The literary craft of Khawaja Aftab Hassan: Khawaja Aftab’s storytelling style immerses readers deeply

LAHORE : Khawaja Aftab Hassan, a master of fiction, employs the flashback technique in his works, allowing readers to navigate seamlessly between past, present, and future. His storytelling style immerses readers deeply, making them feel like active participants in the unfolding narratives.

In ‘Khali Sarak’, Hassan uses a narrative technique that positions readers on a metaphorical balcony, providing them with a panoramic view of time. They witness the past, foresee the future, and yet remain rooted in the present. This technique adds a unique dimension to his storytelling, making it evocative and immersive.

His short story ‘Maut Ka Farishta’ (Angel of Death) portrays the overwhelming misery of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hassan personifies death, depicting the angel of death knocking at doors and claiming lives. His description captures the helplessness of humanity as the virus engulfed the world, emphasising the fragility of life.

In ‘Shamshan Ghaat’ (Cremation House), Hassan presents a haunting account of Mumbai during the pandemic. The imagery of dead bodies piling up in cremation houses and once-bustling streets turning into deserted pathways paints a grim picture of despair and fear. His use of vivid descriptions brings the horrors of the crisis to life, reflecting the psychological and societal impact of the pandemic.

Hassan delves into the brutal realities of poverty in ‘Gorgan’ (Grave Digger). The protagonist, a gravedigger, initially struggles for sustenance, as his livelihood depends on burying the dead. However, as the pandemic spreads, his workload - and income - increases drastically. Despite financial gains, he remains sorrowful, lamenting the loss of his daughter who would have enjoyed a full meal had she been alive. This story presents a paradox: the intersection of tragedy and economic survival. Hassan masterfully highlights the ironic cruelty of fate, where even death becomes a source of livelihood for the underprivileged.

In ‘Poora Khawab’ (Complete Dream), Hassan explores the psychological turmoil of a government official haunted by dreams. The protagonist repeatedly sees dead relatives, particularly a woman carrying a child. The woman recounts the horrors of the partition of East and West Pakistan, narrating how her family was massacred while her husband fled to safety. The protagonist, after learning of this tragic history, ceases to see dreams of the dead. The story delves into historical trauma, personal grief, and the subconscious mind's role in preserving past sufferings.

‘Lockdown’ presents the shattered aspirations of a young entrepreneur who, in pursuit of success, sells his property and moves to a metropolitan city to start a business. However, the pandemic wipes out his investment, leaving him penniless. This story encapsulates the widespread economic devastation caused by Covid-19 and the emotional turmoil of broken dreams.

Khawaja Aftab Hassan's fiction is a blend of social realism, psychological depth, and historical consciousness. His use of the flashback technique enriches his narratives, allowing readers to engage with different timelines simultaneously. By portraying the pandemic’s impact on different segments of society, he highlights themes of human suffering, economic disparity, and existential dilemmas. His works serve as both a reflection of contemporary crises and a reminder of the past, ensuring that the voices of the affected are neither forgotten nor ignored.