An apartment in downtown Cairo houses different social classes following the revolution. Among the oldest is Zakki Bei al-Dessouqi who grew up in the building, he is the son of ‘Abd al-‘Aal Basha al-Dessouqi, a former minister. The revolution took away much of his land but he remains a lady’s man and he particularly likes Buthaina who is responsible for taking care of her family. She finally marries Zakki basha after a conflict he had with his sister Dawlat. The building also houses al-Hajj ‘Azzam who built up his business from nothing as he used to clean shoes. He thereafter became rich and found a place in the People’s Assembly. He also marries a young widow but divorces her because she became pregnant despite his wishes. Hatim Rasheed is a homosexual who owns a newspaper, he also has a high standing in society. Hatim develops a relationship with a soldier but leaves him after his son dies only to be killed himself at the hands of another lover. The apartment’s roof houses the tailor Malak who has major aspirations. Following a dispute with her brother, Zakki’s sister kicks him out of the building while Christine, Zakki’s old friend and bar owner offers him help until he finally marries Buthaina.
