As the first girl to be born into the Nachimada family in over thirty-five years, the beautiful Devi is the object of adoration of her entire family. Strong-willed and confident, she befriends the shy Devanna, a young boy whose mother has died in tragic circumstances. Over the years, Devi and Devanna grow inseparable as they attend school together and learn more about the extended family that surrounds them.

However, things begin to change when Devi meets Machu, a handsome young man who is regarded as a hero in his village for having killed a tiger -- a near impossible feat. Although she is only a child, Devi becomes infatuated with Machu and vows to marry him one day. But soon, Devi's devotion to Machu begins to drive a wedge between her and Devanna. Desperately in love with Devi, Devanna leaves the village to study medicine with the hope that when he returns Devi will see his worth and return his love.

But then a devastating tragedy occurs that chages the fate of all three -- an event that will have unforeseen and far-reaching consequences for generations to come.