‘Murder at the Mushaira’: A poet is murdered, and the detective chasing the killer is Mirza Ghalib
An excerpt from Raza Mir’s historical novel set in the Delhi of 1857 and after, with a crime driving the narrative.
Unlike the other servants in the Nawab’s employ, Kallu was not one to forage for leftovers, however delectable; he had too much self-respect for that. His sense of self was simple, earthy, and unyielding. He nodded to his wife in crusty gratitude; he knew it would be a long day, and that he would be hungry. He would eat the roti as he walked to the haveli. No food was available during the day at the haveli during Ramzan. Even Hindu employees like Ramji had no option but to fast, at least in public.