I Hid My Voice

Four-year-old Shahaab has not started talking. The family doctor believes there is no cause for concern; nevertheless, Shahaab is ridiculed by others who call him dumb.” In his innocent and deeply hurt child’s mind, he begins to believe that the good” and intelligent” children like his older brother are their fathers’ sons. On the other hand, children like him who are clumsy” and problematic” are their mothers’ sons.

No one in the family can understand Shahaab except his maternal grandmother, who seems to possess the understanding and the kindness he so desperately craves. Their growing bond leads to a deep friendship in which Shahaab is able to experience some happiness and finally find his voice.