Urdu Short Stories

In 'I Have Done My Bhartiya-karan', Kanhaiyalal Kapoor asks what it takes to become Indian

In 'Draupadi Has Woken Up', Renu Behl writes of a woman's 'duties' in patriarchal Punjab

Renu Behl situates Draupadi Has Woken Up in Punjab, which is facing a shortage of eligible brides, owing to female infanticide and foeticide. Women from cities are being purchased for a price, and men are forced to marry outside the state. In such a scenario, do the duties of the sole daughter-in-law of a house change? Read a translation of this story by Rakhshanda Jalil

In 'Daani, The Generous One', Krishan Chandar writes of shared hunger — and hope — amid homelessness

Krishan Chandar paints a portrait of a man consumed by insatiable hunger — until he meets a woman with whom he wants to build a life. Though they are brought together by their shared hunger and homelessness, the man Daani loses his moorings after the death of his wife. Read a translation of this Urdu story by Rakhshanda Jalil

In 'A Cup of Tea', Mahindar Nath meditates on love, before and after marriage

A man and his wife have spent 12 years together — happily and unmarried. In this short story, Mahindar Nath wonders how and if their love will change, should they decide to have a wedding. Read a translation of this story by Rakhshanda Jalil