Word Meaning
ख़्वा-मख़्वाह
khwa-makhwah
Meaning
Inevitably, whether willing or not; in any case, or without cause.
Detailed Meaning
An adverbial Persian compound signifying either 'willy-nilly' (inevitably) or 'needlessly / without justification'. In this couplet, it emphasizes absolute inevitability, asserting that because death is destined to happen anyway, avoiding the beloved's street makes no sense. It can also imply dying vainly or needlessly for love.
Etymology
Persian compound derived from 'خواہ' (khwāh, 'wish/want') + 'نہ'/'م' (negative particle) + 'خواہ' (khwāh), contracted from 'خواه نخواه'.
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, it is favored for depicting either fate's unavoidable decree or the unjustified cruelty inflicted by the beloved and the heavens.
Examples
Do not distress your heart needlessly.
We must depart this world willy-nilly.