Word Meaning
रुक़ा
ruqa
hinoun, masculine
Meaning
A short letter, brief note, or small written slip of paper.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ruqa' signifies a short message or note sent to a beloved or friend. In this couplet, it is contrasted with 'daftar' (a massive book or record) to show how an attempt to write a mere brief note spiraled into immense volumes through overwhelming longing.
Etymology
Arabic رُقْعَة (ruq'ah), originally meaning a patch or small piece of cloth/paper.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, a 'ruqa' often represents a discreet or insufficient missive that fails to contain the lover's boundless grief.
Examples
A secret note delivered to the street of the beloved
Sending a brief note filled with restless longing
Synonyms
ख़तचिट्ठीपुर्ज़ामक्तूब
Related Words
क़ासिदनामादफ़्तरशौक़