Iktarfa: imperfectly a perfect failure

by Amaan Shaikh

iktarfa is a deeply personal and soul-stirring collection by Amaan Shaikh that beautifully blends the precision of visual art with the raw emotion of poetic verse. The book explores the poignant journey of unrequited love, resilience, and the human experience, centered around the character of Faiz, who transforms his silent heartbreak into a path of spiritual awakening. Through its pages, the author gives a voice to the "silent screams" of those who feel lonely even in a crowd, ultimately showing that the pain of loss can lead to a profound connection with the Divine. It is a tribute to the dignity of loving without expectation and finding strength in one's own incomplete story.

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2026

About the author

Amaan Shaikh is a Conceptual and Visual Artist, writer, and poet who hailed from Samastipur, Bihar. A Science graduate and an Anesthesia Technician by profession, Amaan seamlessly blends the technical world of medicine with the soulful world of art.
He is the author of the deeply emotive poetry collection "Iktarfa: Imperfectly a Perfect Failure," and the compelling story "Gunahgar." Writing primarily in Hindi and Urdu, his work is characterized by a "raw and human" touch, often exploring themes of unrequited love, solitude, and the philosophical layers of the human experience.
Beyond his writing, Amaan is a dedicated digital creator, managing his own book design and publishing process. He is passionate about preserving the authenticity of local dialects and emotions in a digital age, making him a unique voice in contemporary Indian literature.