Marriage

The marriage motif is used by the author to create a dilemma for Asghar as his obsession with Bilqeece drives him to despair and threats of suicide. Marriage serves as a source of conflict between himself and Mir Nihal. Marriage is important in the Indian culture because it aids in the growth of the family and the rise in social status. For Asghar to want to marry beneath his social status is offensive to Mir Nihal, who wants Asghar to marry into a more prominent family. Asghar has other women in his life, but he finds that none of them are as good as Bilqeece. This is especially hurtful to his main mistress Mushtari Bai,

It is only through the intervention of Asghar's sister, Begam Waheed, that Asghar receives help from his family. At first reluctant, Begam Nihal is persuaded by Begam Waheed to interceed for...