Word Meaning
बचें
Bachein
Meaning
To escape, survive, be saved, or avoid (subjunctive: can or should escape).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'बचें' is the first-person plural or respectful subjunctive form of the verb 'बचना' (to escape or be saved). Ghalib expresses the profound helplessness of human existence, questioning where or how one could possibly evade soul-consuming grief as long as one has a sentient, feeling heart. The word underscores the inescapable nature of suffering when sorrow is innate to the human condition.
Etymology
From Middle Indo-Aryan/Prakrit 'वच्चइ' (vaccai), tracing back to Old Indo-Aryan / Sanskrit 'वञ्च्यते' (vañcyate, 'to escape, evade, or avoid').
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, the subjunctive form 'बचें' is commonly coupled with interrogatives like 'कहाँ' (where) or 'क्योंकर' (how) to emphasize the utter futility of trying to evade love, sorrow, or destiny.
Examples
Where might we escape, when grief is omnipresent?
How can one be saved from the inevitable wounds of fate?