Word Meaning
पूछते
poochhte
Meaning
asking, inquiring (masculine plural or respectful present form)
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, 'पूछते' functions as part of the idiomatic phrase 'क्या पूछते हो' (why ask / what is there to ask). It implies a rhetorical address to someone inquiring about the speaker's emotional state. The lover remarks that inquiring is unnecessary because his condition is entirely given over to the beloved's wish.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'पृच्छति' (pṛcchati, to ask/inquire), via Prakrit 'पुच्छइ' (pucchai) to Hindi-Urdu 'पूछना' (pūchnā).
Usage
Commonly used in ghazal poetry within rhetorical turns like 'क्या पूछते हो' to convey profound emotional exhaustion, helplessness, or resigned joy.
Examples
Why do you ask about the condition of my heart?
They ask of me as if they know nothing of my pain.