In the winding streets of Saddar, the famous historical district of Karachi, an urban legend persists about a mysterious tea shop that appears only when people need it most. Whether it's a strong cup of chai or a place to find solace, this enchanting establishment never fails to provide its customers with comfort brewed in a teacup—something they didn't even realize they were yearning for.

As the years passed, the people of Saddar nearly forgot about the tea shop, the legend becoming nothing more than a fleeting tale whispered over a bonfire. But when two students spot a cozy tea house in an abandoned plot on their way to university, they suspect they have stumbled upon the same magical establishment.

Stepping through the doors of Zarina's Chai Khaana, Raza and Gulfaam are immediately enveloped by the warm voice of its gracious owner, Zarina. As she brews a cup of aromatic tea, they realize this is no ordinary tea shop—it is a sanctuary that exists within the frenetic pulse of the city, where the weight of the world easily lifts from one's shoulders.

But the plot the tea shop is located on has been empty for years and it seems impossible for the whole setup to take root in just one night. If the legend is true, then there must be a reason for this shop's sudden appearance—a reason that Raza is determined to figure out.

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NOTE:

Zarina's Chai Khaana is a work of fiction, an original novella written for the Open Novella Contest 2025. It mainly follows prompt 15: "A mysterious tea shop suddenly appears, and you can't help but wonder: what's its true purpose, and why does it seem so important?"

All characters and events in this story are fictional therefore, resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. 

Now that the formalities are done with, grab a cup of tea or coffee and let's dive right into the story.

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I look forward to reading what you have to say about this story.

Love from,

Zenina Dawson.