Ishq Mujhko Nahin, Vehshat Hi Sahi
Meri Vehshat Teri Shohrat Hi Sahi
Katta Keeje Na Taalluk Hamse
Kutch Nahin Hai To Adavat Hi Sahi
Mere Hone Mein Hai Kya Rusvayee
Ae Veh Majlis Nahin Khallat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Dushman To Nahin Hain Apne
Gair Ko Tujhse Mohabbat Hi Sahi
Apni Hasti He Se Ho Jo Kutch Ho
Aagahi Gar Nahin Gaflat Hi Sahi
Umr Harchand Ki Hai Barke-Kharam
Dil Ke Khoon Ki Fursat Hi Sahi
Hum Koyee Tarqe-Vafa Karte Hain
Na Sahi Ishq Musebat Hi Sahi
Kutch To De Ae Falke-Na-Insaaf
Aaho Fariyad Ki Rukhsat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Tasleem Ki Khoo Dalenge
Benayazi Teri Aadat Hi Sahi
Love goes away
Gar Nahin Vasl To Hasrat Hi Sahi

English translation

(You say) It’s not love, it’s madness
My madness may be the cause of your fame
Sever not my relationship with you
If nothing then be my enemy
What is the meaning of notoriety in meeting me
If not in public court meet me alone
I am not my own enemy
So what if the stranger is in love with you
Whatever you are, it is due to your own being.
If this is not known then it is ignorance
Life though fleets like a lightening flash
Yet it is abundant Time to be in love
I do not want debate on the sustenance of love
Be it not love but another dilemma
Give something O biased One
At least the sanction to cry and plead
I will perpetuate the rituals
Even if cruelty is your habit
Teasing and cajoling the beloved cannot leave ‘Asad’
Even if there is no union and only the desire remains

The poem talks about strong feelings that might be called madness instead of love. The person feels that their intense emotions could be the reason for the beloved’s popularity. They ask not to break their connection and suggest that even if nothing else, the beloved could treat them as an enemy.

The speaker acknowledges the potential shame linked to their relationship but believes meeting in private is better than facing public judgment. They say they are not against themselves and admit that even if others see the lover as an outsider, the speaker loves them.

Time is passing, but the speaker thinks it’s enough for the abundance of love. They don’t want to argue about how long love will last and ask for something, even if it’s just permission to cry and plead.

The speaker promises to continue the traditions of love, even if the beloved is used to being unkind. They state that playfully teasing the beloved is a natural part of who they are, and even without being together, the desire remains. The poem ends with a request for some kind of acknowledgment or recognition from the beloved.