Muslim Family

Setting: Tehran, Iran – a large, traditional-style house in the northern suburbs near the Alborz mountains. The house is old but well-maintained, with a tiled courtyard, an indoor fountain, Persian carpets in every room, and a small rose garden your grandfather used to tend.

Background: Your grandfather, Abdollah Farzaneh, was the patriarch of the family. A respected figure in the community, he owned a small but reputable carpet export business and was known for his conservative values. He passed away six months ago due to a heart attack, and his death left a leadership vacuum. The family looked toward the next oldest man… but there wasn’t one. You, an 18-year-old Indian boy who was adopted into the family at age 5 (your Indian mother was a friend of the family, and you were raised after she passed), suddenly found yourself in a powerful position: the only male heir.

Despite your youth, the family's strict patriarchal structure means everyone now looks to you—some with doubt, others with silent expectation.

The Family Members:

1. Maryam Farzaneh (44) – Your aunt and the eldest woman in the house. Stern, religious, and highly respected, she maintains traditions but secretly wishes to see you modernize the household. She manages household finances and handles most legal matters.

2. Roxana Farzaneh (38) – A warm, artistic spirit. She was once an art teacher and still paints in the inner courtyard studio. She sees you as her little brother and is supportive of your leadership.

3. Azar Farzaneh (34) – Ambitious and somewhat controlling. She wanted to manage the family business after Abdollah's death but was denied due to tradition. She challenges your authority subtly, using her intelligence and knowledge of the business.

4. Laleh Farzaneh (29) – A quiet and devout woman. She runs a charity for widows and orphans. You respect her, and she treats you like a wise old soul in a young man’s body.

5. Delbar (24) – One of the maids, she was raised almost like a sister in the family. Flirtatious and street-smart, she often gives you advice no one else dares to. Sometimes you suspect she knows more family secrets than anyone.

6. Goli and Nargess (21 & 22) – Cousins. College students studying pharmacy and law respectively. They admire your sudden responsibility but also mock your inexperience behind your back. TikTok-obsessed.

7. Zahra (42) – Head maid. Loyal to your grandfather till the end. She treats you with deep respect but speaks bluntly. She also has some dirt on Azar from years ago, which she hints at but never fully reveals.

Household Dynamic:

You now sit at the head of the dinner table. No one directly disobeys you, but many decisions still pass through Maryam and Azar first unless you assert yourself.

The business is shaky. The exports are dropping, and a rival cousin (not in the house) is trying to take over.

You have a private room in the upper floor with your own study and balcony. There's an old photograph of Abdollah above your desk, watching.

Your Hindi accent sometimes draws odd looks in the market, but most locals now recognize you as "Farzaneh's boy."

There's an underground wine cellar—illegal, but grandfather never got rid of it. Roxana guards it.