Bunty – The Cow Who Became a Friend

Bunty – The Beloved Cow

BY:Ubaid

Javed Iqbal’s children, Faizi and Tooba, were brimming with excitement. Today was a special day—their father was taking them to the cattle market to bring home a sacrificial animal for Eid. Dressed neatly and full of anticipation, they set off together toward the bustling mandi set up just outside the city.

The market was alive with sights and sounds—majestic cows, strong bulls, calves, goats, sheep, buffaloes, and even towering camels. Traders called out their prices, buyers haggled noisily, and the children’s eyes sparkled with wonder.

As they strolled beside their father, Tooba suddenly stopped in her tracks.
“Look, Baba!” she exclaimed, pointing to a beautiful cow. “This one is perfect. Can we buy her?”

Faizi and their father admired the cow as well. After some bargaining, they finally purchased her and brought her home. It was late at night, so the children went to sleep, their hearts filled with joy at the thought of their new companion.

Since it was winter, the cow was tied safely in their small courtyard. The next morning, Tooba and Faizi eagerly joined their father in washing the cow. They decorated her with ankle bells, a bright tikka on her forehead, and a garland of colorful beads around her neck. She looked even more stunning—almost as if she, too, had been waiting for these children.

Soon, a bond began to grow. When Faizi sat down for breakfast, the cow mooed softly, stretched her neck, and happily ate from the paratha he offered. It felt as if she had always been accustomed to such treats. She licked the children’s hands whenever they came close, filling them with delight. Tooba, especially, became her favorite. Whenever Tooba approached with food, the cow gazed at her with deep affection, almost lost in thought.


---

Far away, in a quiet village, another girl named Balu lived with her parents, Fazal Deen and his wife. Their life revolved around farming and raising animals. Their home was lively with cows, goats, chickens, a cat, and a loyal dog. Among them, Balu loved one cow most dearly.

Not long after, that cow gave birth to a calf. Balu named her Bunty. From the start, she cared for Bunty day and night—feeding her, playing with her, and protecting her. As Bunty grew, she followed Balu everywhere, even refusing to sleep beside her mother, preferring instead to curl up near Balu’s bed. Often, in the middle of the night, she would gently lick Balu’s hands and feet, as if to make sure her little friend was safe.

As Bunty grew older, her father worried. “Balu, Bunty is big now. What if one night she climbs onto your bed and you get hurt? We must tie her near the cow at night.”

Reluctantly, Balu agreed. But her love never wavered.

When Bunty once fell ill and stopped eating, Balu rushed twice a day to the village healer, fetching medicines and herbs until Bunty recovered. The villagers marveled at their bond. Bunty would only eat from Balu’s hands, refusing food from anyone else.

Their love was so deep that when Balu fell sick with a fever and could not get up, Bunty too stopped eating. She stood quietly, staring at Balu’s bed, her eyes filled with worry. When forced to drink water, she broke free from her rope and pressed herself close to Balu’s side, as though she could not live without her.

Time passed, and Bunty grew into a strong, beautiful cow. One day, the village butcher, Chacha Karmu, came to their house.
“Fazal Deen bhai,” he said, “your cow is now two years old. Should I take her for this Eid?”

Hearing his words, Balu’s heart sank. She despised him, for he often took away the most beautiful animals of the village to sell at the city market.

“Amma,” Balu wept later, “I won’t let them sell Bunty. She’s my best friend. I can’t live without her.”

Her mother held her close and gently explained, “My dear, we are poor. Raising animals is our livelihood. The money we get from selling them helps us survive. Bunty is yours, but when she is sold, the money will also belong to you. It will help you one day.”

Despite her tears, the inevitable came. Chacha Karmu took Bunty away. Balu cried bitterly, asking again and again—Where would Bunty go? Would she be safe? Would she get enough food in the city? Eventually, exhaustion carried her into restless sleep.


---

Back in the city, Faizi and Tooba were enchanted by their new cow. Tooba suggested, “Let’s give her a name.”

Faizi, who loved sweet candies called Bunty, proposed, “Let’s call her Bunty.”

Tooba called out the name. The cow immediately turned her head and looked at her, as if recognizing the sound. Their mother smiled. “Yes, children. In villages, people often name their animals with love. Perhaps her name was always Bunty.”

The children grew inseparable from her. They decorated her, fed her first before themselves, and spent long hours playing in the courtyard. She had become a family member.

But then came Eid morning. After prayer, their father returned with the butcher. The moment the children saw him, their world fell apart. Faizi stood crying in a corner while Tooba locked herself in a room, wailing. Their parents tried to comfort them, but amidst their sobs, Bunty was sacrificed. Their uncle quietly took the children outside so they would not see.


---

That same morning, in her distant village, Balu’s mother woke her up.
“Get up, Balu! It’s Eid day. Why are you still asleep?”

Balu rubbed her eyes and burst into tears.
“What’s wrong, child?” her mother asked.

“Amma, I saw Bunty in my dream,” Balu whispered. “She was with two children, sitting happily, eating something. She wore a garland and anklets. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. Amma… maybe she’s found a place she likes.”

Her mother stroked her head softly. “Yes, my dear. Today Bunty has gone to an even better place.”