I must admit I don’t always have patience for Pakistani soaps OR Rukhsana Nigar’s black-and-white characterization (read, Lamha Lamha Zindagi / Meray Charagar). However, I have been really, really touched by Khushbu Ka Ghar mainly because the story is very different. Also, as I am a parent myself, I have really learned a lot of things from this soap, which I would now like to share.

For those who do not follow it, the story follows the happy and contented lives of Sikander and Shehla, and their four children. However, a disaster awaits the four kids as first their father and then mother pass away. Each of their relatives assume guardianship of one child. The siblings are separated and this emotional turmoil continues till they reach adulthood. We have Aiman who deeply resents the fact that the four are separated and wants to reunite them; there is Abeera who is more docile and sacrificing. Then there is Fizza who is a mixture of both, and Ahmed who has been pampered to death by his phuppo.

It is heart-wrenching to watch the misfortunes and deprivations of these four children, and the way their relatives exploit them and give preference to their own children. It is also very satisfying to watch the relatives getting a good taste of “what goes around comes around”.

So, back to the topic: what are some of the vital lessons parents should learn from this?

1) Try to stay away from long-term interest-based loans/mortgages

In the drama, Sikander has bought a house after taking a loan. After his untimely death, Shehla has to repay the loan. And after she dies, the relatives are burdened with it. I strongly feel all parents should think twice before taking out such huge loans. Life is unpredictable. We don’t know how long we will live. Why pass on the burden to our children? Repay all your loans and purchase only what your budget allows.

2) Make a will – now

Again, life is unpredictable. It is always best to draft a proper will, notarize it and have a copy filed with your lawyer. Among other things, your will should clearly mention WHO will get the guardianship of your children and who is supposed to take care of the property/assets belonging to them till they grow up and assume responsibility of the same. It should also mention how your outstanding loans have to be paid (which asset should be sold, in other words).

3) Open a joint bank account with your children

Many banks today offer the facility of opening a bank account jointly with a child. Avail that and make sure you deposit enough money in it to ensure that even if the kids are orphaned early, they can utilize these funds in future for their education. Teach them (especially if they are 10 years or above) how to withdraw money from a bank, use online banking, use debit cards, etc. Make them money-wise early on. In Khushbu Ka Ghar, it is evident that the children have no money of their own even when they have grown up.

4) Invest wisely

Invest your money in something that will give a sure-fire return in the future. Make sure you list your children as beneficiaries.

In short, one must realize the unpredictability of life and take appropriate measures. Somehow, we perceive death as something that happens only to others. This soap is an eye-opener and I do hope all parents will learn something from it.