kiran_imam

On the shores of Manora Beach karachi, Saira and Aasiya find themselves intertwined in the rhythms of the sea—one mesmerized by its endless wonders, the other bound by a past that keeps her distant. Raised by a navy captain, Saira grew up listening to tales of the ocean, but a near-drowning incident in childhood left her wary of its embrace. Aasiya, in contrast, finds peace in the rolling waves, dancing with the tide as if the sea itself sings for her.

A story of two girls , their friendhip,  the albatross and the sea 

Saira and aasiya's bond, as deep as the waters before them, is one of shared memories, whispered secrets, and unspoken understanding. As they revel in the simple joys of popsicles and sea breezes, an albatross cries in the distance—a foreboding omen of fate’s impending storm. A darkness that they would be englufed in that would be difficult to shake aside.

Set against the backdrop of Karachi’s coastline, "Aabroo-e-Sagar" is a tale of nostalgia, freedom, and the silent battles we fight between love and obligation—where the waves may dance, but the currents beneath tell a different story.

Aabroo-e-Sagar

Dr. Brackfort sat in his office when they arrived, his smile warm and beaming in the soft light filtering through the window. The entire family took their seats upon the stools he had arranged, settling into the cozy embrace of the room's warmth.

"Yes, Doctor, tell me—how is my girl?" a voice, thick with anticipation, broke the quiet.

Dr. Brackfort's smile deepened as he observed the eager faces before him. He carefully pulled a brown folder from an envelope, his fingers lingering over the reports before he spoke.

"I believe this is news you've been waiting for…" he said, his voice carrying a weight of joy. "By the grace of Allah, both Saaira and Aasiya are expecting. Two beautiful girls. Here, have a look at their ultrasounds."

The room erupted with elation. Saaira clutched the report to her chest, her heart thundering.

Later that evening, as she recounted the moment for what felt like the millionth time, she sat on her bed, her phone pressed to her ear.

"This is so exciting. OH MY GOD, AASIYA! I cannot wait!"

Aasiya's laughter rang through the speaker, light and melodic. "Neither can I, girl! Can you believe it? We went from choosing baby names together to actually having babies at the same time! They're going to be best friends."

"Twins, dare I say?" Saaira giggled.

"Ecstatic. He brought balloons and goodies and everything. But he's been overly protective lately. It's sweet but a little much."

"You didn't stay long for the khushi celebration Mom held for us. As soon as we cut the cake, Akram took you home."

"Yes, because he was sleepy, and it's not safe to drive when you're drowsy. Plus, I was feeling nauseous. Don't worry, I'll visit soon."

As their conversation carried on, the calm waves outside danced upon the sandy shores. The moon bathed the sea in silver light, and a breeze filtered through the open window, whispering secrets to the night.

Then, without warning, the lights flickered and went out.

Saaira froze. The phone remained pressed to her ear, but her fingers trembled slightly. Darkness swallowed the house.

"You okay, Saair?" Aasiya's voice came through, softer now, tinged with concern.

"Yes, I know. Listen, don't move, okay? Stay where you are. Saad and I will come over."

Saaira sat upright, one hand instinctively cradling her small, growing belly as if shielding the life inside. The room felt heavier, the air pressing against her skin.

She rushed to the doorway, her heart hammering in her chest. The hallway was cloaked in shadows, the staircase a yawning abyss before her.

Akram's voice carried urgency as he climbed the stairs. In an instant, he reached her, his arms wrapping tightly around her, grounding her shaking frame against him.

A delicate crash. Shattering glass.

The unmistakable whisper of footsteps against the marble floor.

Saaira's breath hitched. Her pulse pounded against her throat, her fingers digging into Akram's sleeve.

"Shhh," he whispered, stroking her hair, but his own breath was unsteady.

The silhouettes appeared at the base of the staircase—dark, looming, faceless figures in the dimness.

Saaira's heartbeat roared in her ears.

The world tilted. A weightless, fleeting moment before the cruel embrace of gravity pulled her down.

A final thought before darkness claimed her.

Akram's bloodcurdling scream shattered the night, raw and desperate, before the world melted into nothingness.

CHAPTER 3.5 FEAR