The Kiss of Missing Love and The Love for Missing Kiss

Deepak is spending a lazy Saturday morning, with his late coffee and newspaper. From front page to last including sports is more to do with politics, power, publicity and posters, than the real news. For those who are not interested in this, news paper reading has become a ritual. The shameless sensationalization of  every incidents tragic, comic or trivial has made it a monotonous affair.  He is almost back to sleep.

A loud scream put an end to his thoughts and half sleep. It is from his 7 year old daughter Diya. Screams and shouts has become a routine stuff at home.  Result of unsophisticated parenting that both Deepak and his wife Dimple blame each other.

"Can you please have a look at what are the kids up to?" shouted Dimple from the kitchen.

"Ah not again!" he gulped the words as aroma of brown bread and sprouts made him more sleepy.. 

She must be busy preparing the healthy-organic breakfast.So it is better to just follow.

 He hesitantly dragged himself towards the source of the sound.

The issue was very evident from the crime-scene. TV remote lying down with batteries apart. Diya still screaming with palms covering her face. 3 year old Dhruv sitting on the sofa with a victimized look.

"What is happening here? "

Both tried to turn the situation in their favour with stories accompanied with sobs. In summary Diya wanted to watch "The Frog Prince" but Dhruv was watching 'Chotta Bheem'. She snatched the remote and he scratched her and she threw the remote at him which missed and hit the wall.

 "Ok. Now do you want to start doing your homework right away or listen to what I say? "

"Calm down, say sorry to each other as both of you have committed mistakes"

"Ok now both of you give a nice hugg and kissie"

"Why should we do that? " Why has become the most used words by kids.

"It is to forget the fight and to show your love and affection to each other?"

They did so as it was a routine stuff and were back to smiles.

Deepak sensed an opportunity. He took the remote and put the batteries in place. “No more cartoons today"

He switched over from newspaper headlines to panel discussions in news channels. Diya sat back with him and Dhruv went to his mother to protest.

"This is what happens when you both fight. Someone else will take the advantage" Dimples voice was loud enough to pierce through the panelist’s voice

The ongoing discussion is on 'Kiss of Love' protests.  Royal 'blabber'ers from various groups, competing each other to dissect kiss and love . In between they were also showing the visuals where some people are trying to kiss others trying not to let them kiss and police hitting both as they are confused on who is right. And there was a huge crowd, some recording it in mobile phones, some shouting, some trying to get their face on TV camera.

"Dad, why are they fighting?"

“They are not fighting dear. They are trying to kiss each other"

"Did they also fight like us so that they can kiss and make up?"

"No, they are trying to prove a point.”

"What is the point they have to prove? Dad, Are you saying that we can kiss and start a fight also?"

"Hmmm.. I think they are trying to say that we have the right to kiss in public"

"Are we not allowed to kiss in public? Dad, you kiss me every day when you drop me at school. Will they fight with you?"

"There are no rules yet dear. I am your dad. It is okay for parents to kiss their kids"

"Can I kiss my friends & brother in public?"

"Hmm.. I would say you can do it now"

"Means what? I cannot do it later"

"You can, as long as you feel a need for it. But beware of the people around you”

"Are they shameless to watch others kissing, dad? I am not hurting any one"

"They feel kissing destroys our culture. It sets bad example for our kids and society."

"What is culture dad?"

"Hmm.. in simple terms it is about following certain rules, values & doing good things that our forefathers taught us. "

"Did our forefathers teach us to burn vehicles, throw stones, block the roads, abuse, thrash and kill people? Did they also tell us not to kiss?"

"I dont think so..."

"Dad, why are there so many people watching this and recording it on mobile phones? "

"Hmm... they may not have seen anyone kissing so far in life."

“Dad, I think they are aliens. They wouldn’t have seen human beings”

  

"Diyaa... have you finished your homework?" Both of them did not notice Dimple listening to their conversation.

"Why are you sitting and discussing all nonsense with kids"

"She should know what is happening around, Dimpy"

"Ok then.. Explain this also” She pointed at the TV

Deepak hadn't noticed the panel discussion on 'Kiss of Love' is over and a new one has started with the same panelist. 'Repeated offences against children. Are the schools safe for our kids?'

“I need to educate her to be careful and bold but not with this nonsense mongers"

Before Diya could manage following the topic, He switched over to the previous cartoon channel.

The Frog Prince was about to end. The princess kissed the frog and it turned to a handsome Prince.

"Dad, see kiss is magical. It turned the frog to a Prince. Even it woke up the 'Sleeping beauty'. Did someone fight with them too for kissing?"

"There are two possibilities dear.

1) Those were the kisses which had real love in it. And the people around had better work to do than watching others kissing or fighting with those who kiss. 

2) May be the story is cut short for happy ending. There was a mob watching this who threw stones at them and exiled them to Mars, as they believe only aliens kiss."

The little girl looked slightly confused.

Deepak lifted her and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. She hugged him and gave a sweet little peck on his cheek.

" I love you dad"

Dimple, the strict mom so far couldn't conceal the smile that came right from her heart. Dhruv joined the huddle and so did Dimple. 

"When, Where, How and Who turned this 'sweet magical spontaneity of love' to violence?"

Deepak is struggling for answers just like anyone else in the world who can be called human.