love in the times of price rise!

And they say talk about love? Love builds bridges, makes the barriers , stops wars, makes us happy and all the sorrows are gone. Love that invincible emotion for which countless lovers died, as they couldn’t be parted from their beloveds. Every day horrific honor killings dot the newspapers where love was stronger than caste, creed. Love is that special feeling which is inexplicable, no dictionary no words can pen down and describe in exact words the euphoria and the ecstasy. Every saint, poet has tried to express the love, the anguish he feels for his loved one, but no one can put it down in precise words what this enigma is.

Love for a child, a lover all has different meanings. But, now we come to two different scenarios of love in the 21^st century. Love, these days in this day and age means, a status update, a BBM status declaring more for the world what their love is. It comes in three varieties, either you are in a relationship, or are single or its complicated. Does complicated mean that you love him or her but he or she loves someone else? Does this also mean that you are confused but you love her enough to warrant a mention but still keeping her in the loop? Does love also mean showering gifts more for society / for conspicuous show in the form of (sic) pink/red teddy bears? Love , in this day and age is blatant in the face and more for the world. One is in love with the idea of love rather than love, itself.

Love faces the toughest test of fire in the ‘paapi pet ka swaal’ times, just imagine trying to love in the times when rajmah, dal and the good old’ chai is so expensive that we all are British by default! Just a spot of tea is such a British phrase but the Indians have adopted it with prices hitting where it hurts. The rupee gets stretched like a rubber band and that too snaps with the plastic being inferior as always.

The famous Punjabi hospitality is in danger of extinction not from war, or invasion but just plain old price rise. How is one supposed to love and spread the good word of cheer and humor if you can’t serve the guests? The masalas, the condiment have been reduced to keeping in the spice rack just for display rather than actual use.The famous world wide use of ghee has been reduced to just the aroma being released more for show than for effect as buying ghee is beyond any one’s budget . Maa ka Pyaar is a thing for the past and just for Bollywood films as love can’t be justified anymore by feeding mountain loads . Price rise is the number ne reason which is leading to cut in family food budgets being slashed …..  

Love gets tested to its stretching point on an empty growling stomach. Imagine getting all amorous and romantic and the stomach starts growling and making funny noises when you get close holding hands in the moonlight edging closer for the perfect kiss and union!

Love in the times of price rise is tested by the spiraling costs of food, basic necessities, petrol, water electricity .The rupee does not stretch anymore.

God is also getting expensive. His love, affection blessings have also gone expensive in the times of price rise. An akhand path that was rs1100 a few years has spiraled to three times the price.

What will mere mortal love do when God and his love is available at a higher price?

I however, believe in the old adage taught in school, love conquers everything except price rise.

 Ravneet Sangha