Talaash By Hoorain Ali

About this novelette

Talaash (Urdu: تلاش) by Hoorain Ali is a short Urdu mystery romance about Jahangir, a man searching for his lost sister. A young woman he meets on a train to Karachi may hold the key to finding her, and the title means the search.

The novel opens in a quiet room with CCTV footage of a railway station playing on a screen: a girl is walking along with her luggage beside a man. “Look, this is AJ, and with him is his daughter – she’s the one who will help us,” says Inspector Umar, breaking the silence. Jahangir turns his attention to him. “Hmm, so this girl will lead me to my sister,” he says thoughtfully. The inspector adds that she is about to travel to Karachi by train. “Train?” Jahangir asks, surprised. Inspector Umar doesn’t know why; perhaps it’s simply what she wants.

Jahangir thanks him warmly – he will never forget this favour. Anyone in his place would have helped, Umar says, and wishes him success; “Go, and don’t be late.” With a grateful look, Jahangir leaves.

ایک بہن کی تلاش، اور ٹرین میں سفر کرتی ایک انجان لڑکی۔

The scene shifts to the train. A man of about thirty-two, Ahmar, comes to a seat and tells Noor that if she needs anything or feels uneasy, she should just tell him. Noor reassures him: “Ahmar Bhai, don’t worry, if I need anything I’ll tell Hiba Aapi – please don’t stress.” She is sitting beside a woman of around twenty-five. Ahmar says he’s just two seats away and reminds Hiba to take care of Noor. Hiba tells him not to worry, she is with her. A little later Hiba excuses herself to go to the washroom, telling Noor to stay right where she is. Noor goes back to gazing out of the window – and barely a minute later, someone sits down beside her. Thinking it’s Hiba, she turns – but it’s an unfamiliar man’s voice: “Excuse me, miss, I actually wanted to ask you something.”

Hoorain Ali sets up a tight mystery with a quick pace, leaving readers wondering how Noor is connected to Jahangir’s missing sister. A short, suspenseful read.

You can read Talaash online here or download the complete PDF for free. Also by Hoorain Ali: Love Square. You may also enjoy Aitbar by Bisma Khan, or browse more short Urdu novels.