Shabanu lives with her family in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert, in a society that denies women any form of independence. At twelve years old, Shabanu is already betrothed, while her sister Phulan, a year older, is about to be married. Then tragedy strikes and Shabanu is faced with a decision that will change her life for ever - she must choose between the strength of her own dreams of freedom and her obligation to her family and culture...