Once there was a baby takes his first steps on a beach while the father supports him. The father thought it is right for him to support his child in his infancy, but questions whether he should continue to hold the child’s hand even after he is grown up. The son, James who is now 25 years old becomes abusive while drunk, expressing contempt towards his father, Albert He complains that his father gives him more than what he asks for, and still chooses his clothes and hairstyle. James vows that he will become an independent man, and select a career and future wife for himself.
One day, Albert who is Managing Director of a construction company asks James whether he will join their office and help manage the business. When James deliberates, his father impatiently plans for James's marriage. The following week, his father announces that James will get engaged to Diana a spoilt woman whom James does not like. However, with Albert’s final say, they get engaged.
While contemplating his options in a temple, James meets Salora, a Medical student. Noticing her jovial and vibrant personality, James begins to like her and tries to see her regularly. Eventually, he realises that he has fallen in love with her.
James applies for a bank loan to start building his career. His love for Salora deepens and he wishes to propose to her. He informs her that he is engaged to Diana against his wishes, but he wants her. Salora is dejected about his engagement but a day later she accepts his proposal. James is ecstatic but his father is furious and admonishes him. James expresses his disinterest in marriage with Diana. When Albert asks his son why he likes Salora, James challenges him that if Salora can stay with their family for a week, then all of their questions will be answered. He persuades Salora to stay at his house after seeking permission from her father Charlie . Salora is introduced to James’s family, who gradually begin to like her as she settles into the house. Albert reprimands James when he knows of his bank loan and his plans, which further enrages James. His entire family, along with Salora, attend a wedding, and Salora has a positive impact on the ceremony with her playful nature.
Charlie recognises James as the drunken young man whom he encountered on an earlier occasion. Salora realises her father's presence and quickly exits to avoid his attention. James admonishes Salora for her antics at the wedding; she is sad and angry and moves out of the house. She rebuilds trust in her father. James is left forlorn; his mother Nancy confronts Albert on James’s choices. James opens up his heart and leaves his father to repent his foolishness. He asks Diana and her parents to call off the impending marriage. While they relent, Albert persuades Charlie to allow James and Salora's marriage. In return, Charlie wants to know more about James, and invites him to live in their house for a week, to which Albert agrees. “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice”.
