i dream in Urdu sometimes.

i dream in Urdu some nights 
my subconscious loves its adaa* 
the mahaul* the most romantic language in the world creates.
i fought with a date once 
he thought Hindi was the prettier tongue
i wondered if his ears were defective 
they had to be 
to not hear the song of Urdu like mine did
the soft gaze of its eyes and its strength
its subtle sex appeal.
even tashreef* is a beautiful word, i argued
wishing i knew more words, 
dreaming ~ 
of stringing phrases together in the air with my mouth,
singing ghazals
delivering them with husk and ease
rendering him melted. 
but he stood defiant, 
buildings walls against the language 
my love of it & even me myself. 
there weren’t many dates after that. 

mohini

*adaa = grace + beauty + elegance + charm

*mahaul = the atmosphere of a place + emotional ambience

*tashreef = buttocks (also means ‘honoured presence’)