How could I possibly return thirsty from the gathering of wine? Even if I had taken a vow of abstinence, what was wrong with the cupbearer that he did not serve me?

Ghalib delivers this couplet with his trademark wit and playful grievance. He argues that even if he had taken a solemn vow of abstinence, a truly generous cupbearer (saqi) should have known better than to take him seriously and let him leave parched. Beneath this charming excuse lies a profound poetic truth: true love and divine grace are meant to overwhelm our fragile rules, showering us with generosity even when we mistakenly try to deny ourselves.