Upon returning from a trip abroad, the author-narrator learns that his father has died during his absence. Crushed with grief and guilt, he begins a journey of discovery of self and existence. Beset by doubts and at times despair, he almost gives up, but then is granted the priceless gift of appearing before the mythical-mystical Diwan, the council that oversees all affairs of this world, keeping a record of everything that has ever happened or existed...