We are well aware of the actual reality regarding Paradise, but...

To keep the heart happy, Ghalib, this idea is quite good.

The poet expresses a witty skepticism regarding the religious promise of the afterlife. He implies that while he knows the 'truth' about Paradise (perhaps that it is metaphorical or non-existent), the concept itself serves a useful psychological purpose. It acts as a comforting illusion that allows people to find joy and endure life's hardships through hope.

We are well aware of the actual reality regarding Paradise, but...

To keep the heart happy, Ghalib, this idea is quite good.

The poet expresses a witty skepticism regarding the religious promise of the afterlife. He implies that while he knows the 'truth' about Paradise (perhaps that it is metaphorical or non-existent), the concept itself serves a useful psychological purpose. It acts as a comforting illusion that allows people to find joy and endure life's hardships through hope.

Love has rendered Ghalib completely useless and idle.

Otherwise, I too was a capable person of great worth.

The poet humorously yet sorrowfully confesses that the pursuit of love has consumed all his worldly potential. He reflects on his former self, claiming that before falling in love, he possessed great utility and capability, which has now been wasted away by his passion.

Love has rendered Ghalib completely useless and idle.

Otherwise, I too was a capable person of great worth.

The poet humorously yet sorrowfully confesses that the pursuit of love has consumed all his worldly potential. He reflects on his former self, claiming that before falling in love, he possessed great utility and capability, which has now been wasted away by his passion.

When I see them, a sudden glow comes to my face.

They assume that means the sick person is doing well.

The beloved’s presence briefly brings color and liveliness to the lover’s face, even though the inner pain remains. That passing ‘radiance’ becomes a misleading sign: onlookers judge health by appearance. The couplet captures how love can animate someone for a moment while the real illness—of heart or longing—stays untouched, creating a poignant misunderstanding.

When I see them, a sudden glow comes to my face.

They assume that means the sick person is doing well.

The beloved’s presence briefly brings color and liveliness to the lover’s face, even though the inner pain remains. That passing ‘radiance’ becomes a misleading sign: onlookers judge health by appearance. The couplet captures how love can animate someone for a moment while the real illness—of heart or longing—stays untouched, creating a poignant misunderstanding.

In love, living and dying feel the same; there is no real difference.

We keep ourselves alive only by looking at the beloved whose glance can take our breath away.

The couplet says that true love dissolves the boundary between life and death: both become equally acceptable states. The lover’s survival depends on the beloved’s presence, yet that same beloved is so cruel or powerful that a single look can kill. This tension—being sustained and destroyed by the same sight—captures the intensity and helpless devotion of عشق.

In love, living and dying feel the same; there is no real difference.

We keep ourselves alive only by looking at the beloved whose glance can take our breath away.

The couplet says that true love dissolves the boundary between life and death: both become equally acceptable states. The lover’s survival depends on the beloved’s presence, yet that same beloved is so cruel or powerful that a single look can kill. This tension—being sustained and destroyed by the same sight—captures the intensity and helpless devotion of عشق.

She feigns ignorance and asks others, Who is this person named Ghalib?

Someone please advise me, what answer should I give to such a question?

This couplet highlights a moment of witty irony and deep pathos where the beloved pretends not to know the poet, despite his fame being entirely due to his love for her. Ghalib is left speechless, wondering how to define his identity to the very person who is the center of his existence.

She feigns ignorance and asks others, Who is this person named Ghalib?

Someone please advise me, what answer should I give to such a question?

This couplet highlights a moment of witty irony and deep pathos where the beloved pretends not to know the poet, despite his fame being entirely due to his love for her. Ghalib is left speechless, wondering how to define his identity to the very person who is the center of his existence.