Word Meaning
लिखता
likhtā
hiverb
Meaning
Would write or were to write (hypothetical or habitual past action).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'likhtā' functions in a conditional sense, meaning 'had [the beloved] written anything'. The poet argues that if the beloved had penned any response at all, the messenger would have had some words to deliver. Instead, the beloved's utter silence itself constitutes the final, devastating reply.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'likhati' (scratches, writes, paints), evolving via Prakrit into Hindustani 'likhnā'.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, verbs of writing typically evoke letters sent through a messenger, inscriptions on fate's tablet, or unwritten replies of the beloved.
Examples
Had he written a few words of solace
He who would write of sorrow upon the dust
Synonyms
तहरीर करताक़लमबंद करतारक़म करता
Related Words
लिखनाख़तमक्तूबक़लम