न जानूँ नेक हूँ या बद हूँ पर सोहबत-मुख़ालिफ़ है
जो गुल हूँ तो हूँ गुलख़न में जो ख़स हूँ तो हूँ गुलशन में
— Mirza Ghalib
Meaning
I don't know if I am good or bad, but my company is always adverse. If I am a flower, I find myself in a fire-pit; if I am a piece of straw, I am in a garden.
Explanation
This beautiful couplet explores deep emotions and philosophy. Ghalib masterfully presents themes of love and spirituality through rich imagery that resonates across centuries, inviting contemplation of life's deeper truths.