Plot

In the days leading up to Partition, a Hindu woman is abducted by a Muslim man. Soon, she finds herself not only forced into marriage, but living in a new country as the borders between India and Pakistan are drawn.

Hindustan (Urdu name for India) used to a vast territory and countries' like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangla Desh, and Bhutan were all it's provinces. All this changed when the British established their rule over India, and promoted their policy of hatred, and division - mainly between the Hindus and the Muslims. After their departure in 1947, the celebrations of a independent India were short-lived, and the divisions created by the British stayed on and flourished with extremists from both sides ready to kill anyone from the other side. While the Muslims under Jinnah wanted a separate country, which they would like to call Pakistan, the Hindus wanted the Muslims to leave this country and go to Pakistan. Clashes followed, millions fled, millions more were killed, Very little is known of mankind's heinous behavior in this circumstances, such as looting, raping, and kidnapping. puro was one such woman who was recently married to Ramchand, and then abducted by a man named Rashid, who gets her to Pakistan, where she is to be second wife of an abusive and controlling male. Her sister-in-law, Puro, distraught at losing her Bhabhi in such short a time, sets out to search for her, encouraged by her brother, but cautioned by her parents, who would not prefer to lose another child. Puro begins her task of locating Lajjo and calls herself Hamida, ironically assisted by none other than a much changed and remorseful Rashid, and goes from door to door as a petty saleswoman and cleaner. Then one day she finds Lajjo. Not quite the fun-loving and exuberant Lajjo she knew, but a much subdued one - trapped and under the 24/7 control of "Amma" and her alcoholic husband. Puro does get to speak to her in private, and both conspire to escape, hopefully back to her husband and their family. The question remains will Puro be successful in getting Lajjo to escape, or will she herself be entrapped in a hopeless situation.—rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)

Pinjar tells the story of Puro, a young woman of Hindu background, living a lovely life circling the time of the partition of 1947 with her family. Puro is betrothed to a wealthy, sweet young man, Ramchand, from a promising family. Puro's bliss is shattered one day as a leisurely trip with Rajjo, her younger sister, turns traumatic as she is kidnapped by a mysterious Muslim man, Rashid. Rashid's family has an ancestral dispute with Puro's family. Puro's family had made Rashid's homeless by taking over their property. Puro's grand-uncle had even kidnapped Rashid's grand-aunt and then released her after defiling her. Rashid's family made him swear that he would kidnap Puro to settle the score.

It is clear that Rashid is drawn to Puro and would do anything for her. One night, Puro manages to escape back to her parents. Her parents woefully turn away their daughter, explaining that if Puro were to stay, Rashid's extended Muslim clan would arrive and slaughter everyone. Left with no support, Puro returns to Rashid who is well-aware of Puro's escape; he knew she wouldn't be let in by her parents and had been waiting for her nearby. After a few months, Puro's family marries their son Trilok to Ramchand's younger sister, Lajjo. Rajjo is married off to Ramchand's cousin. Parallel to the celebrations of the new marriage is a celebration of Rashid: Puro is pregnant. Puro is greatly depressed as she has conceived from rape. She miscarries but learns somewhat of Rashid's love for her and his repentance for his evil deed.

The British colonialists leave India and the subcontinent reels under the effects of partition. Ramchand's uncle, cousin and Rajjo leave for India and are safe. Ramchand, his parents and Lajjo are caught in the riots. Ramchand hurriedly leaves to India with his younger sister and mother; his father is already missing. Shortly after, Lajjo is kidnapped by thugs. Puro meets Ramchand, who woefully tells her of Lajjo's situation. Puro finds Lajjo and helps her escape with Rashid's assistance. They conduct Lajjo to Lahore where Trilok and Ramchand come to receive her.

Trilok has a tearful reunion with Puro and explains to her that she can start life anew as Ramchand is ready to accept her even now. Puro surprises Trilok by refusing and saying she is where she belongs. Ramchand responds with tremendous empathy to Puro, as he sees that she has accepted Rashid. Rashid slowly tries to fade, making it easy for Puro to leave with her folk, but is heartbroken, as he is deeply in love with her. However, Puro seeks Rashid out and the two tearfully bid Ramchand, Trilok, and Lajjo farewell forever.