Word Meaning
हवाइयाँ
hawaaiyan
Meaning
Pallor or signs of panic on the face due to fear or shock.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to skyrockets or fireworks, 'hawaaiyan' is primarily used in the idiom 'chehre par hawaaiyan udna' to describe a face drained of color due to terror or dread. In this couplet, the poet creates a witty double-meaning between an actual firework (prompted by 'aatish-baaz') and the sudden panic and pallor appearing on his face. It captures an intense psychological shock rendered through vivid pyrotechnic imagery.
Etymology
Derived from Arabic 'hawa' (air, wind) into Urdu/Hindi, originally denoting a rocket firework, later used idiomatically for pallor.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is nearly always paired with the verb 'उड़ना' to describe facial pallor, shock, or trepidation.
Examples
His face turned pale with dread.
Signs of sudden terror flew across his countenance.