Lahori Novels
Keh Dalo Jo Kehna Hai: The Art of Expressing What Matters
Human interactions are often woven with misunderstandings, assumptions, and moments of unspoken words. Sometimes, what needs to be said gets buried under the weight of societal expectations or personal insecurities. In her thought-provoking short story Keh Dalo Jo Kehna Hai (Say What You Need to Say), Afsheen Naeem beautifully captures the tension of everyday relationships and the art of expressing oneself. The story takes us into the life of Hassan Baig, a man who struggles to balance his creative pursuits with the demands of those around him, offering readers a reflective narrative about priorities, relationships, and the power of communication.
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A Scene of Chaos and Choices
Hassan Baig is portrayed as a writer deeply engrossed in his creative process. From the outset, the story makes it clear that writing is not just a pastime for Hassan—it is his passion and a part of his identity. However, like many individuals, he faces the challenge of balancing his personal ambitions with social and familial obligations.
On the fateful day, Hassan is struggling to pick a topic for his next piece. His workspace is cluttered, and his mind is restless, unable to focus. As he dives into his thoughts, Arifa, a neighbor and a familiar presence in his life, interrupts him. She appears cheerful and full of requests, but her timing could not have been worse for Hassan.
The Neighbor’s Request
Arifa enters with an air of urgency. Without much preamble, she tells Hassan about her plans to leave the children in his care while she runs errands. This sudden imposition throws Hassan off guard. Arifa insists it will only take two hours, but Hassan, already preoccupied, interprets her request as more of an interruption than a simple favor.
Hassan’s reaction is not just about the inconvenience; it reflects the deep conflict between his need for creative solitude and the constant pull of societal responsibilities. He cannot fathom how he could sit with the children, supervise their homework, and still focus on writing. In this scene, Afsheen Naeem subtly highlights the universal struggle between personal goals and external expectations.
The Clash of Perspectives
The dialogue between Hassan and Arifa forms the crux of the story. Arifa, oblivious to the significance of Hassan’s writing process, dismisses his concerns as trivial. For her, leaving the children with him is a practical solution, nothing more. On the other hand, Hassan views it as a disruption to his creative flow.
Arifa’s casual attitude toward Hassan’s passion mirrors how society often undervalues creative pursuits, especially those that do not yield immediate, tangible results. Her disbelief is evident when she sarcastically remarks, “Oh my God, you also started joking all the time,” implying that Hassan’s refusal to help is exaggerated or even selfish.
This clash of perspectives makes the reader question how often we overlook the value of someone else’s work or time simply because it does not align with our own priorities.
The Writer’s Dilemma
Hassan’s frustration reaches its peak when Arifa suggests that writing can easily be done alongside supervising children. The suggestion trivializes his craft and invalidates the effort it requires. Yet, Hassan does not lash out. Instead, he calmly but firmly declines the request, stating that he cannot fulfill both tasks simultaneously.
This moment is pivotal in the story because it showcases Hassan’s resolve to protect his boundaries. By refusing to accommodate Arifa’s request, Hassan demonstrates the importance of self-respect and the courage to prioritize one’s goals, even in the face of societal pressure.
Arifa’s Reluctant Acceptance
Realizing that Hassan will not budge, Arifa reluctantly gives up. Her initial annoyance shifts to a tone of acceptance, though she still insists on sending the children over if Hassan cannot come outside. This insistence serves as a subtle reminder of how societal expectations often push individuals to accommodate others, regardless of their own struggles.
In the end, the story does not paint Arifa as a villain or Hassan as a hero. Instead, it highlights the nuances of human interaction—how each person is navigating their own challenges while trying to fulfill the expectations placed upon them.
Themes of the Story
- The Struggle Between Passion and Obligation: Hassan’s struggle reflects a universal theme—how to balance personal aspirations with societal demands. Many readers can relate to the feeling of being pulled in different directions, unable to focus on what truly matters to them.
- The Importance of Setting Boundaries: Hassan’s refusal to compromise his writing time is a powerful example of setting boundaries. In a world where people are often expected to prioritize others over themselves, this act of self-respect is both bold and inspiring.
- The Value of Creative Work: Through Hassan’s perspective, the story sheds light on how creative work is often undervalued or dismissed as insignificant. It challenges readers to rethink their attitudes toward artists, writers, and other creatives.
- The Art of Communication: The story underscores the importance of clear communication. Hassan and Arifa’s conflict could have been resolved more smoothly if both parties had made an effort to understand each other’s perspectives.
Lessons from the Story
- Learn to Say No: One of the key takeaways from the story is the power of saying no. Hassan’s polite but firm refusal to Arifa’s request serves as a reminder that it is okay to prioritize one’s needs and goals.
- Respect Others’ Time: Arifa’s intrusion into Hassan’s writing time highlights how we sometimes fail to respect others’ schedules and commitments. The story encourages readers to be more mindful of others’ boundaries.
- Balance Is Key: While Hassan’s dedication to his craft is admirable, the story also hints at the importance of balance. Completely shutting out others is not always the solution; finding a middle ground can often lead to better outcomes.
Conclusion: The Courage to Speak Up
Keh Dalo Jo Kehna Hai is more than just a story about a writer and his neighbor—it is a profound reflection on the challenges of expressing oneself in a world full of conflicting demands. Afsheen Naeem masterfully weaves a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to balance their personal ambitions with societal expectations.
In the end, the story reminds us that it is essential to speak up for what matters, to set boundaries, and to value the work and time of others. Whether you are a writer like Hassan or someone juggling multiple roles, the message is clear: Say what you need to say and make space for what truly matters.
