The story revolves around Hilmand, a young man from Laspiran who has been missing since the previous day. His family and friends are searching for him, and they are worried that he might harm himself. Hilmand's past is revealed through a conversation with his uncle, where it is shown that his father, Nasrullah, was a brave man who announced his marriage to Hilmand's mother, Zarsanga, despite their family's disapproval. Nasrullah was later murdered, and Hilmand's mother was accused of poisoning him.
Hilmand meets a woman named Sheherzad, who tries to convince him to leave Laspiran with her and start a new life in the city. However, Hilmand is hesitant and feels that he is not worthy of her. He is also struggling with the fact that his mother and stepfather, Marjaan, may have been involved in his father's murder.
Meanwhile, Hilmand's family is planning to take revenge against Marjaan and his wife. Hilmand's grandfather, Mashallah Khan, has come to Laspiran to accuse Marjaan's wife of murdering Nasrullah and to demand justice. A council meeting is planned to discuss the matter, but it is clear that the situation is tense and volatile.
Throughout the story, Hilmand's emotional state is fragile, and he is struggling to come to terms with his past and his family's history. The story is a complex web of relationships, loyalty, and revenge, set against the backdrop of a traditional and conservative community.
1. Hilmand's mother, Zarsanga, was not liked by Nasrullah's family because she was from an inferior community.
2. Nasrullah married Zarsanga despite his family's disapproval.
3. Hilmand has a stepfather named Marjaan, who was a rich man.
4. Nasrullah was murdered, and Zarsanga has accepted responsibility for the crime.
5. Hilmand is looking for his stepfather, Marjaan.
6. A council meeting is being called to discuss the issue of Nasrullah's murder and Zarsanga's responsibility.
7. Mashallah Khan, Hilmand's grandfather, has come to Laspiran to accuse Marjaan's wife, Zarsanga, of murder.
8. A tribal council will be held to make a decision on the matter.
9. Hikmat Khan, the son of Mr. Haji, is involved in the council meeting.
10. Gulmina, possibly Hikmat's sister, is mentioned as being defended by Hikmat.
11. Marjaan's wife, Zarsanga, is accused of murdering Nasrullah.
12. Hilmand is struggling with the idea that his mother and stepfather may have been involved in his father's murder.
13. Hilmand has gone into hiding due to the situation.
14. Sheherzad is looking for Hilmand and wants to take him to the city to start a new life.
15. A saint's place is mentioned as a possible refuge for Hilmand.
16. A man named Mr. Syed is mentioned as someone who has knowledge of the unknown.
17. Hilmand's education level is mentioned as being lower than Sheherzad's.
18. Nasrullah's family wants to take revenge against Marjaan's family for the murder.