Sirf Tum by Aliya Khan

About this novel

Sirf Tum by Aliya Khan is a sweet, light Urdu romance about a bookish girl who dislikes parties and a much-loved son. An engagement party may finally bring their two lives together.

The story opens with friends making plans. “Yaar, tumhein aana parega, warna main samjhoon gi ke tum mujhe dost nahin maanti,” says Nadia, inviting her friends to her party. Aliya, the quiet one, reminds Nadia that she doesn’t like functions and parties at all. While talking, she notices her watch: it is already three o’clock. “Arrrrre, itna time ho gaya!” Her ammi will be waiting, so she rushes home.

At home, Aliya eats, prays Asr and settles down with a book, which is clearly where she feels happiest.

Meanwhile, Asad is annoyed with his friend Ali. “Ali yaar, tum apne dost ko bhool gaye ho na? Kab se phone kar raha hoon, yeh aathvin call hai meri.” Ali innocently says he was busy in a meeting, but Asad insists he must come to his sister’s engagement party, and won’t talk to him until he does. Then he hangs up before Ali can reply.

Ali’s mother, Shazia Begum, hands him a glass of milk and asks who was on the phone. When Ali explains, she says of course he should go, because his father will handle tomorrow’s meeting. Aliya Khan introduces the family: Usman Sahab is a well-known businessman, and Ali is the only, much-loved child of his parents, now a businessman like his father. Shazia Begum teases him that maybe he will find his princess at the party. Ali scoops her up and spins her around: “Mama, meri princess to aap ho.” Laughing, she tells him to put her down because his father is calling. The writer hints that just as Ali is his family’s darling, there is a girl who is just as much the darling of her own home.

کبھی کبھی ایک ملاقات پوری زندگی بدل دیتی ہے۔

Read more by Aliya Khan: Ziddi Ishq, Tere Milne Ke Baad and Tera Ishq Hi Mera Junoon Hai, or see all Aliya Khan novels.