Summary

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 Wara—wolf and boy—and the hurt and fear that come when love remains unrecognized. The Begum responds with her own story—of Aresh and Barab, and a friendship that transcends death. What follows is a many layered, unforgettable duel of narratives—about love and loyalty, friendship and sacrifice, desire and anguish.

Excerpt

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Reviews

‘Reminiscent of the best of Indian fables, Sufi sayings and Koranic and Biblical tales. Omair Ahmad’s storyteller and begum measure up to Scheherazade.’ — Verve

‘It isn’t every day that one comes across a book that one can commend so unreservedly… [A] swift, elegant tale.’ — Outlook

‘A masterful (re)telling of stories.’ — Hindustan Times

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