In the court premises, Khushi is standing holding her uncle’s hand. Today, Khushi has been brought to the court. The family court is about to give a ruling on who will have the responsibility of Khushi.
Khushi is holding her uncle’s hand on the court’s verandah, looking at her mother and father. They stand on opposite sides with their lawyers.
Khushi’s father and mother had lovingly named her Khushi Islam. She is their only child, almost eight years old. Khushi’s life was filled with happiness with her parents. She was the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s pride. Suddenly, due to some unknown reason, her parents started fighting. There was constant quarrelling, and Khushi would cry in fear.
For the past six months, Khushi has been living with her maternal grandparents. After coming here, her father stopped contacting her, and her mother no longer loves her like before.
Khushi’s uncle loves her very much and tries to fulfill her small wishes. Time went by this way. But today, Khushi has been brought to this unfamiliar place. Her uncle told her this is a court.
Here, Khushi sees her father for the first time in six months. She runs towards him and hugs him, calling out, “Papa!” Rashid doesn’t lift Khushi into his arms. Feeling neglected by her father, Khushi pulls away and goes to her mother. Khushbu, her mother, harshly pulls Khushi’s hand away and says, “Go to your father. What are you doing here?”
Khushi’s childless uncle picks her up and holds her closely as tears continuously fall from her eyes. Khushi doesn’t understand what her fault is. Why doesn’t her father and mother love her anymore? At her maternal grandparents’ house, apart from her uncle, no one shows her affection.
After a while, Khushi is taken into a room. Surrounded by unfamiliar people, Khushi feels scared and clings tightly to her uncle.
There is a lot of discussion between her parents. A senior woman sitting in front calls Khushi over and asks her where she wants to stay. Khushi says, “Auntie, I want to stay with my mom and dad, like before.”
She replies, “But your parents are now living separately. It is not possible for them to stay together. Would you like to stay with your mother or father?”
Khushi’s father raises his voice and says, “I can’t take care of her. I don’t have time to raise her.”
Khushbu immediately responds, “No, Your Honor, I am going abroad for my studies, and I cannot take the responsibility of her upbringing. I don’t want this child.”
Khushi goes back and forth between her mother and father, crying, saying, “Dad, Mom, please don’t leave me alone. Who will I call mother, and who will I call father?”
Khushi’s uncle requests permission to speak. When allowed, he says, “Madam, my wife and I are childless. We have been trying for 12 years but have not been able to have children. Khushi is my sister’s daughter. Both my sister and her ex-husband are responsible for their separation, but Khushi is not at fault. I am embarrassed by their actions. I do not know if such cases exist in any other court, but it’s disheartening to see a case filed in court for the responsibility of a child. My wife and I are willing to legally take on all responsibilities for Khushi. I request that the court ensure that they do not come back to claim her in the future. Let Khushi grow up with my identity, if the court permits.”
The magistrate, after hearing all the arguments, announces the verdict: “In my many years of service, I have seen many parents eager to take responsibility for their children. Today’s case has truly moved me. Khushi Islam will now be under the care of Tanveer Rahman. She will grow up with their identity. Tanveer and Isha Rahman will take full responsibility for her. If there is any negligence regarding Khushi’s education, health, or any other matter, the court will take appropriate action.”
The magistrate adds, “Since Khushi Islam is the biological child of Khushbu Rahman and Asad Islam, they will deposit 5.5 million Taka in Khushi’s name.”
He then says, “Khushbu Rahman and Asad Islam, if you had any thoughts of separation, you should have considered it before having a child.”
“Khushi Islam, from now on, you will grow up as the child of Tanveer Rahman and Isha Bella. You will respect them as your parents. May you grow up to be a good person. The court will always be there to support you.”
After the magistrate leaves, Khushi’s uncle picks her up and walks out. Khushbu and Asad, meanwhile, are busy negotiating the money.
From today, Khushi is no longer the child of Khushbu and Asad. When they step outside and call for a CNG, Tanveer sees Isha has arrived.
Isha picks up Khushi and tells Tanveer, “I want to take Khushi to another city. I want to take her far from this bitter experience and protect her.”
Tanveer agrees to this and says he will apply for a transfer to the Sylhet branch.
In the new city, Khushi will grow up away from the confusion and bitter experiences in this city.
