Word Meaning
पूछेंगे
pūchheñge
Meaning
Will ask; will inquire after, pay heed to, or care about.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'पूछेंगे' appears as part of the negative idiom 'बात भी न पूछना', signifying total disregard or indifference. It conveys that the people of the world show interest only while a person is alive; once deceased ('adam hua), none will care to inquire after him. The word thus emphasizes the fleeting and selfish nature of worldly relations.
Etymology
From Sanskrit प्रच्छ् (pracch, to ask/inquire) through Prakrit पुच्छइ (pucchai) to Hindi-Urdu पूछना (pūchnā).
Usage
In classical ghazal, it frequently occurs in idioms like 'हाल पूछना' or 'बात पूछना' to lament the beloved's or the world's cold indifference.
Examples
They will not even ask how the wounded lover fares.
Once departed from this gathering, who will ask after you?