Indian POW couple told to reunite (BBC)

A real tale that turned into a reality TV show!

Mohammed Arif went missing in 1999 during fighting in the Kargil region. His wife, Gudiya, re-married and is now eight months pregnant. Like someone out of a Bollywood movie, Mohammed Arif returned last week from Pakistan where he had been imprisoned for 5 years.

The village council ordered Mr Arif and Gudiya to get back together but he wanted nothing to do with the baby. Taufeeq, the second husband, had countered by saying that he will only accept the baby if its mother stays with him.

This issue has apparently blanketed the media and has caused tons of debates.

Various TV channels are conducting opinion polls inviting viewers to decide the fate of Gudiya, and perhaps even her unborn child.

The matter reached a peak when Zee TV offered to help Gudiya reach a decision. Earlier this week, they performed a mock trial on-air with Gudiya, her two husbands, family and the village council. The verdict was the same as before - she should return to her first husband.

This AFP report (via IOL, South Africa) adds that Arif had a change of heart and has agreed to raise the child. Taufeeq is still trying to come to grips with his loss.