The daily routine of the convent is disrupted by the news of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination. The after-shocks are felt in Meerut as well when anti-Sikh riots break out in the town. One night a young Sikh woman, Amarjeet Kaur, along with her 8-year old son Jaggi, seek refuge in the convent. Amarjeet and Jaggi are being pursued by her husband's and older son's murderers led by Ramji who is intent on taking over their property.
Amarjeet and Jaggi are given temporarily refuge in the convent. The nuns accept them into their fold. Jaggi gradually settles in and becomes part of the convent life. The nuns suddenly find something to look forward to in their staid daily routine. In spite of constant threats from the pursuers the nuns refuse to give in and plot Amarjeet's and Jaggi's escape.
The film is in flashback as the above incident is narrated by Sister Agatha who manages the convent to a reporter of a national daily.