Fleeing the city of Delhi ravaged by Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces,
the storyteller stops at an isolated haveli. When the Begum of the
haveli invites him to stay and share a story, he tells her the tale of two
brothers, Taka and WaraÑwolf and boyÑand the hurt and fear that
come when love remains unrecognized. The Begum responds with her
own storyÑof Aresh and Barab, and a friendship that transcends death.
What follows is a many layered, unforgettable duel of narrativesÑ
about love and loyalty, friendship and sacrifice, desire and anguish.
About the author Omair Ahmad grew up in India and Saudi Arabia, and has worked as
an analyst, reporter and political adviser in New Delhi, London and
Washington. His published work includes the novels Encounters, and
Jimmy the Terrorist.
