koī jab mil ke muskurāyā thā
aks-e-gul kā jabīñ pe saayā thā

zaḳhm-e-dil kī jalan bhī kam thī bahut
giit aisā sabā ne gaayā thā

shab khulī thī bahār kī sūrat
din sitāroñ sā jagmagāyā thā

aise sargoshiyāñ thiiñ kānoñ meñ
koī amrit kā jaam laayā thā

ḳhvāb koñpal bhī thī tar-o-tāza
aarzū ne bhī sar uThāyā thā

jis ne mas.hūr kar diyā thā 'farah'
ek jaadū sā ek chhāyā thā

koi jab mil ke muskuraya tha
aks-e-gul ka jabin pe saya tha

zaKHm-e-dil ki jalan bhi kam thi bahut
git aisa saba ne gaya tha

shab khuli thi bahaar ki surat
din sitaron sa jagmagaya tha

aise sargoshiyan thin kanon mein
koi amrit ka jam laya tha

KHwab konpal bhi thi tar-o-taza
aarzu ne bhi sar uThaya tha

jis ne mashur kar diya tha 'farah'
ek jadu sa ek chhaya tha

Feb. Mar 1996"