Biju Mathew, 33, who is suffering from a terminal disease and counting his days in this world, wished to visit his four-and-a-half-year-old son. It was a wish that was not easily fulfilled as his five-year-old marriage had run into rough weather last year and the court had not given him visitation rights yet.
Biju, suffering from osteosarcoma cancer, which starts from the bones, appealed as a dying father to let him spend time with his son and bless him with a goodbye kiss. The family court of Bangalore granted him an opportunity to see and play with his son for a few hours on the court premises on Saturday.
Biju, who is undergoing chemotherapy, flew down from his hometown in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district with toys and dresses for his son. The boy, who grew up with him till he was three years old, was jumping with joy on seeing his father after a long time. The court had given Biju and his family time from 11 am to 2 pm to spend with the little one. Biju, affected by a tumour in his backbone, can only sit on a wheelchair now.
But that was hardly a hindrance for the father-son duo as they could play within the confines of the room to their satisfaction. Biju’s relatives and parents were also there to help him out. At the end of the session, Biju pleaded with the court that he be allowed to meet his son on a stretcher the next time. He also asked the court to allow him to talk to his son over the phone.
However, the court turned down his request. Biju had to take back the toys, dresses and other gifts he had bought for the kid as his wife rejected them.
Biju thanked Suraj Thomas, his advocate, for making his dream come true.
On the opposing lawyer’s argument that it will be traumatic for the boy to see Biju who is fighting cancer, he asked, “Why should my disease prevent my son from meeting his own father?”
“I was very happy to see my son. However, as soon as I reached Kerala, his memories began haunting me and I haven’t stopped crying these two days. I hope to see my son again,” he says.