Word Meaning
शब-रौ
shab-rau
Meaning
A night-traveler, nocturnal wanderer, or thief moving secretly in the dark.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denotes one who journeys by night, often connoting stealth, solitude, or secrecy like a nocturnal wanderer or night-prowler. In Ghalib's verse, the fiery lament traveling through the dark interior of the lover's suffering is likened to a night-traveler, leaving behind burning scars on the heart as footprints. It evokes an image of elusive, deeply hidden grief leaving unmistakable traces.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'shab' (night) and 'rau' (the present stem of 'raftan', meaning to go or walk).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, 'shab-rau' is used metaphorically for a stealthy nocturnal traveler, secret lover, or solitary sorrow passing in darkness.
Examples
No one heard the whisper of the night-traveler passing by.
Traces of the night-traveler were found only upon the wounded path.