aisa nahin ki un se mohabbat nahin rahi jazbat men vo pahli si shiddat nahin rahi zof-e-quva ne amad-e-piri ki di naved vo dil nahin raha vo tabiat nahin rahi sar men vo intizar ka sauda nahin raha dil par vo dhadkanon ki hukumat nahin rahi kamzori-e-nigah ne sanjida kar diya jalvon se chhed-chhad ki aadat nahin rahi hathon se intiqam liya irtiash ne daman-e-yar se koi nisbat nahin rahi paiham tavaf-e-kucha-e-janan ke din gae pairon men chalne phirne ki taqat nahin rahi chehre ko jhurriyon ne bhayanak bana diya aina dekhne ki bhi himmat nahin rahi allah jaane maut kahan mar gai 'khumar' ab mujh ko zindagi ki zarurat nahin rahi aisa nahin ki un se mohabbat nahin rahi jazbaat mein wo pahli si shiddat nahin rahi zof-e-quwa ne aamad-e-piri ki di nawed wo dil nahin raha wo tabiat nahin rahi sar mein wo intizar ka sauda nahin raha dil par wo dhadkanon ki hukumat nahin rahi kamzori-e-nigah ne sanjida kar diya jalwon se chhed-chhad ki aadat nahin rahi hathon se intiqam liya irtiash ne daman-e-yar se koi nisbat nahin rahi paiham tawaf-e-kucha-e-jaanan ke din gae pairon mein chalne phirne ki taqat nahin rahi chehre ko jhurriyon ne bhayanak bana diya aaina dekhne ki bhi himmat nahin rahi allah jaane maut kahan mar gai 'khumar' ab mujh ko zindagi ki zarurat nahin rahi

ab vo ghar ik virana tha bas virana zinda tha sab ankhen dam tod chuki thiin aur main tanha zinda tha saari gali sunsan padi thi bad-e-fana ke pahre men hijr ke dalan aur angan men bas ik saaya zinda tha vo jo kabutar us mukhe men rahte the kis des ude ek ka naam navazinda tha aur ik ka bazinda tha vo dopahr apni rukhsat ki aisa-vaisa dhoka thi apne andar apni laash uthae main jhuta zinda tha thiin vo ghar raten bhi kahani vaade aur phir din ginna aana tha jaane vaale ko jaane vaala zinda tha dastak dene vaale bhi the dastak sunne vaale bhi tha abad mohalla saara har darvaza zinda tha piile patton ko sah-pahr ki vahshat pursa deti thi angan men ik aundhe ghade par bas ik kavva zinda tha ab wo ghar ek virana tha bas virana zinda tha sab aankhen dam tod chuki thin aur main tanha zinda tha sari gali sunsan padi thi baad-e-fana ke pahre mein hijr ke dalan aur aangan mein bas ek saya zinda tha wo jo kabutar us mukhe mein rahte the kis des ude ek ka nam nawazinda tha aur ek ka bazinda tha wo dopahr apni rukhsat ki aisa-waisa dhoka thi apne andar apni lash uthae main jhuta zinda tha thin wo ghar raaten bhi kahani wade aur phir din ginna aana tha jaane wale ko jaane wala zinda tha dastak dene wale bhi the dastak sunne wale bhi tha aabaad mohalla sara har darwaza zinda tha pile patton ko sah-pahr ki wahshat pursa deti thi aangan mein ek aundhe ghade par bas ek kawwa zinda tha

agarche main ik chatan sa aadmi raha huun magar tire baad hausla hai ki ji raha huun vo reza reza mire badan men utar raha hai main qatra qatra usi ki ankhon ko pi raha huun tiri hatheli pe kis ne likkha hai qatl mera mujhe to lagta hai main tira dost bhi raha huun khuli hain ankhen magar badan hai tamam patthar koi batae main mar chuka huun ki ji raha huun kahan milegi misal meri sitamgari ki ki main gulabon ke zakhm kanton se si raha huun na puchh mujh se ki shahr valon ka haal kya tha ki main to khud apne ghar men bhi do ghadi raha huun mila to biite dinon ka sach us ki aankh men tha vo ashna jis se muddaton ajnabi raha huun bhula de mujh ko ki bevafai baja hai lekin ganva na mujh ko ki main tiri zindagi raha huun vo ajnabi ban ke ab mile bhi to kya hai 'mohsin' ye naaz kam hai ki main bhi us ka kabhi raha huun agarche main ek chatan sa aadmi raha hun magar tere baad hausla hai ki ji raha hun wo reza reza mere badan mein utar raha hai main qatra qatra usi ki aankhon ko pi raha hun teri hatheli pe kis ne likkha hai qatl mera mujhe to lagta hai main tera dost bhi raha hun khuli hain aankhen magar badan hai tamam patthar koi batae main mar chuka hun ki ji raha hun kahan milegi misal meri sitamgari ki ki main gulabon ke zakhm kanton se si raha hun na puchh mujh se ki shahr walon ka haal kya tha ki main to khud apne ghar mein bhi do ghadi raha hun mila to bite dinon ka sach us ki aankh mein tha wo aashna jis se muddaton ajnabi raha hun bhula de mujh ko ki bewafai baja hai lekin ganwa na mujh ko ki main teri zindagi raha hun wo ajnabi ban ke ab mile bhi to kya hai 'mohsin' ye naz kam hai ki main bhi us ka kabhi raha hun

ab vo galiyan vo makan yaad nahin kaun rahta tha kahan yaad nahin jalva-e-husn-e-azal the vo dayar jin ke ab nam-o-nishan yaad nahin koi ujla sa bhala sa ghar tha kis ko dekha tha vahan yaad nahin yaad hai zina-e-pechan us ka dar-o-divar-e-makan yaad nahin yaad hai zamzama-e-saz-e-bahar shor-e-avaz-e-khizan yaad nahin ab wo galiyan wo makan yaad nahin kaun rahta tha kahan yaad nahin jalwa-e-husn-e-azal the wo dayar jin ke ab nam-o-nishan yaad nahin koi ujla sa bhala sa ghar tha kis ko dekha tha wahan yaad nahin yaad hai zina-e-pechan us ka dar-o-diwar-e-makan yaad nahin yaad hai zamzama-e-saz-e-bahaar shor-e-awaz-e-khizan yaad nahin

vo dushman-e-jan jaan se pyara bhi kabhi tha ab kis se kahen koi hamara bhi kabhi tha utra hai rag-o-pai men to dil kat sa gaya hai ye zahr-e-judai ki gavara bhi kabhi tha har dost jahan abr-e-gurezan ki tarah hai ye shahr kabhi shahr hamara bhi kabhi tha titli ke taaqub men koi phuul sa bachcha aisa hi koi khvab hamara bhi kabhi tha ab agle zamane ke milen log to puchhen jo haal hamara hai tumhara bhi kabhi tha har bazm men ham ne use afsurda hi dekha kahte hain 'faraz' anjuman-ara bhi kabhi tha wo dushman-e-jaan jaan se pyara bhi kabhi tha ab kis se kahen koi hamara bhi kabhi tha utra hai rag-o-pai mein to dil kat sa gaya hai ye zahr-e-judai ki gawara bhi kabhi tha har dost jahan abr-e-gurezan ki tarah hai ye shahr kabhi shahr hamara bhi kabhi tha titli ke taaqub mein koi phul sa bachcha aisa hi koi khwab hamara bhi kabhi tha ab agle zamane ke milen log to puchhen jo haal hamara hai tumhaara bhi kabhi tha har bazm mein hum ne use afsurda hi dekha kahte hain 'faraaz' anjuman-ara bhi kabhi tha

ab aise chaak par kuza-gari hoti nahin thi kabhi hoti thi mitti aur kabhi hoti nahin thi bahut pahle se afsurda chale aate hain ham to bahut pahle ki jab afsurdagi hoti nahin thi hamen in halon hona bhi koi asan tha kya mohabbat ek thi aur ek bhi hoti nahin thi diya pahuncha nahin tha aag pahunchi thi gharon tak phir aisi aag jis se raushni hoti nahin thi nikal jaate the sar par be-sar-o-samani laade bhari lagti thi gathri aur bhari hoti nahin thi hamen ye ishq tab se hai ki jab din ban raha tha shab-e-hijran jab itni sarsari hoti nahin thi hamen ja ja ke kahna padta tha ham hain yahin hain ki jab maujudgi maujudgi hoti nahin thi bahut takrar rahti thi bhare ghar men kisi se jo shai darkar hoti thi vahi hoti nahin thi tumhi ko ham basar karte the aur din mapte the hamara vaqt achchha tha ghadi hoti nahin thi ab aise chaak par kuza-gari hoti nahin thi kabhi hoti thi mitti aur kabhi hoti nahin thi bahut pahle se afsurda chale aate hain hum to bahut pahle ki jab afsurdagi hoti nahin thi hamein in haalon hona bhi koi aasan tha kya mohabbat ek thi aur ek bhi hoti nahin thi diya pahuncha nahin tha aag pahunchi thi gharon tak phir aisi aag jis se raushni hoti nahin thi nikal jate the sar par be-sar-o-samani lade bhari lagti thi gathri aur bhari hoti nahin thi hamein ye ishq tab se hai ki jab din ban raha tha shab-e-hijran jab itni sarsari hoti nahin thi hamein ja ja ke kahna padta tha hum hain yahin hain ki jab maujudgi maujudgi hoti nahin thi bahut takrar rahti thi bhare ghar mein kisi se jo shai darkar hoti thi wahi hoti nahin thi tumhi ko hum basar karte the aur din mapte the hamara waqt achchha tha ghadi hoti nahin thi

munh-zabani quran padhte the pahle bachche bhi kitne budhe the ik parinda suna raha tha ghhazal chaar chhe ped mil ke sunte the jin ko socha tha aur dekha bhi aise do-char hi to chehre the ab to chup-chap shaam aati hai pahle chidiyon ke shor hote the raat utra tha shakh par ik gul char-su khushbuon ke pahre the aaj ki subh kitni halki hai yaad padta hai raat roe the ye kahan doston men aa baithe ham to marne ko ghar se nikle the ye bhi din hain ki aag girti hai vo bhi din the ki phuul barse the ab vo ladki nazar nahin aati ham jise roz dekh lete the ankhen kholin to kuchh na tha 'alvi' band ankhon men lakhon jalve the munh-zabani quran padhte the pahle bachche bhi kitne budhe the ek parinda suna raha tha ghazal chaar chhe ped mil ke sunte the jin ko socha tha aur dekha bhi aise do-chaar hi to chehre the ab to chup-chap sham aati hai pahle chidiyon ke shor hote the raat utra tha shakh par ek gul chaar-su khushbuon ke pahre the aaj ki subh kitni halki hai yaad padta hai raat roe the ye kahan doston mein aa baithe hum to marne ko ghar se nikle the ye bhi din hain ki aag girti hai wo bhi din the ki phul barse the ab wo ladki nazar nahin aati hum jise roz dekh lete the aankhen kholin to kuchh na tha 'alwi' band aankhon mein lakhon jalwe the

zakhm purane phuul sabhi baasi ho jaenge dard ke sab qisse yad-e-mazi ho jaenge sansen leti tasviron ko chup lag jaegi saare naqsh karishmon se aari ho jaenge ankhon se masti na labon se amrit tapkega shisha-o-jam sharabon se khali ho jaenge khuli chhaton se chandni raten katra jaengi kuchh ham bhi tanhai ke aadi ho jaenge kucha-e-jan par gahre badal chhae rahenge 'zeb' us ki khidki ke parde bhari ho jaenge zakhm purane phul sabhi basi ho jaenge dard ke sab qisse yaad-e-mazi ho jaenge sansen leti taswiron ko chup lag jaegi sare naqsh karishmon se aari ho jaenge aankhon se masti na labon se amrit tapkega shisha-o-jam sharabon se khali ho jaenge khuli chhaton se chandni raaten katra jaengi kuchh hum bhi tanhai ke aadi ho jaenge kucha-e-jaan par gahre baadal chhae rahenge 'zeb' us ki khidki ke parde bhaari ho jaenge

nae des ka rang naya tha dharti se akash mila tha duur ke dariyaon ka sona hare samundar men girta tha chalti nadiyan gaate nauke nokon men ik shahr basa tha nauke hi men rain-basera nauke hi men din katta tha nauka hi bachchon ka jhula nauka hi piiri ka asa tha machhli jaal men tadap rahi thi nauka lahron men uljha tha hansta paani rota paani mujh ko avazen deta tha tere dhyan ki kashti le kar main ne dariya paar kiya tha nae des ka rang naya tha dharti se aakash mila tha dur ke dariyaon ka sona hare samundar mein girta tha chalti nadiyan gate nauke nokon mein ek shahr basa tha nauke hi mein rain-basera nauke hi mein din katta tha nauka hi bachchon ka jhula nauka hi piri ka asa tha machhli jal mein tadap rahi thi nauka lahron mein uljha tha hansta pani rota pani mujh ko aawazen deta tha tere dhyan ki kashti le kar main ne dariya par kiya tha

paani men kankar barsaya karte the vo din jab ham lamhe zaaya karte the hod hava se aksar lagti thi apni aksar us ko dhuul chataya karte the dekh ke ham ko rahguzar muskati thi ped bhi aage badh kar chhaya karte the dhuup batora karte the ham saara din shaam ko baant ke ghar le jaaya karte the aaj ghata afsurda karti hai ham ko ham barish men khuub nahaya karte the ek yahi ham dekhen sab khamoshi se ek yahi ham shor machaya karte the 'saurabh' shab thi ek varaq saada jis par likh likh kar ham khvab mitaya karte the pani mein kankar barsaya karte the wo din jab hum lamhe zaya karte the hod hawa se aksar lagti thi apni aksar us ko dhul chataya karte the dekh ke hum ko rahguzar muskati thi ped bhi aage badh kar chhaya karte the dhup batora karte the hum sara din sham ko bant ke ghar le jaya karte the aaj ghata afsurda karti hai hum ko hum barish mein khub nahaya karte the ek yahi hum dekhen sab khamoshi se ek yahi hum shor machaya karte the 'saurabh' shab thi ek waraq sada jis par likh likh kar hum khwab mitaya karte the

dukhi dilon men, dukhi sathiyon men rahte the ye aur baat ki ham muskura bhi lete the vo ek shakhs burai pe tul gaya to chalo saval ye hai ki ham bhi kahan farishte the aur ab na aankh na aansu na dhadkanen dil men tumhi kaho ki ye dariya kabhi utarte the judaiyon ki ghadi naqsh naqsh bolti hai vo barf-bar hava thii, vo daant bajte the ab in ki guunj yahan tak sunai deti hai vo qahqahe jo tiri anjuman men lagte the vo ek din ki mohabbat ka din kahen jis ko ki aag thi na tapish bas sulagte jaate the kahan vo zabt ke daave kahan ye ham 'gauhar' ki tutte the na phir tuut kar bikharte the dukhi dilon mein, dukhi sathiyon mein rahte the ye aur baat ki hum muskura bhi lete the wo ek shakhs burai pe tul gaya to chalo sawal ye hai ki hum bhi kahan farishte the aur ab na aankh na aansu na dhadkanen dil mein tumhi kaho ki ye dariya kabhi utarte the judaiyon ki ghadi naqsh naqsh bolti hai wo barf-bar hawa thi, wo dant bajte the ab in ki gunj yahan tak sunai deti hai wo qahqahe jo teri anjuman mein lagte the wo ek din ki mohabbat ka din kahen jis ko ki aag thi na tapish bas sulagte jate the kahan wo zabt ke dawe kahan ye hum 'gauhar' ki tutte the na phir tut kar bikharte the

jaadu thi sehr thi bala thi zalim ye tiri nigah kya thi kidhar hai kahan hai khush-dili tu ham se bhi kabhu tu ashna thi shirin bhi tujhi si thi sitamgar laila bhi agarche bevafa thi farhad pe is qadar na tha zulm majnun pe na ye ghhazab jafa thi maara hai 'bayan' ko jin ne ai shokh kya janiye kaun si ada thi jadu thi sehr thi bala thi zalim ye teri nigah kya thi kidhar hai kahan hai khush-dili tu hum se bhi kabhu tu aashna thi shirin bhi tujhi si thi sitamgar laila bhi agarche bewafa thi farhad pe is qadar na tha zulm majnun pe na ye ghazab jafa thi mara hai 'bayan' ko jin ne ai shokh kya jaaniye kaun si ada thi

misal-e-aina yaaro nikhar gaya kal shab ajiib saneha dil pe guzar gaya kal shab bisat-e-dasht pe yuun chandni thi raqs-kunan ki jaise chand ka har zakhm bhar gaya kal shab siyah raat ka vo rahib-e-charaghh-ba-kaf suno vo kirmak-e-shab-tab bhar gaya kal shab kuchh itna chehra bhayanak tha khvab men us ka ki apne aap se 'pasha' bhi dar gaya kal shab misal-e-aina yaro nikhar gaya kal shab ajib saneha dil pe guzar gaya kal shab bisat-e-dasht pe yun chandni thi raqs-kunan ki jaise chand ka har zakhm bhar gaya kal shab siyah raat ka wo rahib-e-charagh-ba-kaf suno wo kirmak-e-shab-tab bhar gaya kal shab kuchh itna chehra bhayanak tha khwab mein us ka ki apne aap se 'pasha' bhi dar gaya kal shab

jab tak safed andhi ke jhonke chale na the itne ghane darakhton se patte gire na the izhar par to pahle bhi pabandiyan na thiin lekin badon ke samne ham bolte na the un ke bhi apne khvab the apni zaruraten ham-sae ka magar vo gala katte na the pahle bhi log milte the lekin taalluqat angdai ki tarah to kabhi tutte na the pakke gharon ne niind bhi ankhon ki chhin li kachche gharon men raat ko ham jagte na the rahte the dastanon ke mahaul men magar kya log the ki jhuut kabhi bolte na the 'azhar' vo maktabon ke padhe mo'atabar the log baisakhiyon pe sirf sanad ki khade na the jab tak safed aandhi ke jhonke chale na the itne ghane darakhton se patte gire na the izhaar par to pahle bhi pabandiyan na thin lekin badon ke samne hum bolte na the un ke bhi apne khwab the apni zaruraten ham-sae ka magar wo gala katte na the pahle bhi log milte the lekin talluqat angdai ki tarah to kabhi tutte na the pakke gharon ne nind bhi aankhon ki chhin li kachche gharon mein raat ko hum jagte na the rahte the dastanon ke mahaul mein magar kya log the ki jhut kabhi bolte na the 'azhar' wo maktabon ke padhe mo'atabar the log baisakhiyon pe sirf sanad ki khade na the

ik shakhs javan khak-basar yaad to hoga vo apni nigahon ka asar yaad to hoga vo dhuum zamane men mire josh-e-junun ki vo ghhalghhala-e-sham-o-sahar yaad to hoga bhule to na hoge vo tajalli ki hikayat vo tazkira-e-daghh-e-jigar yaad to hoga har gaam pe vo husn ki pur-hosh nigahen vo ishq ka bad-mast safar yaad to hoga har lamha vo duniya-e-mohabbat men taghhayyur har saans men vo rang-e-digar yaad to hoga vo dil ko tire husn-e-khud-ara se taalluq vo khaak se paiman-e-nazar yaad to hoga vo kargah-e-dahr se ik be-khabari si vo taana-e-har-ahl-e-khabar yaad to hoga vo diid ki tha ru-kash-e-araish-e-giti pahron taraf-e-rah-guzar yaad to hoga vo ishq ke jazbat ka bharpur talatum tufan ki maujon men guzar yaad to hoga gum-karda sukun pa ke mujhe apni gali men kahna vo tajahul se kidhar yaad to hoga bholi to na hogi miri ulfat ki haqiqat muddat ka fasana hai magar yaad to hoga ek shakhs jawan khak-basar yaad to hoga wo apni nigahon ka asar yaad to hoga wo dhum zamane mein mere josh-e-junun ki wo ghalghala-e-sham-o-sahar yaad to hoga bhule to na hoge wo tajalli ki hikayat wo tazkira-e-dagh-e-jigar yaad to hoga har gam pe wo husn ki pur-hosh nigahen wo ishq ka bad-mast safar yaad to hoga har lamha wo duniya-e-mohabbat mein taghayyur har sans mein wo rang-e-digar yaad to hoga wo dil ko tere husn-e-khud-ara se talluq wo khak se paiman-e-nazar yaad to hoga wo kargah-e-dahr se ek be-khabari si wo tana-e-har-ahl-e-khabar yaad to hoga wo did ki tha ru-kash-e-araish-e-giti pahron taraf-e-rah-guzar yaad to hoga wo ishq ke jazbaat ka bharpur talatum tufan ki maujon mein guzar yaad to hoga gum-karda sukun pa ke mujhe apni gali mein kahna wo tajahul se kidhar yaad to hoga bholi to na hogi meri ulfat ki haqiqat muddat ka fasana hai magar yaad to hoga

ai ham-daman bhulao na tum yad-e-raftagan vamandgan ko hai yahi irshad-e-raftagan jo ghhuncha na-shagufta hi jhad jaae shakh se hai is chaman men vo dil-e-nashad-e-raftagan chashm-o-dil-o-jigar ke liye ashk-e-dard-o-daghh ham paas hai ye tohfa-e-imdad-e-raftagan is karvan-sara men ye bang-e-jaras nahin hai ye sada-e-nala-o-faryad-e-raftagan asida-o-ravinda se puchha bahut 'muhib' daryaft par na kuchh hui rudad-e-raftagan ai ham-daman bhulao na tum yaad-e-raftagan wamandgan ko hai yahi irshad-e-raftagan jo ghuncha na-shagufta hi jhad jae shakh se hai is chaman mein wo dil-e-nashad-e-raftagan chashm-o-dil-o-jigar ke liye ashk-e-dard-o-dagh hum pas hai ye tohfa-e-imdad-e-raftagan is karwan-sara mein ye bang-e-jaras nahin hai ye sada-e-nala-o-faryaad-e-raftagan aasida-o-rawinda se puchha bahut 'muhib' daryaft par na kuchh hui rudad-e-raftagan

ai maut unhen bhulae zamane guzar gae aa ja ki zahr khaae zamane guzar gae o jaane vaale aa ki tire intizar men raste ko ghar banae zamane guzar gae ghham hai na ab khushi hai na ummid hai na yaas sab se najat paae zamane guzar gae kya laiq-e-sitam bhi nahin ab main dosto patthar bhi ghar men aae zamane guzar gae jan-e-bahar phuul nahin aadmi huun main aa ja ki muskurae zamane guzar gae kya kya tavaqquat thiin aahon se ai 'khumar' ye tiir bhi chalae zamane guzar gae ai maut unhen bhulae zamane guzar gae aa ja ki zahr khae zamane guzar gae o jaane wale aa ki tere intizar mein raste ko ghar banae zamane guzar gae gham hai na ab khushi hai na ummid hai na yas sab se najat pae zamane guzar gae kya laiq-e-sitam bhi nahin ab main dosto patthar bhi ghar mein aae zamane guzar gae jaan-e-bahaar phul nahin aadmi hun main aa ja ki muskurae zamane guzar gae kya kya tawaqquat thin aahon se ai 'khumar' ye tir bhi chalae zamane guzar gae

jab yaar ne rakht-e-safar bandha kab zabt ka yaara us din tha har dard ne dil ko sahlaya kya haal hamara us din tha jab khvab huiin us ki ankhen jab dhund hua us ka chehra har ashk sitara us shab tha har zakhm angara us din tha sab yaron ke hote sote ham kis se gale mil kar rote kab galiyan apni galiyan thiin kab shahr hamara us din tha jab tujh se zara ghhafil thahre har yaad ne dil par dastak di jab lab pe tumhara naam na tha har dukh ne pukara us din tha ik tum hi 'faraz' na the tanha ab ke to bala vajib aai ik bhiid lagi thi maqtal men har dard ka maara us din tha jab yar ne rakht-e-safar bandha kab zabt ka yara us din tha har dard ne dil ko sahlaya kya haal hamara us din tha jab khwab huin us ki aankhen jab dhund hua us ka chehra har ashk sitara us shab tha har zakhm angara us din tha sab yaron ke hote sote hum kis se gale mil kar rote kab galiyan apni galiyan thin kab shahr hamara us din tha jab tujh se zara ghafil thahre har yaad ne dil par dastak di jab lab pe tumhaara nam na tha har dukh ne pukara us din tha ek tum hi 'faraaz' na the tanha ab ke to bala wajib aai ek bhid lagi thi maqtal mein har dard ka mara us din tha

aisa nahin ki un se mohabbat nahin rahi jazbat men vo pahli si shiddat nahin rahi zof-e-quva ne amad-e-piri ki di naved vo dil nahin raha vo tabiat nahin rahi sar men vo intizar ka sauda nahin raha dil par vo dhadkanon ki hukumat nahin rahi kamzori-e-nigah ne sanjida kar diya jalvon se chhed-chhad ki aadat nahin rahi hathon se intiqam liya irtiash ne daman-e-yar se koi nisbat nahin rahi paiham tavaf-e-kucha-e-janan ke din gae pairon men chalne phirne ki taqat nahin rahi chehre ko jhurriyon ne bhayanak bana diya aina dekhne ki bhi himmat nahin rahi allah jaane maut kahan mar gai 'khumar' ab mujh ko zindagi ki zarurat nahin rahi aisa nahin ki un se mohabbat nahin rahi jazbaat mein wo pahli si shiddat nahin rahi zof-e-quwa ne aamad-e-piri ki di nawed wo dil nahin raha wo tabiat nahin rahi sar mein wo intizar ka sauda nahin raha dil par wo dhadkanon ki hukumat nahin rahi kamzori-e-nigah ne sanjida kar diya jalwon se chhed-chhad ki aadat nahin rahi hathon se intiqam liya irtiash ne daman-e-yar se koi nisbat nahin rahi paiham tawaf-e-kucha-e-jaanan ke din gae pairon mein chalne phirne ki taqat nahin rahi chehre ko jhurriyon ne bhayanak bana diya aaina dekhne ki bhi himmat nahin rahi allah jaane maut kahan mar gai 'khumar' ab mujh ko zindagi ki zarurat nahin rahi

ab vo ghar ik virana tha bas virana zinda tha sab ankhen dam tod chuki thiin aur main tanha zinda tha saari gali sunsan padi thi bad-e-fana ke pahre men hijr ke dalan aur angan men bas ik saaya zinda tha vo jo kabutar us mukhe men rahte the kis des ude ek ka naam navazinda tha aur ik ka bazinda tha vo dopahr apni rukhsat ki aisa-vaisa dhoka thi apne andar apni laash uthae main jhuta zinda tha thiin vo ghar raten bhi kahani vaade aur phir din ginna aana tha jaane vaale ko jaane vaala zinda tha dastak dene vaale bhi the dastak sunne vaale bhi tha abad mohalla saara har darvaza zinda tha piile patton ko sah-pahr ki vahshat pursa deti thi angan men ik aundhe ghade par bas ik kavva zinda tha ab wo ghar ek virana tha bas virana zinda tha sab aankhen dam tod chuki thin aur main tanha zinda tha sari gali sunsan padi thi baad-e-fana ke pahre mein hijr ke dalan aur aangan mein bas ek saya zinda tha wo jo kabutar us mukhe mein rahte the kis des ude ek ka nam nawazinda tha aur ek ka bazinda tha wo dopahr apni rukhsat ki aisa-waisa dhoka thi apne andar apni lash uthae main jhuta zinda tha thin wo ghar raaten bhi kahani wade aur phir din ginna aana tha jaane wale ko jaane wala zinda tha dastak dene wale bhi the dastak sunne wale bhi tha aabaad mohalla sara har darwaza zinda tha pile patton ko sah-pahr ki wahshat pursa deti thi aangan mein ek aundhe ghade par bas ek kawwa zinda tha

agarche main ik chatan sa aadmi raha huun magar tire baad hausla hai ki ji raha huun vo reza reza mire badan men utar raha hai main qatra qatra usi ki ankhon ko pi raha huun tiri hatheli pe kis ne likkha hai qatl mera mujhe to lagta hai main tira dost bhi raha huun khuli hain ankhen magar badan hai tamam patthar koi batae main mar chuka huun ki ji raha huun kahan milegi misal meri sitamgari ki ki main gulabon ke zakhm kanton se si raha huun na puchh mujh se ki shahr valon ka haal kya tha ki main to khud apne ghar men bhi do ghadi raha huun mila to biite dinon ka sach us ki aankh men tha vo ashna jis se muddaton ajnabi raha huun bhula de mujh ko ki bevafai baja hai lekin ganva na mujh ko ki main tiri zindagi raha huun vo ajnabi ban ke ab mile bhi to kya hai 'mohsin' ye naaz kam hai ki main bhi us ka kabhi raha huun agarche main ek chatan sa aadmi raha hun magar tere baad hausla hai ki ji raha hun wo reza reza mere badan mein utar raha hai main qatra qatra usi ki aankhon ko pi raha hun teri hatheli pe kis ne likkha hai qatl mera mujhe to lagta hai main tera dost bhi raha hun khuli hain aankhen magar badan hai tamam patthar koi batae main mar chuka hun ki ji raha hun kahan milegi misal meri sitamgari ki ki main gulabon ke zakhm kanton se si raha hun na puchh mujh se ki shahr walon ka haal kya tha ki main to khud apne ghar mein bhi do ghadi raha hun mila to bite dinon ka sach us ki aankh mein tha wo aashna jis se muddaton ajnabi raha hun bhula de mujh ko ki bewafai baja hai lekin ganwa na mujh ko ki main teri zindagi raha hun wo ajnabi ban ke ab mile bhi to kya hai 'mohsin' ye naz kam hai ki main bhi us ka kabhi raha hun

ab vo galiyan vo makan yaad nahin kaun rahta tha kahan yaad nahin jalva-e-husn-e-azal the vo dayar jin ke ab nam-o-nishan yaad nahin koi ujla sa bhala sa ghar tha kis ko dekha tha vahan yaad nahin yaad hai zina-e-pechan us ka dar-o-divar-e-makan yaad nahin yaad hai zamzama-e-saz-e-bahar shor-e-avaz-e-khizan yaad nahin ab wo galiyan wo makan yaad nahin kaun rahta tha kahan yaad nahin jalwa-e-husn-e-azal the wo dayar jin ke ab nam-o-nishan yaad nahin koi ujla sa bhala sa ghar tha kis ko dekha tha wahan yaad nahin yaad hai zina-e-pechan us ka dar-o-diwar-e-makan yaad nahin yaad hai zamzama-e-saz-e-bahaar shor-e-awaz-e-khizan yaad nahin

vo dushman-e-jan jaan se pyara bhi kabhi tha ab kis se kahen koi hamara bhi kabhi tha utra hai rag-o-pai men to dil kat sa gaya hai ye zahr-e-judai ki gavara bhi kabhi tha har dost jahan abr-e-gurezan ki tarah hai ye shahr kabhi shahr hamara bhi kabhi tha titli ke taaqub men koi phuul sa bachcha aisa hi koi khvab hamara bhi kabhi tha ab agle zamane ke milen log to puchhen jo haal hamara hai tumhara bhi kabhi tha har bazm men ham ne use afsurda hi dekha kahte hain 'faraz' anjuman-ara bhi kabhi tha wo dushman-e-jaan jaan se pyara bhi kabhi tha ab kis se kahen koi hamara bhi kabhi tha utra hai rag-o-pai mein to dil kat sa gaya hai ye zahr-e-judai ki gawara bhi kabhi tha har dost jahan abr-e-gurezan ki tarah hai ye shahr kabhi shahr hamara bhi kabhi tha titli ke taaqub mein koi phul sa bachcha aisa hi koi khwab hamara bhi kabhi tha ab agle zamane ke milen log to puchhen jo haal hamara hai tumhaara bhi kabhi tha har bazm mein hum ne use afsurda hi dekha kahte hain 'faraaz' anjuman-ara bhi kabhi tha

ab aise chaak par kuza-gari hoti nahin thi kabhi hoti thi mitti aur kabhi hoti nahin thi bahut pahle se afsurda chale aate hain ham to bahut pahle ki jab afsurdagi hoti nahin thi hamen in halon hona bhi koi asan tha kya mohabbat ek thi aur ek bhi hoti nahin thi diya pahuncha nahin tha aag pahunchi thi gharon tak phir aisi aag jis se raushni hoti nahin thi nikal jaate the sar par be-sar-o-samani laade bhari lagti thi gathri aur bhari hoti nahin thi hamen ye ishq tab se hai ki jab din ban raha tha shab-e-hijran jab itni sarsari hoti nahin thi hamen ja ja ke kahna padta tha ham hain yahin hain ki jab maujudgi maujudgi hoti nahin thi bahut takrar rahti thi bhare ghar men kisi se jo shai darkar hoti thi vahi hoti nahin thi tumhi ko ham basar karte the aur din mapte the hamara vaqt achchha tha ghadi hoti nahin thi ab aise chaak par kuza-gari hoti nahin thi kabhi hoti thi mitti aur kabhi hoti nahin thi bahut pahle se afsurda chale aate hain hum to bahut pahle ki jab afsurdagi hoti nahin thi hamein in haalon hona bhi koi aasan tha kya mohabbat ek thi aur ek bhi hoti nahin thi diya pahuncha nahin tha aag pahunchi thi gharon tak phir aisi aag jis se raushni hoti nahin thi nikal jate the sar par be-sar-o-samani lade bhari lagti thi gathri aur bhari hoti nahin thi hamein ye ishq tab se hai ki jab din ban raha tha shab-e-hijran jab itni sarsari hoti nahin thi hamein ja ja ke kahna padta tha hum hain yahin hain ki jab maujudgi maujudgi hoti nahin thi bahut takrar rahti thi bhare ghar mein kisi se jo shai darkar hoti thi wahi hoti nahin thi tumhi ko hum basar karte the aur din mapte the hamara waqt achchha tha ghadi hoti nahin thi

ai maut unhen bhulae zamane guzar gae aa ja ki zahr khaae zamane guzar gae o jaane vaale aa ki tire intizar men raste ko ghar banae zamane guzar gae ghham hai na ab khushi hai na ummid hai na yaas sab se najat paae zamane guzar gae kya laiq-e-sitam bhi nahin ab main dosto patthar bhi ghar men aae zamane guzar gae jan-e-bahar phuul nahin aadmi huun main aa ja ki muskurae zamane guzar gae kya kya tavaqquat thiin aahon se ai 'khumar' ye tiir bhi chalae zamane guzar gae ai maut unhen bhulae zamane guzar gae aa ja ki zahr khae zamane guzar gae o jaane wale aa ki tere intizar mein raste ko ghar banae zamane guzar gae gham hai na ab khushi hai na ummid hai na yas sab se najat pae zamane guzar gae kya laiq-e-sitam bhi nahin ab main dosto patthar bhi ghar mein aae zamane guzar gae jaan-e-bahaar phul nahin aadmi hun main aa ja ki muskurae zamane guzar gae kya kya tawaqquat thin aahon se ai 'khumar' ye tir bhi chalae zamane guzar gae

jab yaar ne rakht-e-safar bandha kab zabt ka yaara us din tha har dard ne dil ko sahlaya kya haal hamara us din tha jab khvab huiin us ki ankhen jab dhund hua us ka chehra har ashk sitara us shab tha har zakhm angara us din tha sab yaron ke hote sote ham kis se gale mil kar rote kab galiyan apni galiyan thiin kab shahr hamara us din tha jab tujh se zara ghhafil thahre har yaad ne dil par dastak di jab lab pe tumhara naam na tha har dukh ne pukara us din tha ik tum hi 'faraz' na the tanha ab ke to bala vajib aai ik bhiid lagi thi maqtal men har dard ka maara us din tha jab yar ne rakht-e-safar bandha kab zabt ka yara us din tha har dard ne dil ko sahlaya kya haal hamara us din tha jab khwab huin us ki aankhen jab dhund hua us ka chehra har ashk sitara us shab tha har zakhm angara us din tha sab yaron ke hote sote hum kis se gale mil kar rote kab galiyan apni galiyan thin kab shahr hamara us din tha jab tujh se zara ghafil thahre har yaad ne dil par dastak di jab lab pe tumhaara nam na tha har dukh ne pukara us din tha ek tum hi 'faraaz' na the tanha ab ke to bala wajib aai ek bhid lagi thi maqtal mein har dard ka mara us din tha

zakhm purane phuul sabhi baasi ho jaenge dard ke sab qisse yad-e-mazi ho jaenge sansen leti tasviron ko chup lag jaegi saare naqsh karishmon se aari ho jaenge ankhon se masti na labon se amrit tapkega shisha-o-jam sharabon se khali ho jaenge khuli chhaton se chandni raten katra jaengi kuchh ham bhi tanhai ke aadi ho jaenge kucha-e-jan par gahre badal chhae rahenge 'zeb' us ki khidki ke parde bhari ho jaenge zakhm purane phul sabhi basi ho jaenge dard ke sab qisse yaad-e-mazi ho jaenge sansen leti taswiron ko chup lag jaegi sare naqsh karishmon se aari ho jaenge aankhon se masti na labon se amrit tapkega shisha-o-jam sharabon se khali ho jaenge khuli chhaton se chandni raaten katra jaengi kuchh hum bhi tanhai ke aadi ho jaenge kucha-e-jaan par gahre baadal chhae rahenge 'zeb' us ki khidki ke parde bhaari ho jaenge

roz khvabon men nae rang bhara karta tha kaun tha jo miri ankhon men raha karta tha ungliyan kaat ke vo apne lahu se aksar phuul patton pe mira naam likha karta tha kaisa qatil tha jo hathon men liye tha khanjar chupke chupke mire jiine ki dua karta tha haae qismat ki yahi chhod ke jaane vaala umr bhar saath nibahenge kaha karta tha phuul sa jism sulagte hue sandal ki tarah dil ke mandir men sar-e-sham jala karta tha vo jo ik lamha kisi yaad men katta tha 'nazir' dil ke jalte hue shoalon ko hava karta tha roz khwabon mein nae rang bhara karta tha kaun tha jo meri aankhon mein raha karta tha ungliyan kat ke wo apne lahu se aksar phul patton pe mera nam likha karta tha kaisa qatil tha jo hathon mein liye tha khanjar chupke chupke mere jine ki dua karta tha hae qismat ki yahi chhod ke jaane wala umr bhar sath nibahenge kaha karta tha phul sa jism sulagte hue sandal ki tarah dil ke mandir mein sar-e-sham jala karta tha wo jo ek lamha kisi yaad mein katta tha 'nazir' dil ke jalte hue shoalon ko hawa karta tha

koi mausam ho bhale lagte the din kahan itne kade lagte the khush to pahle bhi nahin the lekin yuun na andar se bujhe lagte the roz ke dekhe hue manzar the phir bhi har roz nae lagte the un dinon ghar se ajab rishta tha saare darvaze gale lagte the rah samajhti thiin andheri galiyan log pahchane hue lagte the jhilen paani se bhari rahti thiin sab ke sab ped hare lagte the shahr the unchi fasilon vaale dar zamane ke pare lagte the bandh rakkha tha zamin ne 'alvi' ham magar phir bhi ade lagte the koi mausam ho bhale lagte the din kahan itne kade lagte the khush to pahle bhi nahin the lekin yun na andar se bujhe lagte the roz ke dekhe hue manzar the phir bhi har roz nae lagte the un dinon ghar se ajab rishta tha sare darwaze gale lagte the rah samajhti thin andheri galiyan log pahchane hue lagte the jhilen pani se bhari rahti thin sab ke sab ped hare lagte the shahr the unchi fasilon wale dar zamane ke pare lagte the bandh rakkha tha zamin ne 'alwi' hum magar phir bhi ade lagte the

paani men kankar barsaya karte the vo din jab ham lamhe zaaya karte the hod hava se aksar lagti thi apni aksar us ko dhuul chataya karte the dekh ke ham ko rahguzar muskati thi ped bhi aage badh kar chhaya karte the dhuup batora karte the ham saara din shaam ko baant ke ghar le jaaya karte the aaj ghata afsurda karti hai ham ko ham barish men khuub nahaya karte the ek yahi ham dekhen sab khamoshi se ek yahi ham shor machaya karte the 'saurabh' shab thi ek varaq saada jis par likh likh kar ham khvab mitaya karte the pani mein kankar barsaya karte the wo din jab hum lamhe zaya karte the hod hawa se aksar lagti thi apni aksar us ko dhul chataya karte the dekh ke hum ko rahguzar muskati thi ped bhi aage badh kar chhaya karte the dhup batora karte the hum sara din sham ko bant ke ghar le jaya karte the aaj ghata afsurda karti hai hum ko hum barish mein khub nahaya karte the ek yahi hum dekhen sab khamoshi se ek yahi hum shor machaya karte the 'saurabh' shab thi ek waraq sada jis par likh likh kar hum khwab mitaya karte the

dukhi dilon men, dukhi sathiyon men rahte the ye aur baat ki ham muskura bhi lete the vo ek shakhs burai pe tul gaya to chalo saval ye hai ki ham bhi kahan farishte the aur ab na aankh na aansu na dhadkanen dil men tumhi kaho ki ye dariya kabhi utarte the judaiyon ki ghadi naqsh naqsh bolti hai vo barf-bar hava thii, vo daant bajte the ab in ki guunj yahan tak sunai deti hai vo qahqahe jo tiri anjuman men lagte the vo ek din ki mohabbat ka din kahen jis ko ki aag thi na tapish bas sulagte jaate the kahan vo zabt ke daave kahan ye ham 'gauhar' ki tutte the na phir tuut kar bikharte the dukhi dilon mein, dukhi sathiyon mein rahte the ye aur baat ki hum muskura bhi lete the wo ek shakhs burai pe tul gaya to chalo sawal ye hai ki hum bhi kahan farishte the aur ab na aankh na aansu na dhadkanen dil mein tumhi kaho ki ye dariya kabhi utarte the judaiyon ki ghadi naqsh naqsh bolti hai wo barf-bar hawa thi, wo dant bajte the ab in ki gunj yahan tak sunai deti hai wo qahqahe jo teri anjuman mein lagte the wo ek din ki mohabbat ka din kahen jis ko ki aag thi na tapish bas sulagte jate the kahan wo zabt ke dawe kahan ye hum 'gauhar' ki tutte the na phir tut kar bikharte the

jaadu thi sehr thi bala thi zalim ye tiri nigah kya thi kidhar hai kahan hai khush-dili tu ham se bhi kabhu tu ashna thi shirin bhi tujhi si thi sitamgar laila bhi agarche bevafa thi farhad pe is qadar na tha zulm majnun pe na ye ghhazab jafa thi maara hai 'bayan' ko jin ne ai shokh kya janiye kaun si ada thi jadu thi sehr thi bala thi zalim ye teri nigah kya thi kidhar hai kahan hai khush-dili tu hum se bhi kabhu tu aashna thi shirin bhi tujhi si thi sitamgar laila bhi agarche bewafa thi farhad pe is qadar na tha zulm majnun pe na ye ghazab jafa thi mara hai 'bayan' ko jin ne ai shokh kya jaaniye kaun si ada thi

misal-e-aina yaaro nikhar gaya kal shab ajiib saneha dil pe guzar gaya kal shab bisat-e-dasht pe yuun chandni thi raqs-kunan ki jaise chand ka har zakhm bhar gaya kal shab siyah raat ka vo rahib-e-charaghh-ba-kaf suno vo kirmak-e-shab-tab bhar gaya kal shab kuchh itna chehra bhayanak tha khvab men us ka ki apne aap se 'pasha' bhi dar gaya kal shab misal-e-aina yaro nikhar gaya kal shab ajib saneha dil pe guzar gaya kal shab bisat-e-dasht pe yun chandni thi raqs-kunan ki jaise chand ka har zakhm bhar gaya kal shab siyah raat ka wo rahib-e-charagh-ba-kaf suno wo kirmak-e-shab-tab bhar gaya kal shab kuchh itna chehra bhayanak tha khwab mein us ka ki apne aap se 'pasha' bhi dar gaya kal shab

jab tak safed andhi ke jhonke chale na the itne ghane darakhton se patte gire na the izhar par to pahle bhi pabandiyan na thiin lekin badon ke samne ham bolte na the un ke bhi apne khvab the apni zaruraten ham-sae ka magar vo gala katte na the pahle bhi log milte the lekin taalluqat angdai ki tarah to kabhi tutte na the pakke gharon ne niind bhi ankhon ki chhin li kachche gharon men raat ko ham jagte na the rahte the dastanon ke mahaul men magar kya log the ki jhuut kabhi bolte na the 'azhar' vo maktabon ke padhe mo'atabar the log baisakhiyon pe sirf sanad ki khade na the jab tak safed aandhi ke jhonke chale na the itne ghane darakhton se patte gire na the izhaar par to pahle bhi pabandiyan na thin lekin badon ke samne hum bolte na the un ke bhi apne khwab the apni zaruraten ham-sae ka magar wo gala katte na the pahle bhi log milte the lekin talluqat angdai ki tarah to kabhi tutte na the pakke gharon ne nind bhi aankhon ki chhin li kachche gharon mein raat ko hum jagte na the rahte the dastanon ke mahaul mein magar kya log the ki jhut kabhi bolte na the 'azhar' wo maktabon ke padhe mo'atabar the log baisakhiyon pe sirf sanad ki khade na the

ik shakhs javan khak-basar yaad to hoga vo apni nigahon ka asar yaad to hoga vo dhuum zamane men mire josh-e-junun ki vo ghhalghhala-e-sham-o-sahar yaad to hoga bhule to na hoge vo tajalli ki hikayat vo tazkira-e-daghh-e-jigar yaad to hoga har gaam pe vo husn ki pur-hosh nigahen vo ishq ka bad-mast safar yaad to hoga har lamha vo duniya-e-mohabbat men taghhayyur har saans men vo rang-e-digar yaad to hoga vo dil ko tire husn-e-khud-ara se taalluq vo khaak se paiman-e-nazar yaad to hoga vo kargah-e-dahr se ik be-khabari si vo taana-e-har-ahl-e-khabar yaad to hoga vo diid ki tha ru-kash-e-araish-e-giti pahron taraf-e-rah-guzar yaad to hoga vo ishq ke jazbat ka bharpur talatum tufan ki maujon men guzar yaad to hoga gum-karda sukun pa ke mujhe apni gali men kahna vo tajahul se kidhar yaad to hoga bholi to na hogi miri ulfat ki haqiqat muddat ka fasana hai magar yaad to hoga ek shakhs jawan khak-basar yaad to hoga wo apni nigahon ka asar yaad to hoga wo dhum zamane mein mere josh-e-junun ki wo ghalghala-e-sham-o-sahar yaad to hoga bhule to na hoge wo tajalli ki hikayat wo tazkira-e-dagh-e-jigar yaad to hoga har gam pe wo husn ki pur-hosh nigahen wo ishq ka bad-mast safar yaad to hoga har lamha wo duniya-e-mohabbat mein taghayyur har sans mein wo rang-e-digar yaad to hoga wo dil ko tere husn-e-khud-ara se talluq wo khak se paiman-e-nazar yaad to hoga wo kargah-e-dahr se ek be-khabari si wo tana-e-har-ahl-e-khabar yaad to hoga wo did ki tha ru-kash-e-araish-e-giti pahron taraf-e-rah-guzar yaad to hoga wo ishq ke jazbaat ka bharpur talatum tufan ki maujon mein guzar yaad to hoga gum-karda sukun pa ke mujhe apni gali mein kahna wo tajahul se kidhar yaad to hoga bholi to na hogi meri ulfat ki haqiqat muddat ka fasana hai magar yaad to hoga

ai ham-daman bhulao na tum yad-e-raftagan vamandgan ko hai yahi irshad-e-raftagan jo ghhuncha na-shagufta hi jhad jaae shakh se hai is chaman men vo dil-e-nashad-e-raftagan chashm-o-dil-o-jigar ke liye ashk-e-dard-o-daghh ham paas hai ye tohfa-e-imdad-e-raftagan is karvan-sara men ye bang-e-jaras nahin hai ye sada-e-nala-o-faryad-e-raftagan asida-o-ravinda se puchha bahut 'muhib' daryaft par na kuchh hui rudad-e-raftagan ai ham-daman bhulao na tum yaad-e-raftagan wamandgan ko hai yahi irshad-e-raftagan jo ghuncha na-shagufta hi jhad jae shakh se hai is chaman mein wo dil-e-nashad-e-raftagan chashm-o-dil-o-jigar ke liye ashk-e-dard-o-dagh hum pas hai ye tohfa-e-imdad-e-raftagan is karwan-sara mein ye bang-e-jaras nahin hai ye sada-e-nala-o-faryaad-e-raftagan aasida-o-rawinda se puchha bahut 'muhib' daryaft par na kuchh hui rudad-e-raftagan