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ہم کہاں کے سچے تھے
Mishal is a beautiful girl. Everyone loves her. Brought up in an elite household with everything she can wish for, you think, she has everything she ever wants, but does she?
On the other hand is Mishal's cousin Mehreen; a girl who is not-so-pretty and has a disturbing background. Everyone's annoyed by her bad behavior and ill-mannered ways.
Living in the same house, these two girls go head-to-head. How far can one go to destroy the other? And in the middle of these two is caught Aswad, a handsome young guy, who is their cousin and who is also madly in love with Mishal, and hates Mehreen.
All three of them think they have their lives perfectly planned out for themselves but can this much hate and competition really end up in something good?
On the other hand is Mishal's cousin Mehreen; a girl who is not-so-pretty and has a disturbing background. Everyone's annoyed by her bad behavior and ill-mannered ways.
Living in the same house, these two girls go head-to-head. How far can one go to destroy the other? And in the middle of these two is caught Aswad, a handsome young guy, who is their cousin and who is also madly in love with Mishal, and hates Mehreen.
All three of them think they have their lives perfectly planned out for themselves but can this much hate and competition really end up in something good?
Unknown Binding
First published August 1, 1998
313 people are currently reading
4869 people want to read
About the author
Umera Ahmed
91 books2,050 followersUmera Ahmed is one of the most widely-read and popular Urdu fiction novelist and screenplay writer of this era.
She completed her Masters in English Literature from Murray College, Sialkot. Later she became an English language lecturer for the students of O and A levels at Army Public College, Sialkot. However she left the job a few years back in order to devote her full attention to writing.
She began her writing career in 1998 at a quite young age. Her initial stories were published in monthly urdu digests and later came out in the form of books. She has written about 16 books , comprising of complete novels and compilations of short stories. However it was her novel "Peer-e-Kaamil (S.A.W.W)" which became her identity.
She completed her Masters in English Literature from Murray College, Sialkot. Later she became an English language lecturer for the students of O and A levels at Army Public College, Sialkot. However she left the job a few years back in order to devote her full attention to writing.
She began her writing career in 1998 at a quite young age. Her initial stories were published in monthly urdu digests and later came out in the form of books. She has written about 16 books , comprising of complete novels and compilations of short stories. However it was her novel "Peer-e-Kaamil (S.A.W.W)" which became her identity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 4, 2021
Umera Ahmad's Peer e Kamil already left a strong impact on me when it comes to judging people based on how you see them in a certain situation. It shatters the 'first impression is the last impression' claim. And just like peer e Kamil, this book asks you to think and understand and not jump on the bandwagon. It is a reiteration of the fact that every person has their own story.
I had watched a couple of scenes from the drama thus had an idea of who was good or bad BUT if I were reading the novel for the first time, I probably would have made the mistake of judging Mehreen too.
The short novel explores the personalities of three people artistically. Mashal's insecurities, Aswad's weak mindedness, Mehreen's arc. They were all so beautifully captured.
[SPOILER]
Mehreen's diary was a piece of art too. Her gradual progress to self hate, blame, pity, depression. It was a treat (a very sad one) to read. Felt like someone was pulling at my heart's strings.
I'm dually glad at the promising note the book ended with. Of hope and light:
Maybe it will all be better one day. Maybe Mehreen will get better. Maybe she'll fall in love once again. Maybe she'll start to trust again. There's a lot of maybes but it's a start and that's something.
I had watched a couple of scenes from the drama thus had an idea of who was good or bad BUT if I were reading the novel for the first time, I probably would have made the mistake of judging Mehreen too.
The short novel explores the personalities of three people artistically. Mashal's insecurities, Aswad's weak mindedness, Mehreen's arc. They were all so beautifully captured.
[SPOILER]
Mehreen's diary was a piece of art too. Her gradual progress to self hate, blame, pity, depression. It was a treat (a very sad one) to read. Felt like someone was pulling at my heart's strings.
I'm dually glad at the promising note the book ended with. Of hope and light:
Maybe it will all be better one day. Maybe Mehreen will get better. Maybe she'll fall in love once again. Maybe she'll start to trust again. There's a lot of maybes but it's a start and that's something.
November 20, 2021
2.5 Stars
Children belonging to dysfunctional families are always judged in the shadow of their parents. They are ill-treated, mismanaged and compared all their lives. Mehreen, is a stubborn child, who annoys everyone hence no one likes her. While Mishal is loved and cherished because she is beautiful and sweet natured. Despite living in the same house, they are treated poles apart.
Aswad (their cousin) who is totally influenced by Mishal also hates Mehreen but eventually ends up marrying her just so he can punish her for a crime which she never committed. Saffan is the only sane character who also dumps Mehreen because of her sloppy background and blurred future perspectives.
Aswad is confused, doesn't stand up for himself and totally influenced, hence he lacks basic common sense and understanding. Mehreen is timid, ready to bear anything because she thinks she deserves it. Rabia Mehreen's mom is a coward who never stood for her daughter rather always tried to sideline her problems with her own. Saleha Aswad's mom is dominating yet is never able to put forward the right picture for Mehreen. She forces and blackmails Aswad to marry Mehreen, further destroying an already damaged soul.
A slow read, not the best from Umera Ahmed, but very interesting. Started reading this book because of the drama serial.
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Children belonging to dysfunctional families are always judged in the shadow of their parents. They are ill-treated, mismanaged and compared all their lives. Mehreen, is a stubborn child, who annoys everyone hence no one likes her. While Mishal is loved and cherished because she is beautiful and sweet natured. Despite living in the same house, they are treated poles apart.
Aswad (their cousin) who is totally influenced by Mishal also hates Mehreen but eventually ends up marrying her just so he can punish her for a crime which she never committed. Saffan is the only sane character who also dumps Mehreen because of her sloppy background and blurred future perspectives.
Aswad is confused, doesn't stand up for himself and totally influenced, hence he lacks basic common sense and understanding. Mehreen is timid, ready to bear anything because she thinks she deserves it. Rabia Mehreen's mom is a coward who never stood for her daughter rather always tried to sideline her problems with her own. Saleha Aswad's mom is dominating yet is never able to put forward the right picture for Mehreen. She forces and blackmails Aswad to marry Mehreen, further destroying an already damaged soul.
A slow read, not the best from Umera Ahmed, but very interesting. Started reading this book because of the drama serial.
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July 22, 2021
It is the first Urdu novel that I have completed. I have started too many other Urdu novels but I left it in the middle of the story. This book is suggested by my sister. She was doubtful that I will leave this novel as well as others and I rejected it and told her I will read it. At that time I decided to complete the bet which I have made with myself and I made it. I HAVE COMPLETED MY GOAL.
I love the line
PATA NAHI AESA KYN HOTA HAI K HAM JIS KO SAB KUCH DE DENA CHAHTE HAIN US KE PASS KUCH NAHI RAHNE DETE.
And the ending is awesome at some points it became boring but overall it is nice. I never imagined mehreen as the owner of this type of personality. I LIKE IT. From now, I think that I can also read Urdu novels.
I love the line
PATA NAHI AESA KYN HOTA HAI K HAM JIS KO SAB KUCH DE DENA CHAHTE HAIN US KE PASS KUCH NAHI RAHNE DETE.
And the ending is awesome at some points it became boring but overall it is nice. I never imagined mehreen as the owner of this type of personality. I LIKE IT. From now, I think that I can also read Urdu novels.
September 10, 2020
Actual Rating 3.5
Not the best, still enjoyable.
Not the best, still enjoyable.
September 6, 2025
This is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. Right from the beginning, it wraps you in an intense, almost suffocating atmosphere. There’s a constant sense of unease, like something is brewing just beneath the surface and it doesn’t let go.
As I kept reading, I felt anything but relaxed. The story created a persistent feeling of anxiety and tension until Mahreen’s POV was introduced through her diary. That part was truly the highlight for me. Umera Ahmed did an incredible job portraying Mahreen’s psychological state through the diary entries. It was raw layered and deeply impactful👏
The way the diary starts confident and strong and then gradually descends into emotional turmoil was heartbreaking. By the end, Mahreen completely loses herself in the fictional character of Mashal, believing she deserves punishment, and isolating herself in her own mental world.
I'm honestly relieved the story was short😅 because it was emotionally heavy. It left a strong impression on me I’m left with mixed emotions and a lingering ache. The ending was open ended, which leaves you wondering and hoping.
i had initially planned to watch the drama adaptation after reading the book. But now, I’m not sure I can. Mahira Khan is stunning, no doubt, but Mahreen’s character in my opinion needed someone more real,someone with dusky skin and a tired face, to do full justice to her depth.
Still, the writing was brilliant for that I give it 4 stars.
As I kept reading, I felt anything but relaxed. The story created a persistent feeling of anxiety and tension until Mahreen’s POV was introduced through her diary. That part was truly the highlight for me. Umera Ahmed did an incredible job portraying Mahreen’s psychological state through the diary entries. It was raw layered and deeply impactful👏
The way the diary starts confident and strong and then gradually descends into emotional turmoil was heartbreaking. By the end, Mahreen completely loses herself in the fictional character of Mashal, believing she deserves punishment, and isolating herself in her own mental world.
I'm honestly relieved the story was short😅 because it was emotionally heavy. It left a strong impression on me I’m left with mixed emotions and a lingering ache. The ending was open ended, which leaves you wondering and hoping.
i had initially planned to watch the drama adaptation after reading the book. But now, I’m not sure I can. Mahira Khan is stunning, no doubt, but Mahreen’s character in my opinion needed someone more real,someone with dusky skin and a tired face, to do full justice to her depth.
Still, the writing was brilliant for that I give it 4 stars.
December 12, 2021
*** for the novel
* for the HUM TV adaptation
Novel has excellent depiction of psychological breakdown, out-of-control 'sibling' rivalry and one man's blind belief in someone else's words (actually, make that two men).
At 102 pages, it's a quick read (I read the free pdf version online). Available in English translation too: I Was Never Among The Truthful
Memorable line (which is why I felt terrible for Mehreen, an incredibly iconic character in such a short novel):
'Nahin main itni aasaani say haar nahin maanoon gi. Mujhe iss tarha khatam nahin hona hai, mujhe khud ko bachaana hai. Pichchlay satra saal main banaiye gayi shanakht ko yun khatam nahin honay dena hai. Mehreen Mansoor ko surrender nahin karna hai, main khush rahoon gi Asfund kay baghair, Aswad kay saath reh kar gumnaami main jaoon gi. Mental disorder ka shikar hoon gi, main kuch nahin choroon gi, na taaleem, na zindagi par apna huq. Mujhe apnee zaat ko aik dafa phir say dhoondna hai. Main Mehreen Mansoor yun khatam honay kay liye paida nahin huee.'
Comment on the HUM TV 2021 adaptation: The OST is good, the adaptation sucks. For me the best parts were the father's death scene and the bus ride from Ep.1, the rest felt like watching a common 'saas-bahu' drama or trite one-man+two-women routine love-triangle crap, which the novel is not. The drama's script reveals everything from the get-go and Mishal's diabolical (b****y, insecure, jealous) persona is obvious. Great cast of seasoned character actors (especially Huma Nawab). A failure in casting main leads: the ordinary-looking, whimsical, and lame ML cast as the very handsome, malleable and toxic Aswad, and casting the very beautiful Mahira Khan as the plain-looking gutsy Mehreen. It's obvious that the drama is a star vehicle for her and made specifically for her re-launch in dramaland. What she does get right is student Mehreen's cynicism and spite, her integrity, courage and survivor attitude. But she is too pretty, and her double chin and fresh skin falsely show that life has treated Mehreen very well and her frequent eyebrow lifting ill-tempered attitude shows she is unnecessarily bitter (and that the only thing she doesn't have is Mishal's makeup collection), plus, that Aswad kept her in very good condition, as opposed to the novel's reality where a young, confident and capable Mehreen is a victim of circumstances, familial bonds, and direct actions of a diabolical Mishal, screwed-up Aswad and a faithless Asfund. In the drama, Mehreen comes across as much of a confused, entitled, trapped villain as Mishal and Aswad. In the book, she is physically isolated and psychologically tortured for 3 long years by Aswad, an act that deteriorates her physical health and mental state, and destroys her hopes and ambitions forever: she loses weight, gets pneumonia, nearly dies, recovers with difficulty, and is mentally shattered, talking to herself sitting in dark corners (most probably auditory hallucinations) when no one is around. However, in the drama, the make-up free and concealer-heavy, plump and healthy Mahira Khan looks as radiant as ever, doesn't even have dark circles, any hair out of place, seemingly deprived of nothing other than Mishal's makeup products and dresses. Instead of the novel's subtle mentally exhausted demeanor hiding her truth, the drama's Mehreen goes full-on OTT crazy, screaming, scared of voices in her head. Where's the understated, spooky, peal-the-onion (or open the diary) mystery? You can see all the twists from miles away, and frankly, if you watch the OST closely, the ending is revealed in it too! The drama resolves the mental breakdown and shows Mehreen recovering her senses, but for me, to be with an Aswad is a tragedy in itself.
* for the HUM TV adaptation
Novel has excellent depiction of psychological breakdown, out-of-control 'sibling' rivalry and one man's blind belief in someone else's words (actually, make that two men).
At 102 pages, it's a quick read (I read the free pdf version online). Available in English translation too: I Was Never Among The Truthful
Memorable line (which is why I felt terrible for Mehreen, an incredibly iconic character in such a short novel):
'Nahin main itni aasaani say haar nahin maanoon gi. Mujhe iss tarha khatam nahin hona hai, mujhe khud ko bachaana hai. Pichchlay satra saal main banaiye gayi shanakht ko yun khatam nahin honay dena hai. Mehreen Mansoor ko surrender nahin karna hai, main khush rahoon gi Asfund kay baghair, Aswad kay saath reh kar gumnaami main jaoon gi. Mental disorder ka shikar hoon gi, main kuch nahin choroon gi, na taaleem, na zindagi par apna huq. Mujhe apnee zaat ko aik dafa phir say dhoondna hai. Main Mehreen Mansoor yun khatam honay kay liye paida nahin huee.'
Comment on the HUM TV 2021 adaptation: The OST is good, the adaptation sucks. For me the best parts were the father's death scene and the bus ride from Ep.1, the rest felt like watching a common 'saas-bahu' drama or trite one-man+two-women routine love-triangle crap, which the novel is not. The drama's script reveals everything from the get-go and Mishal's diabolical (b****y, insecure, jealous) persona is obvious. Great cast of seasoned character actors (especially Huma Nawab). A failure in casting main leads: the ordinary-looking, whimsical, and lame ML cast as the very handsome, malleable and toxic Aswad, and casting the very beautiful Mahira Khan as the plain-looking gutsy Mehreen. It's obvious that the drama is a star vehicle for her and made specifically for her re-launch in dramaland. What she does get right is student Mehreen's cynicism and spite, her integrity, courage and survivor attitude. But she is too pretty, and her double chin and fresh skin falsely show that life has treated Mehreen very well and her frequent eyebrow lifting ill-tempered attitude shows she is unnecessarily bitter (and that the only thing she doesn't have is Mishal's makeup collection), plus, that Aswad kept her in very good condition, as opposed to the novel's reality where a young, confident and capable Mehreen is a victim of circumstances, familial bonds, and direct actions of a diabolical Mishal, screwed-up Aswad and a faithless Asfund. In the drama, Mehreen comes across as much of a confused, entitled, trapped villain as Mishal and Aswad. In the book, she is physically isolated and psychologically tortured for 3 long years by Aswad, an act that deteriorates her physical health and mental state, and destroys her hopes and ambitions forever: she loses weight, gets pneumonia, nearly dies, recovers with difficulty, and is mentally shattered, talking to herself sitting in dark corners (most probably auditory hallucinations) when no one is around. However, in the drama, the make-up free and concealer-heavy, plump and healthy Mahira Khan looks as radiant as ever, doesn't even have dark circles, any hair out of place, seemingly deprived of nothing other than Mishal's makeup products and dresses. Instead of the novel's subtle mentally exhausted demeanor hiding her truth, the drama's Mehreen goes full-on OTT crazy, screaming, scared of voices in her head. Where's the understated, spooky, peal-the-onion (or open the diary) mystery? You can see all the twists from miles away, and frankly, if you watch the OST closely, the ending is revealed in it too! The drama resolves the mental breakdown and shows Mehreen recovering her senses, but for me, to be with an Aswad is a tragedy in itself.
January 11, 2015
I cried a lot at this book's ending. Mehreen didn't deserve what she had to go through. This just shows how messed up our society is.
August 23, 2021
One of the amazing novels by Umera. The way she deals with the mental disorder of Mehreen and how our words could actually make or break the person. The constant poisoned behavior of Shagufta broke Mashal in worst way and in return she broke Mehreen in her selfishness.
Highly recommended for everyone to read and understand the sensitivity behind the novel.
Highly recommended for everyone to read and understand the sensitivity behind the novel.
July 2, 2021
I started this book today. After spending half of the year in reader's block.
The start of book is captivating and i really like it. In between story loose its worth but still enjoyable. Not best as other books of Umera Ahmad.
It's book to challange some psychological issues in our daily life. How we get impress and made others positive things and confidence our egoistic problems.
Societal pressures, standards, problems, dysfunctional families, relationships, poverty and misunderstandings; main themes of this story.
It was a really good one; a little bit boring in between, but the ending was a page-turner. But i think their should be something more in end.
Some lines I like the most:
"تم سزا اور جزا کو اپنے ہاتھ میں لینے کی کوشش مت کرو. تمہیں کیا پتہ کون گنہگار ہے، کون بے گناہ؟ یہ علم تو اللہ کے پاس ہے اور یہ اختیار بھی اسکے پاس رہنے دو. ایسا نہ ہو کہ تمہیں پچھتانا پڑے"
"کتنا عذاب ہوتا ہے، کسی کا کبھی نظر نہ آنا اور کتنا عذاب ہوتا ہے کسی کا ہر وقت نظر آتےرہنا."
The start of book is captivating and i really like it. In between story loose its worth but still enjoyable. Not best as other books of Umera Ahmad.
It's book to challange some psychological issues in our daily life. How we get impress and made others positive things and confidence our egoistic problems.
Societal pressures, standards, problems, dysfunctional families, relationships, poverty and misunderstandings; main themes of this story.
It was a really good one; a little bit boring in between, but the ending was a page-turner. But i think their should be something more in end.
Some lines I like the most:
"تم سزا اور جزا کو اپنے ہاتھ میں لینے کی کوشش مت کرو. تمہیں کیا پتہ کون گنہگار ہے، کون بے گناہ؟ یہ علم تو اللہ کے پاس ہے اور یہ اختیار بھی اسکے پاس رہنے دو. ایسا نہ ہو کہ تمہیں پچھتانا پڑے"
"کتنا عذاب ہوتا ہے، کسی کا کبھی نظر نہ آنا اور کتنا عذاب ہوتا ہے کسی کا ہر وقت نظر آتےرہنا."
November 3, 2014
Probably one of Umera Ahmed's better books. The characters were well-defined and they didn't go through any radical changes. She didn't use religion to sell an otherwise lame story (like some of our digest writers love to) nor did she transform good into evil or vice versa. The protagonist was well thought out, I loved who she used a bad childhood to build her character traits and developed them throughout the book. The ending was realistic and thus, despite the horrible print of the Android app I read it through, this was a good book.
September 2, 2021
i think so i reason why i love reading novels in Urdu is because of how easy and how comforting and familiar the language is to me ,oh is it just me?! Umera always leave me speechless and the message for this book was so so important.
June 11, 2019
Story was good i liked it.... But it could be more better.
August 16, 2021
Beautiful read. Its heartbreaking how people grew up together and turn against each other just to fulfill sinful desires they munch on for life being all aware of relations they share in BLOOD. The invisible walls in between them equally keep growing higher until they fall on them. If we dont sit and talk these walls bury us alive what remains are relations under rubbles just with names. We never think this way what holes we dig for others are potentially our graves. What's up with the so called etiquettes soft tame-able nature when its loathed with venomous backbiting and evil doings. Question is; Is it wrong to love a parent a child sees first time they open eyes into this world. Evil starts when parents turn against each other despite who they are, a child knows a recognizable face a Girl like Mehreen has only one stigma to carry genes of her father now burried 6 feet under and her BLOOD RELATIONS see HIM in her and his face arrogance or rigidness instead of her beautiful persona-the nature, her rightfulness in her choices than those made by both parents. Its not necessary a drunkard son would be alcoholic with the presence of proclivity in genetics he carries inside, its mindful choice! This is the first base for self victimization of women especially in family oriented politics blame what seems in appearance wothout an inward look. How come His cousin wouldnt see her physical limitation (asthma) before being spiteful, regardless of living in culture which is full of fake ups n tools like mashal. These cousins become douchebags when enter family granny politics and never learn whats environment and people around them are teaching they listen more to outer voices than their own facts coming from deep. God bless such people with eyes opened wide and hearts blind as rocks.
If mehreen is scornful of her present, mother and other relations inclusive, its parental mistrust and lack of perceptivity about their beliefs and views. Children when find no role model will either strayaway by the strong winds of social culture if with weak family values or stay straight like in character mehreen with staunch brought up values she believed in with her heart and soul part of which is asfand with very little influence of impulsive triggers like whats going on around. Parents need to rethink their own ways before blaming on kids half of their mind and age.
If mehreen is scornful of her present, mother and other relations inclusive, its parental mistrust and lack of perceptivity about their beliefs and views. Children when find no role model will either strayaway by the strong winds of social culture if with weak family values or stay straight like in character mehreen with staunch brought up values she believed in with her heart and soul part of which is asfand with very little influence of impulsive triggers like whats going on around. Parents need to rethink their own ways before blaming on kids half of their mind and age.
July 9, 2021
This shouldn’t be called a “novel” it’s more like a short story. I don’t understand how EVERYONE believed Mishal but not Mehreen! Aswad was an idiot to trust everything Mishal said and not question her! If she was so amazing and participated in extracurricular activities, shouldn’t she have trophies etc? The story was all over the place and I hope they do a better job making the drama than this sad lil story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
Painful but appealing
😔
Last novel before proff
In Shaa Allah 🌞
😔
Last novel before proff
In Shaa Allah 🌞
July 13, 2021
Loved the book especially the ending. Justifying!
November 2, 2021
Read it after watching few episodes of the drama (Mahira Khan is LOVE).
Worst book to adapt in this era. The most toxic male character I've ever read so much so that he turned her crazy (literally!!).
3 stars for the writing, especially Mehreen's thought process at the end when she's becoming crazy. Those distorted thoughts...*chef's kiss*
P.S. I have stopped watching the drama, I couldn't watch that toxicity. reading>>>>watching
Worst book to adapt in this era. The most toxic male character I've ever read so much so that he turned her crazy (literally!!).
3 stars for the writing, especially Mehreen's thought process at the end when she's becoming crazy. Those distorted thoughts...*chef's kiss*
P.S. I have stopped watching the drama, I couldn't watch that toxicity. reading>>>>watching
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
As a stand alone novel, this is probably the weakest by Umera Ahmed (that I’ve read). Aswad is a horribly unlikable, dim character and even the female characters fall flat. Fortunately, the story is coming to life in a much better way years later with Umera Ahmed’s drama script. Skip the novel, watch the tv show.
January 28, 2019
I've read it before, in 2013 or 2014... Before starting it, I didn't know that I've read it.
Story is not much impressive, Not like a real story, emotions, feelings, and the way characters don't happen in real life.
Mashal hates mehreen, all of her life she tries to copy Mehreen's actions, words everything, at the end she committed suicide, and send letters to Mehreen's boyfriend and fiance. All of her life was a lie, and at the time of committing suicide, she was writing letters and saying everything lies. This action makes the story fake and I lost my interest at this point.
We could hate anyone, but nobody could commit suicide, because of this reason.
Story is not much impressive, Not like a real story, emotions, feelings, and the way characters don't happen in real life.
Mashal hates mehreen, all of her life she tries to copy Mehreen's actions, words everything, at the end she committed suicide, and send letters to Mehreen's boyfriend and fiance. All of her life was a lie, and at the time of committing suicide, she was writing letters and saying everything lies. This action makes the story fake and I lost my interest at this point.
We could hate anyone, but nobody could commit suicide, because of this reason.
December 30, 2021
At the end of the day when you realize your mistake but it's been to long and you list everything and you loose your soul and your peace of mind it does no good . The end kept me awake for days and gave me a reality check of life and what life really is ..
March 8, 2024
A murder mystery that unfolds many dark secrets of the society. The lead was so beautifully written. Umera Ahmed has made no one villian but it'll let you choose one. A book in which it shows that how adults destroy children's innocence and that led to so drastic and dangerous events.
August 4, 2021
I wish there was more to it. I really wanted aswad's redemption arc or anything that confirmed mahreen got better
December 13, 2021
3.7 my only issue is the first person narrative, and I feel like Umera writes a lot better in 2nd person than 1st person. Though It explains alot better the aswad perspective in the book.
March 2, 2014
Nice start but really incomplete ending.. It is the ending that spoiled the whole book
July 8, 2025
Book name: Hum Kahan Ky Sachy Thy
Author name: Umerah Ahmad
Rating: 3/5
بہت سارے لوگوں نے یقیناً اس ناول کا ڈرامہ دیکھا ہو گا۔ میں نے ناول پڑنے کے بعد ڈرامہ دیکھا۔ اگر میں ڈرامہ نہ دیکھتی تو میرے صبر کا پیمانہ لبریز ہو جانا تھا۔ ناول کی کہانی گھومتی ہے مہرین مشال اسود.
ان سب کا کردار ہمارے معاشرے کے ہر دوسری فرد کی عکاسی کرتا ہے۔ جوائنٹ فیملی سسٹم میں جہاں ہر بچے کو دوسرے بچوں کے ساتھ کمپیٹیشن میں رکھا جاتا ہے جس کی وجہ سے وہ ایک مستقل بے وجہ کی سرد جنگ کا حصہ بن جاتے ہیں۔ مشال کا کرداد بھی کچھ ایسا ہی تھا ماں باپ اور خاندان والوں کی طرف سے بلاوجہ کی محبت، جس کے نتیجے میں وہ حسد کا شکار ہو گئی۔ ماں باپ کی کی گی غلطیوں کا خمیازہ اس معاشرے میں اولاد کو ہی اٹھانا پڑتا ہے۔ مہرین کا باپ جو نشئی تھا اور اسی حالت میں مر گیا ۔ اس بد نصیبی نے مہرین کا ساتھ کبھی نہ چھوڑا۔ خاندان والوں کی باتوں سے لے کر باہر کے لوگوں میں مشہور کرنا اس کے کرداد کو اس قدر مسخ کر گیا کہ وہ ایک انٹرورٹ ہو کر رہ گئی۔ اور اس چیز کا فائدہ مشال نے بھرپور اٹھایا۔ اسود جو کہ مہرین کی خالہ کا بیٹا تھا وہ ایک کانوں کا کچا مرد تھا۔ ایسے لوگوں کہ وجہ سے ہی کہا جاتا ہے کی۔ کبھی بھی صرف ایک طرف کی بات جانے کے بعد کوئی نقطہ نظر نہ قائم کیا جانے۔ اور اس کے ساتھ ساتھ اسود ایک بہت بڑا ریڈ فلیگ تھا جس کو پہلے مشعل سے محبت تو ہو جاتی ہے لیکن وہ اتنا مضبوط نہیں ہوتا کہ اسے اپنا سکے (Whatever) کیونکہ اسود کی ماں اسے مجبور کرتی ہے کو مہرین سے شادی کر لے۔ ٹوسٹ یہاں آتا ہے جب مشعال دوبارہ یہاں گیم کھیلتی ہے وہ اسود کو بھی ساری عمر گلٹ میں رکھتی ہے اور اسفند جسے میرین پسند ہوتی ہے اس سے شادی کی خواہشمند ہوتی ہے۔ اور آخر پر مشاعل خودکشی کر کے مہرین کو اور جہنم میں دھکیل دیتی ہے۔ مہرین سے شادی کرنے کے بود اسود اپنے آپکو کو ایک گھٹیا شوہر بن کے پورا پورا دیکھاتا ہے۔ اور پھر آخر میں مہرین کی دکھوں کی بھری ڈائری اسود کے ہاتھ لگتی ہے اور پھر وہی سارے گھسے پیٹے معافی کے الفاظ
Author name: Umerah Ahmad
Rating: 3/5
بہت سارے لوگوں نے یقیناً اس ناول کا ڈرامہ دیکھا ہو گا۔ میں نے ناول پڑنے کے بعد ڈرامہ دیکھا۔ اگر میں ڈرامہ نہ دیکھتی تو میرے صبر کا پیمانہ لبریز ہو جانا تھا۔ ناول کی کہانی گھومتی ہے مہرین مشال اسود.
ان سب کا کردار ہمارے معاشرے کے ہر دوسری فرد کی عکاسی کرتا ہے۔ جوائنٹ فیملی سسٹم میں جہاں ہر بچے کو دوسرے بچوں کے ساتھ کمپیٹیشن میں رکھا جاتا ہے جس کی وجہ سے وہ ایک مستقل بے وجہ کی سرد جنگ کا حصہ بن جاتے ہیں۔ مشال کا کرداد بھی کچھ ایسا ہی تھا ماں باپ اور خاندان والوں کی طرف سے بلاوجہ کی محبت، جس کے نتیجے میں وہ حسد کا شکار ہو گئی۔ ماں باپ کی کی گی غلطیوں کا خمیازہ اس معاشرے میں اولاد کو ہی اٹھانا پڑتا ہے۔ مہرین کا باپ جو نشئی تھا اور اسی حالت میں مر گیا ۔ اس بد نصیبی نے مہرین کا ساتھ کبھی نہ چھوڑا۔ خاندان والوں کی باتوں سے لے کر باہر کے لوگوں میں مشہور کرنا اس کے کرداد کو اس قدر مسخ کر گیا کہ وہ ایک انٹرورٹ ہو کر رہ گئی۔ اور اس چیز کا فائدہ مشال نے بھرپور اٹھایا۔ اسود جو کہ مہرین کی خالہ کا بیٹا تھا وہ ایک کانوں کا کچا مرد تھا۔ ایسے لوگوں کہ وجہ سے ہی کہا جاتا ہے کی۔ کبھی بھی صرف ایک طرف کی بات جانے کے بعد کوئی نقطہ نظر نہ قائم کیا جانے۔ اور اس کے ساتھ ساتھ اسود ایک بہت بڑا ریڈ فلیگ تھا جس کو پہلے مشعل سے محبت تو ہو جاتی ہے لیکن وہ اتنا مضبوط نہیں ہوتا کہ اسے اپنا سکے (Whatever) کیونکہ اسود کی ماں اسے مجبور کرتی ہے کو مہرین سے شادی کر لے۔ ٹوسٹ یہاں آتا ہے جب مشعال دوبارہ یہاں گیم کھیلتی ہے وہ اسود کو بھی ساری عمر گلٹ میں رکھتی ہے اور اسفند جسے میرین پسند ہوتی ہے اس سے شادی کی خواہشمند ہوتی ہے۔ اور آخر پر مشاعل خودکشی کر کے مہرین کو اور جہنم میں دھکیل دیتی ہے۔ مہرین سے شادی کرنے کے بود اسود اپنے آپکو کو ایک گھٹیا شوہر بن کے پورا پورا دیکھاتا ہے۔ اور پھر آخر میں مہرین کی دکھوں کی بھری ڈائری اسود کے ہاتھ لگتی ہے اور پھر وہی سارے گھسے پیٹے معافی کے الفاظ
April 5, 2025
I'm angry at how this story was executed. It caters some very important topics; comparison among children, impact of parental relationships on later life of children, having to create an identity for yourself, letting go of the identities of your past, how those identities may still come back to haunt you, how family background and parental support change the way even those close to you treat you and most importantly it dealt with mental illness. Alas, the story feels all over the place and characters with such depth fall prey to a flat plot. Some points:
1. The individual characters and their stories were not weaved together. Mashal and Mehreen were complex characters and Aswad was used as a common factor to advance both their stories together but his character wasn't developed enough to truly do justice to Mashal and Mehreen's.
2. This is barely a novel. A novella at best. Working with so many themes the story had to be developed more, all of it felt too rushed. Mashal's character and complexes should've been explored more. The all or nothing approach was just not IT. Jab Mehreen buri thi tb wo hi bohat buri, jb Mashal buri hogyi tb wo sab se buri hogyi. And Aswad woh pehle bhi bht mid sa character tha aur end main bhi.
3. The narrative voice. This book read like a trauma-dumping conversation rather than a story. Good storytelling isn't 'telling' rather 'showing' the readers how the lives of the characters progress. And Umera Ahmed has done that masterfully in her other books, but unfortunately not this one.
1. The individual characters and their stories were not weaved together. Mashal and Mehreen were complex characters and Aswad was used as a common factor to advance both their stories together but his character wasn't developed enough to truly do justice to Mashal and Mehreen's.
2. This is barely a novel. A novella at best. Working with so many themes the story had to be developed more, all of it felt too rushed. Mashal's character and complexes should've been explored more. The all or nothing approach was just not IT. Jab Mehreen buri thi tb wo hi bohat buri, jb Mashal buri hogyi tb wo sab se buri hogyi. And Aswad woh pehle bhi bht mid sa character tha aur end main bhi.
3. The narrative voice. This book read like a trauma-dumping conversation rather than a story. Good storytelling isn't 'telling' rather 'showing' the readers how the lives of the characters progress. And Umera Ahmed has done that masterfully in her other books, but unfortunately not this one.
June 26, 2024
میرا عمیرہ احمد کی تحاریر سے رشتہ بہت پرانا ہے۔ اور یہ رشتہ مجھے بے حد عزیز ہے۔ میں ایک ینگ ٹین ایجر تھی جب میں نے عمیرہ احمد کو پڑھنا شروع کیا ان گزرے سالوں میں ان کی عقل و دانش سے بہت کچھ سیکھا بھی لیکن آج تک عمیرہ احمد مجھے حیران کرنے میں ہمیشہ کامیاب ہی ہوئی ہیں۔ آج بھی ان کی کوئی تحریر پڑھتی ہوں تو حیرت ہوتی ہے کہ کوئی اتنا اچھا اتنی گہرائی سے بھی لکھ سکتا ہے؟
اس کتاب میں تین کہانیاں ہیں۔ ہم کہاں کے سچے تھے، ہلال جرات اور بند کواڑوں کے آگے۔
بند کواڑوں کے آگے میں پہلے سے پڑھ چکی ہوں۔ مجھے یہ تحریر بہت کچھ سوچنے پر اکسانے والی لگی۔ ایک کرکٹر اس کا مرکزی کردار ہے۔ وہ کیسے اس فیلڈ میں کامیاب ہوتا چلا جاتا ہے اسے کون پسند ہے اس کا اپنا کردار کیسا ہے اس میں وقت کے ساتھ کیا تبدیلیاں آتی ہیں سبھی بے حد خوبی سے لکھا گیا۔ مجھے لڑکی کی سوچ اور صاف گوئی نے بھی بے حد متاثر کیا۔ اس کے بارے میں اس سے زیادہ کہنا سپوائل کر دے گا۔
ہلال جرات بہت اچھی اور مختصر تحریر تھی۔ ایک فوجی کے احساسات اور نوجوان نسل کی سطحی سوچ کی عکاسی کرتی یہ کہانی آپ کو بہت کچھ سوچنے پہ مجبور کرتی ہے۔
سب سے آخر میں بہترین چیز کی بات کی جاتی ہے۔۔۔ ہم کہاں کے سچے تھے.
یہ تین کزنز کی کہانی ہے۔ دوسری تحاریر کی نسبت لمبی ہے جس کی مجھے خوشی ہوئی۔ 102 صفحات پر مشتمل یہ تحریر بہت گہری اور پیچیدہ ہے۔ بہترین انداز میں پیچیدہ ۔
دھوکہ، جھوٹ، فریب، محبت۔۔ اس میں سبھی رنگ ہیں۔ اس کے لیے بہتر ہے بغیر کچھ جانے اسے پڑھا جائے۔ یہ ایسی تحریر ہے جو برسوں یاد رہتی ہے اور دل پہ ایک گہرا اثر چھوڑ جاتی ہے۔ اور ایسا کچھ عمیرہ احمد ہی لکھ سکتی ہیں۔
اس کتاب میں تین کہانیاں ہیں۔ ہم کہاں کے سچے تھے، ہلال جرات اور بند کواڑوں کے آگے۔
بند کواڑوں کے آگے میں پہلے سے پڑھ چکی ہوں۔ مجھے یہ تحریر بہت کچھ سوچنے پر اکسانے والی لگی۔ ایک کرکٹر اس کا مرکزی کردار ہے۔ وہ کیسے اس فیلڈ میں کامیاب ہوتا چلا جاتا ہے اسے کون پسند ہے اس کا اپنا کردار کیسا ہے اس میں وقت کے ساتھ کیا تبدیلیاں آتی ہیں سبھی بے حد خوبی سے لکھا گیا۔ مجھے لڑکی کی سوچ اور صاف گوئی نے بھی بے حد متاثر کیا۔ اس کے بارے میں اس سے زیادہ کہنا سپوائل کر دے گا۔
ہلال جرات بہت اچھی اور مختصر تحریر تھی۔ ایک فوجی کے احساسات اور نوجوان نسل کی سطحی سوچ کی عکاسی کرتی یہ کہانی آپ کو بہت کچھ سوچنے پہ مجبور کرتی ہے۔
سب سے آخر میں بہترین چیز کی بات کی جاتی ہے۔۔۔ ہم کہاں کے سچے تھے.
یہ تین کزنز کی کہانی ہے۔ دوسری تحاریر کی نسبت لمبی ہے جس کی مجھے خوشی ہوئی۔ 102 صفحات پر مشتمل یہ تحریر بہت گہری اور پیچیدہ ہے۔ بہترین انداز میں پیچیدہ ۔
دھوکہ، جھوٹ، فریب، محبت۔۔ اس میں سبھی رنگ ہیں۔ اس کے لیے بہتر ہے بغیر کچھ جانے اسے پڑھا جائے۔ یہ ایسی تحریر ہے جو برسوں یاد رہتی ہے اور دل پہ ایک گہرا اثر چھوڑ جاتی ہے۔ اور ایسا کچھ عمیرہ احمد ہی لکھ سکتی ہیں۔
July 18, 2021
The lives our parents choose to live impact us more than we can imagine. In our extended families we are seen as a reflection of them to an extent. Every time we do something unconventional or “bad” our parents bad habits get highlighted and even quoted “bilkul maa/ baap par gayi hai” and are aimed at us as an insult.
Another thing Umera Ahmed made me really aware of in this novel is that sometimes the lies get so strong that we ourselves start that believing them. And no matter how much anyone denies this; beautiful faces are still more valued and trusted by every society in the world than your “average” face.
Umera Ahmed is really good at bringing vulnerabilities and harsh truths to the surface, once again I am mesmerised by her writing after reading
Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay
The next story, Hilal-e-Jurat shows the realities of a soldier’s life and how much, sorry how little! their sacrifices mean to us
Band Kawaron Ke Aagay- the last short story portrays what sensible and educated women don’t want in a life partner
Another thing Umera Ahmed made me really aware of in this novel is that sometimes the lies get so strong that we ourselves start that believing them. And no matter how much anyone denies this; beautiful faces are still more valued and trusted by every society in the world than your “average” face.
Umera Ahmed is really good at bringing vulnerabilities and harsh truths to the surface, once again I am mesmerised by her writing after reading
Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay
The next story, Hilal-e-Jurat shows the realities of a soldier’s life and how much, sorry how little! their sacrifices mean to us
Band Kawaron Ke Aagay- the last short story portrays what sensible and educated women don’t want in a life partner
August 5, 2021
Being a huge Umera Ahmed fan my expectations were naturally high, I didn't realize this was one of her first novels..
U see her growth as a storyteller when u compare this book to the work she is doing now..
It wasn't a bad book but it wasn't a standard Umera Ahmed book either,
was a short book and fast paced story, but an average ordinary book...
the second half of the book was a lot better than the first one, almost like she quickly wrote the first half and then focused her attention on the second one...
A couple of things were almost unrealistic, by the end of the book, u understand why they happened but still the unrealistic element stays...
And a couple of things were so typical they put you off..
The ending was abrupt as well...I hope they make the ending better in the drama...
I initially thought the story would be from the points of view of all three main characters, turned out to be almost completely from Aswad's view point... Would have been nice if Mashal's point of view was given as well...
U see her growth as a storyteller when u compare this book to the work she is doing now..
It wasn't a bad book but it wasn't a standard Umera Ahmed book either,
was a short book and fast paced story, but an average ordinary book...
the second half of the book was a lot better than the first one, almost like she quickly wrote the first half and then focused her attention on the second one...
A couple of things were almost unrealistic, by the end of the book, u understand why they happened but still the unrealistic element stays...
And a couple of things were so typical they put you off..
The ending was abrupt as well...I hope they make the ending better in the drama...
I initially thought the story would be from the points of view of all three main characters, turned out to be almost completely from Aswad's view point... Would have been nice if Mashal's point of view was given as well...
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