Word Meaning
इतने
itne
Meaning
This much, so many; in this brief interval or trifling matter.
Detailed Meaning
In Hindi and Urdu, 'itne' is the inflected or oblique form of the demonstrative pronoun and quantitative modifier 'itna' (this much or this many). In idiomatic phrasings like 'itne hi mein', it denotes 'in just this brief duration' or 'over such a trifling event'. In the couplet, it highlights how swiftly and over a mere request for a kiss the entire rapport came to an end.
Etymology
Derived from Old Indo-Aryan / Sanskrit 'iyattaka' (this much) through Middle Indo-Aryan (Prakrit) forms.
Usage
In classical poetry, the compound phrase 'itne hi mein' is frequently deployed to emphasize sudden and ironical anti-climaxes.
Examples
Itne hi mein shab dhal gayi (In just this while, the night slipped away).
Itne sitam na dhaa ai charaghar (Do not inflict so much torment, O healer).