The story revolves around Bakhtawar, a young woman who moves to Karachi with her mother after her father goes missing and her brother passes away. They are taken in by Sakina Aunty, a family friend, but Bakhtawar soon realizes that Aunty is not as supportive as she seems. Bakhtawar decides to take matters into her own hands and starts looking for a job. She faces rejection and humiliation but eventually lands a job as a bus conductor with the help of Parveen, a colleague.
However, Parveen is soon shot dead, and Bakhtawar is shocked and disturbed by the incident. She quits her job and starts looking for a new place to live with her mother. They come across a room for rent, but the landlord has strict rules, including a requirement for a male family member to be present. Bakhtawar lies about having a brother to secure the room.
As they settle into their new home, Bakhtawar's mother is concerned about how they will pay the rent, and Bakhtawar assures her that she will take care of it. Meanwhile, the landlord's wife, who is not allowed to interact with outsiders, sneaks around to meet Bakhtawar and her mother, curious about their lives. The story raises questions about the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, their resilience, and their determination to survive and thrive.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A girl named Bakhtawar has moved to a new city with her mother.
2. Bakhtawar's father is missing and her brother Guddu has passed away.
3. Bakhtawar's uncle is searching for her and her mother, and has made it a matter of ego and prestige.
4. Bakhtawar gets a job as a conductor on a bus through the help of a woman named Parveen.
5. Parveen is a kind and helpful person who becomes a friend and mentor to Bakhtawar.
6. Bakhtawar faces difficulties and humiliation on her job, but Parveen encourages her to continue.
7. Parveen is shot dead at the Inter city bus terminal.
8. The police start an investigation into Parveen's murder.
9. Bakhtawar quits her job after Parveen's death and decides to focus on her studies.
10. Bakhtawar and her mother are in need of a place to stay and are looking for a room to rent.
11. They meet a man named Uncle Qudoos who helps them find a room, but they have to lie about having a male family member to get the room.
12. The landlord, Mr. Nazar, does not allow women to go out of the house and has strict rules for his tenants.
13. Bakhtawar and her mother are struggling to make ends meet and are worried about their future.
14. Ahad's close friend's Uncle lives in Karachi and helps people get houses on rent.
15. Bakhtawar's uncle is rich and willing to pay a large sum of money to find Bakhtawar and her mother.