Set against the sweeping grandeur of the Himalayas and tea plantations of Northern India, the drama tells the rich and explosive story of the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India, from both sides of the experience. But at the heart of the story lie the implications and ramifications of the tangled web of passions, rivalries and clashes that define the lives of those brought together in this summer which will change everything. Alice and Charlie prepare to leave India for good. Ralph and Aafri make momentous decisions about their careers. Cynthia is in a bidding war as Chotipool goes under the hammer. Ralph's life spirals out of control. The announcement of the new Viceroy leaves his ambitions in tatters, and he realises those closest have been conspiring behind his back. Alice and Aafrin decide to flee Simla with Cynthia's help, but Charlie comes close to unveiling the truth, while Ian discovers some devastating information about Ramu Sood. The Maharajah returns to Simla, and offers Ralph his political support - at a price. Ralph is forced to consider how far he is prepared to go to achieve his ambitions as his marriage enters its darkest hour. Sarah also returns to help with the aftermath of the bombing, and her appearance prompts Cynthia to reveal a secret from her past. As Simla gathers to celebrate King George's Silver Jubilee, Aafrin is trapped in a nightmare - the terrorist Naresh Banerjee is plotting a bomb strike at the picnic.