Little Tomcha has grown into a handsome young man and Sofka is now enjoying her marriage with him. A dark shadow is cast on their relationship by the fact that Sofka's father, Efendi Mita, expects Tomcha to give him money.

He humiliates Tomcha by telling him that he only gave Sofka to him for money. Tomcha took out his anger on Sofka. An angry Tomcha goes to a pub and there he sees young Koštana, who sings beautifully. Koštana wins Tomčina, but also the attention of numerous residents of Vranje who enjoy her song.

Tomcha is ready to buy Koštana, but she tells him that if she were to lose her freedom, she would be just a dead bird. Koštana's voice continues to captivate everyone who sees and hears her - until tragedy strikes.