Ye Yadain by Munazza Mirza

About this novel

Ye Yaadein (Urdu: یہ یادیں) by Munazza Mirza is a complete Urdu romance about Minal, a girl living as a guest in Dr Saad’s home. Burhan, the son of the house, can’t stand her, and his rudeness hides a past that the title promises to reveal.

The novel opens with Minal lost in thought, staring at a wall, when a man’s voice behind her makes her jump. She glances back, then turns away to keep staring at the wall in irritation. The man behind her – Burhan – is even more annoyed by this. He controls himself, watching her back; for some reason this girl is poison to him, and her one habit of looking away drives him mad. He is about to say a few harsh words when she suddenly turns her head and asks loudly, “Why are you standing here like this – are you trying to insult me?” He feels like picking her up and throwing her against that very wall.

Before he can answer, Rahmeen’s voice breaks in. “Minal, yaar, I’ve been waiting for you forever – come to the room! You just sit wherever you are.” Then she turns to her brother: “Bhai, when did you come? Shall I get you food or coffee?” Burhan asks only for coffee and heads to his room. Rahmeen hurries Minal into the kitchen; Minal makes the coffee and then stands over Rahmeen until she takes it to her brother – or, as the writer jokes, Minal would rather it were thrown in his face.

ایک گھر، ایک مہمان لڑکی، اور اسے برداشت نہ کرنے والا برہان۔

At breakfast the next morning, Burhan, his mother and Rahmeen are already sitting when Minal pulls out a chair – and Burhan grabs it, starting another taunt. Living in someone else’s house, he says, she should know her place; instead she sits wherever she likes – doesn’t she know this is Baba’s chair? Minal, deeply embarrassed, sits in the next one. Then Dr Saad arrives, glares at his son, and turns kindly to Minal: “Beta, don’t take his words to heart; his mind isn’t right. This is your home too – sit wherever you like. You’re my daughter, just like Rahmeen.” Minal thanks him gratefully, and Burhan storms out without eating.

Munazza Mirza sets up a hostile, sparky romance, and the title – “these memories” – hints that both have a past that explains their behaviour.

You can read Ye Yaadein online here or download the complete PDF for free. Also by Munazza Mirza: Muntazir E Saza. Browse more romantic Urdu novels.