Ahmed is forced to interrupt his studies to support his family and help his younger brother Rushdi complete his education.
He moves with his family from the El Sakkakini neighborhood of Cairo to the area of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where he gets to know the residents, including a professor named Nono who has lived there his entire life.
Despite Rushdi’s frivolous life of diversions, he completes his education and becomes Ahmed’s sole accomplishment, albeit vicariously.
Ahmed begins looking for love and finds it in their neighbor Nawal, but experiences a rude awakening when she falls for Rushdi.
Rushdi contracts tuberculosis as a result of his disreputable behavior, leaving everyone’s life in shambles.