Word Meaning
पूछे
pūchhe
Meaning
Were to ask, should inquire, or asks.
Detailed Meaning
An inflected form of the verb 'pūchhnā' (to ask or inquire), appearing here in the subjunctive or optative mood ('were someone to ask'). In the couplet, it serves as a rhetorical and mocking challenge addressed to the moralizing counselor (nāsiḥ), asking what petty satisfaction he gained from rubbing salt into the wounded lover. It reflects the lover's irritation and wounded vulnerability turned into ironic reproach.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit पृच्छति (pṛcchati, 'asks/inquires'), via Prakrit पुच्छइ (pucchai), developing into Hindustani पूछना (pūchhnā).
Usage
Commonly employed in Urdu poetry to frame rhetorical questions or sarcastic challenges aimed at rivals, advisors, or an indifferent beloved.
Examples
Were someone to ask, what answer could be given?
Alas, no one comes to inquire after my condition.