How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Though my pain had only relented a little, his flesh was warm and soothing. I wanted to feel more of him, more of his joyous touch. For the first time I truly understood how my parents had felt for each other. I understood the taste, the insanity of love. Because as sure as the sun would rise tomorrow I loved him so. (7.161)
Ah—now Jahanara has found love. Not with her husband, of course (can you imagine if this quote had immediately followed the previous one?), but with Isa. And it is gooooood.
Quote #5
"Love, Jahanara, is more precious than gold. It should above all things be pursued." He took my hand. "But let that pursuit be a quiet one, a chase other hunters won't hear. For love, especially the love you seek, with the man you seek, can be most dangerous."
Far from surprised by his perception, but pleased that he had discovered my secret, I leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "I adore you, Father."
He seemed to consider my words. "Never deny yourself love, my child. For to deny love is to deny God's greatest gift. And who are we to deny God?" (9.37-39)
Jahanara's dad is just the best. Instead of telling her that she needs to remain faithful to her nasty husband—which is what most fathers would have done at the time—he advises her to pursue her illicit love and then uses their religion to defend his advocacy. Well played, sir. Can't be denying God in this society, now, can we?
Quote #6
Love. Such a simple feeling, yet such a force of creation. My parents' love, I was sure, would be written about until the end of time. Our own love, may it last forever, would be celebrated unknowingly for centuries through the dressings of the Taj Mahal. How fortunate we were, I realized. Men like Aurangzeb might know victory on a field of battle; they might earn titles and untold wealth. But could they ever reach such a height as this? When they were decrepit and dying, would they be content with their memories, or wallow in their lost opportunities? I suspected that their regrets would be many, and I pitied Aurangzeb, for his life would never be as complete as mine. (11.19)
People who are newly in love are so gloaty. "I'm so happy. No one else will ever be this happy, because I'm in looooove, and they don't know love like we know love, which is forever and ever and ever and perfect like my looooove…." Er—yeah. That's what's going on here.