the strength behind their marriage and doesn't budge. Prem leaves Dr. Anand and Maya stating that this is against Indian culture.