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Chauthi Ka Joda Short Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai

“Chauthi Ka Joda” (“The Fourth Bridal Outfit”) is a short story written by Ismat Chughtai, a renowned Urdu writer from India. The story revolves around the life of a young girl named Sughra, living in a traditional Muslim household in pre-partition India.

The story begins with Sughra’s family making preparations for her marriage. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai Sughra’s elder sister, Nafeesa, is already married and lives with her husband. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai Sughra idolizes Nafeesa and wants to be like her. She dreams of wearing a beautiful bridal outfit just like her sister did.

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As the wedding day approaches, Sughra eagerly waits for her fourth bridal outfit, which is traditionally given to a bride by her husband’s family. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai It is considered a symbol of the husband’s love and appreciation for his wife. However, as the day arrives, Sughra’s husband’s family fails to bring the fourth outfit, disappointing Sughra.

Sughra’s mother tries to console her by saying that her husband’s family might have forgotten or faced some difficulties. But Sughra is deeply hurt and feels that her dreams have been shattered. She becomes resentful towards her husband and his family.

Despite her disappointment, Sughra’s life goes on. She adjusts to her new home and gradually develops a bond with her husband, Hamid. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai However, her longing for the fourth bridal outfit remains unfulfilled. She becomes fixated on it, unable to let go of her desires.

Years pass, and Sughra becomes a mother to two daughters. She raises them with great care and affection, but her desire for the fourth bridal outfit persists. Sughra’s husband notices her obsession and tries to reason with her, explaining that material possessions hold no real value in life. He encourages her to let go of her attachment to the outfit and find happiness in the present.

One day, Sughra’s husband brings home a box. Inside it is the fourth bridal outfit, fulfilling Sughra’s long-held dream. However, instead of feeling ecstatic, Sughra is filled with regret and a sense of emptiness. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai She realizes that her obsession with the outfit has blinded her to the love and affection she has received from her husband and children over the years.

In the end, Sughra understands the true meaning of happiness and contentment. She embraces the love and relationships she has nurtured rather than focusing on material possessions. The story concludes with Sughra cherishing her family and acknowledging that true fulfillment lies in the intangible bonds of love and companionship.

“Chauthi Ka Joda” explores themes of desire, longing, and the pursuit of happiness. It highlights the pitfalls of materialistic aspirations and emphasizes the importance of cherishing meaningful relationships in life. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai Through Sughra’s journey, Ismat Chughtai offers a critique of societal expectations and invites readers to reflect on the true essence of happiness.

Themes and Symbols

Themes:

Desire and Longing: The story explores the theme of desire and longing, particularly through Sughra’s yearning for the fourth bridal outfit. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai It delves into the consequences of unchecked desires and the importance of finding contentment in life.
Materialism and its Pitfalls: “Chauthi Ka Joda” critiques the pitfalls of materialistic aspirations. Sughra’s obsession with the fourth bridal outfit blinds her to the love and relationships she has in her life. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai The story highlights the emptiness that can come from solely pursuing material possessions.
Happiness and Fulfillment: The story prompts readers to reflect on the true sources of happiness and fulfillment. It suggests that genuine joy lies in meaningful relationships, love, and personal growth, rather than external possessions or societal expectations.

Symbols:

Fourth Bridal Outfit: The fourth bridal outfit symbolizes Sughra’s desire for recognition and validation in her marriage. It represents her longing for love and appreciation from her husband’s family.
Box: The box that Sughra’s husband brings home, containing the fourth bridal outfit, symbolizes the fulfillment of her desires. However, it also serves as a reminder that material possessions alone cannot bring true happiness. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai Sughra’s mixed emotions upon receiving the outfit highlight this realization.
Nafeesa’s Marriage: Nafeesa’s marriage represents Sughra’s idealized vision of a successful and fulfilling married life. Sughra idolizes her sister and desires to emulate her, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

Conclusion

“Chauthi Ka Joda” by Ismat Chughtai delves into the life of Sughra, a young girl longing for the fulfillment of her dreams through a fourth bridal outfit. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai However, as the story progresses, Sughra realizes that her fixation on material possessions blinds her to the love and companionship she has received from her family.

The story serves as a reminder that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions alone. It encourages readers to value the intangible aspects of life, such as love, relationships, and contentment. Sughra’s realization at the end of the story signifies a shift in her perspective, as she embraces the joy and fulfillment derived from meaningful connections rather than the pursuit of materialistic desires.

“Chauthi Ka Joda” prompts us to reflect on our own aspirations and evaluate whether they align with our true sources of happiness. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai It invites us to prioritize relationships, empathy, and personal growth over material possessions. Ismat Chughtai’s story ultimately conveys a powerful message about the significance of inner fulfillment and the pursuit of a meaningful life beyond superficial desires.

FAQ.

Q: Who is the author of “Chauthi Ka Joda”?

A: The author of “Chauthi Ka Joda” is Ismat Chughtai.

Q: What is the story about?

A: The story revolves around a young girl named Sughra who eagerly awaits her fourth bridal outfit, which is traditionally given by the husband’s family. However, when it doesn’t arrive, Sughra becomes resentful and fixated on her unfulfilled desire. Chauthi Ka Joda Story Summary by Ismat Chughtai As the story progresses, she learns to appreciate the love and relationships in her life and realizes that true happiness lies beyond material possessions.

Q: What are the main themes in “Chauthi Ka Joda”?

A: The main themes in “Chauthi Ka Joda” include desire, longing, materialism, the pursuit of happiness, and the value of relationships.

Q: What is the significance of the fourth bridal outfit?

A: The fourth bridal outfit symbolizes the husband’s love and appreciation for his wife. It represents Sughra’s desire for recognition and validation in her marriage.

Q: What is the message or moral of the story?

A: The story conveys the message that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions alone. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing meaningful relationships, empathy, and personal growth over the pursuit of superficial desires.