The Moon Of Lunar Night by Bella Bukhari

About this novel

The Moon Of Lunar Night (Urdu: دی مون آف لونر نائٹ) by Bella Bukhari is a very long, complete Urdu romance of family and politics. It moves between a warm middle-class home and the powerful Shah Haveli, where a young man is about to lead his family’s political party.

The novel opens at the time of Fajr, when birds and people alike are busy remembering their Rabb – except for one person in the house who simply hates waking up early. While Hoora finishes her prayers and asks Allah for success, she goes to wake her younger sister Feroza. “Feroza, utho! Every living thing is busy with its work and you won’t even think of getting up.” Feroza begs for just five more minutes, and Hoora has to use threats to get her out of bed. Every morning, the writer jokes, waking Feroza is a battle of its own.

Then the scene shifts to Shah Haveli. After his morning walk, a strikingly handsome young man – over six feet tall, with dark eyes, a proud nose and a serious face that makes him look like the prince of some kingdom – heads to his room, only to be told his Baba Saeen wants to see him. Sikandar Shah, a dignified man busy reading documents, asks him to sit down. Zehan Haider Shah, he says, our party has served the people for many years, and now the time has come to introduce the party to its new head. There is an important party meeting today, his presence is compulsory, and not only the party but its supporters are eager to meet their new leader. “Be ready at five.” “Ji Baba Saeen, jaise aap ka hukm.”

ایک طرف فجر کی دعائیں، دوسری طرف شاہ حویلی کی سیاست۔

Zehan is known for his intelligence and presence, and for being someone his opponents fear. Back at Hoora’s house, the family gathers for breakfast: Hoora greets her Papa with special affection, and Feroza complains loudly that all of Papa’s love is for Hoora while nobody loves her – a little bit of sisterly drama that makes everyone laugh.

Bella Bukhari sets up two very different worlds, a gentle, religious heroine and a commanding political hero. If you enjoy long novels with haveli settings, politics and family warmth, this one offers plenty to read.

You can read The Moon Of Lunar Night online here or download the complete PDF for free. You may also like Meri Zindagi Ho Tum by Noor Malik and Hui Jo Ulfat by Irum Tahir, or browse more romantic Urdu novels.