Srinagar, May 24 -- Tousif Raza

IntroductionIn the expansive landscape of Urdu fiction, certain voices rise above mere storytelling - they echo the silent suffering, articulate the unheard grief, and embody the conscience of society. Rehana Shajar is one such compelling voice. Her stories are not just tales; they are testaments. They offer reflections, criticisms, and most importantly, empathy. In her short story "Bhookh" (Hunger), she weaves a narrative so delicate, yet so disturbing, that it leaves an indelible imprint on the heart and mind of the reader. This story, deceptively simple in structure, is an exploration of layered realities - poverty, sacrifice, hunger (both physical and emotional), and the silent moral awakening of a hum...