Chicken with Plums

The story begins with Faranguisse's explosive anger towards her husband, Nasser-Ali, for neglecting his responsibilities as a father. In a fit of rage, she takes his beloved violin and shatters it, a moment that marks the beginning of Nasser-Ali's downward spiral.

After losing his cherished violin, Nasser-Ali embarks on a quest to find another instrument. He acquires a Stradivarius, but upon attempting to play it, he realizes that he has lost not only his violin but also his will to create music and live.

In a state of despair, Nasser-Ali contemplates various methods of suicide. Ultimately, he chooses to lie in bed, waiting for death to take him, as he reflects on his past and envisions the future, which reveals his daughter's troubled life.

Nasser-Ali envisions his eldest daughter, Lili, getting married to a man her mother approves of. However, the marriage ends in divorce, and Lili enters a tumultuous affair with an actor, which leads to a series of tragic events, including her premature death.

Meanwhile, Nasser-Ali's younger son moves to America, where he establishes a family and becomes a grandfather. His family's journey includes health scares and the birth of a son named Jimmy-Nassar, showcasing life continuing despite Nasser-Ali's struggles.

As Nasser-Ali isolates himself, Faranguisse becomes increasingly worried about his well-being. In an attempt to reach out, she prepares his favorite dish, chicken with plums, but is met with his cold rejection, as he cannot forgive her for ruining his violin.

On the fifth day of his self-imposed exile, Nasser-Ali recalls a poignant moment from his childhood when his dying mother asked him to stop praying for her. This moment brings him clarity as he realizes his youngest son is silently praying for his own good.

By the sixth day, Nasser-Ali is confronted by the angel of death. He desperately expresses his desire to live, but the angel informs him with regret that it's too late for such wishes, highlighting the inevitability of his fate.

On the final day of his life, Nasser-Ali dreams of Irane, a significant figure from his past. Their first meeting in violin class ignites memories of his unfulfilled love, emphasizing how her absence has shaped his journey and emotional depth as a musician.

Years later, after becoming a profoundly emotional musician, Nasser-Ali encounters Irane again unexpectedly. However, she does not recognize him as she walks past with her grandson, their shared memories hidden beneath the surface of forgotten love.

As Nasser-Ali meets his end on the eighth day, he leaves behind a legacy rich with memories and music. His life's story encapsulates both the highs and lows of love, loss, and artistic expression.

In the final moments, Irane attends Nasser-Ali's funeral in secrecy, mourning the man who profoundly impacted her life. This act signifies the lingering bond between them, despite the years and circumstances that kept them apart.