"Meher Baby, Make sure you finish your meals on time and yes I have already heated the milk.. Come fast and grab it, lest it would be cold!"

"Mumma why Milk everyday? Can't we just give the damn fluid rest for a day or two", the girl of 13 whined, giving a undesired look the white liquid.

"Mehu!!No profanities are welcomed in my house.. Didn't I make it clear already? I wonder where from you are adding such words in your dictionary? And secondly, stop giving such murderous glare to that lifeless fluid which is going to benefit you with strength and energy in the long run. Gulp it down quickly without a single word I am running late.. Come on Now!" she delivered the speech in a single breath.. You can trust that for a mother.

"Om Shanti in the neighborhood whereas my house is already a hotbed!May I know why? Little Bear is everything alright? Why is mumma mad that too early in the morning?" Neil inquisitively raised his eyebrows.

"Why are u asking her, ask me? After all I have to bear the regular tantrums regarding healthy food.. " answered Avni.. Anger dancing at the tip of her nose.

" Its okay na Avi!Bachhi hai. Achha leave that.. I assure you to feed her on time.. You might be getting late.. So quickly run before the cab leaves." He tried to tame the lioness who also happens to be his wife and divert her attention from Meher. You can always trust a father on that. He is pro in saving the daughter's from mother's wrath.

" A good Attempt Mr Khanna to save your daughter's day! Do remember I might be away from home but my eyes will be on you both.And yeah!No pizzas and burgers. Am I clear Mr and Miss Khanna? " Avni asked lifting her eyebrows.

"Aye Aye Captain!" The father and daughter said in unison.

"Good. Okay bye and See Ya both. Mehu don't trouble Papa and be a good girl like you are. And Papa Khanna kindly have your coffee and breakfast. I have kept it in the fridger.Love u both."And she kissed the forehead of both father and Daughter and ran outside in a jiffy with her bag.

"So Little Bear shall we go and have our breakfast.. After that I will help you with the homeworks and also lets fix a study schedule for you.. Exams are coming after all!" Said Neil to his daughter while patting her hair.

"Yes Papa!Papa u know I have lots of things to tell you regarding school."

"Is it? I think I have missed a lot of gossips for the last week.. Work u see!Okay aaj baithke saari kami puri kar lenge..Philhal lets respect our tummy's cry for food and have it.. Come come!"and they marched towards the dining hall.

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"Mehu!This is how you solve this equation. Now I will give some similar sums..Try to work it out by your own and notify me if u need any help.. In the meantime I will make lunch for us.

"Okay Papa!"

Patting her head quickly, Neil moved downstairs to the kitchen to cook the lunch for the day. This has been his routine since Meher was 6 months old. He has happily chosen the role of househusband whereas Avni went back to work,though it took a lot on his part to inveigle her. He knew how hard she has strived to be in the position she is in, he has been a witness to her daily scuffle with her conservative family and all the odds. Yet she stood strong and now when she has finally reached  her resolve, he could have never let her give up.

His mind went back to the time when he met Avni. They were neighbours, not the immediate next door ones but on the same lane. They met on the birthday party of a common friend in the locality. She has always been a gregarious and affable kind, whereas he the lone wolf . Infact the little friend he had was due to his parents push. Still there was something in Avni, her spirit, her will, her tenacity, her never give up attitude, infact everything in her attracted him to her. In no time, they were friends, ofcourse the first hand was forwarded by Avni. Then, how they became lovers, is not clear to them even. They call it a flow, a habit of each other, a vibe of a soulmate!And then time flew and with it their love burgeoned.

But one fine day came when life changed for them ever. Their family got to know their love and immediately threatened them to end it. The only reason -He a Hindu and She a Muslim. A distinction which never crossed their mind when they fell in love but their pure love got the status of "Love Jihad" by the obnoxious society. But they never left each other side and finally one day, they chose each other over the toxicity and eloped from their home. They took refuge at their friends house, far distant from their home and with his help got married legally. Initially they did face some complexity in meeting both ends,but finally after years of struggle they are now in a peaceful place. She is working as an Probationary Officer of SBI while he chose his dream of an Author. Amidst all this what went blooming is their Love and faith on each other.

As a gift of blooming love came the little fairy Meher. Avni had just completed 1 year in her profession  whereas Neil was still struggling, with his first book on the queue of to be published and the second one is still under works. Avni had had certain complications in pregnancy  due to  gestational Diabetes but finally after 9 months of pain, Meher came. They named her Meher because she was symbolic to benevolence and goodwill in their life. She brought with her ounce of good fortune for both her parents-Neil's First book topped the charts of  the best seller books category whereas, Avni bloomed in her career.

When Meher turned 6 months, Avni's maternity period ended and she had to get back to work.  She was apprehensive as Meher was too small and they are new parents;how will Neil do it single handedly;what if Meher cry for her warmth and lot more what ifs clouded her grey matter. Additionally, the not so important gyans of their neighbours, about how important it is for a mother to stay close to her child and that after birth how their daughter in law did not go back to work, as according to them women are meant to stop living their life and hecatomb their aspirations after a child enters their life. Neil has seen Avni crying secretly, she felt she was being self centered towards her child and that she could never be a goodmother. This affected her health as well and she slightly slipped into post partum depression.

Finally, with Neil's support and constant care she came round safe and sound. It was Neil who made her understand how important it is to be self independent and that how much proud their little Meher would be of her mother. He made her understand, getting married or giving birth to a new life is just another part of life but that does not necessarily signify a woman should part away from her dreams. Neil's words and Meher's face gave her the courage to get back to her dream by showing a middle finger to the society.She  then was determined to show the misogynist society that woman is a package of multitasking ability and if she is determined to do something, she will turn the earth upside down to achieve that. Compromising was always been a synonym of the feminine race, but she will never let it be so, she promised to bring a change in stereotypical mentality and encouraging many women to live their dreams.

****Tring Tring****

The buzzing sound of the calling bell drifted away Neil from his reverie. He quickly washed his hands and went to open the door. The door opened and he found the milkman standing there. He brought the pot and collected the fluid from the man. Then, he paid him the money and went in.

After placing the food in the tray, he went upstairs to his little princess. However the unusual silence upstairs made him frown. Generally, with Meher around, their house has never been quiet, courtesy her never ending antics. Neil found the door half open and tiptoed in carefully only to find it empty. Frowning, he called for Meher but no reply.

Then, he walked upto the bathroom and found it slightly ajar. He knocked it and on not getting any sound, he opened it carefully. After scanning the bathroom, he found little Meher curled up in a corner. Her knees folded, chin fixed on it and hot streams of water trickling down her face. Neil rushed inside to his daughter and bended to reach to her heights.

Neil:"Mehu,whats wrong beta!Tell me bachha!Is it paining somewhere? Are you hurt beta!" He, the tensed father, shot a number to question to his daughter in pain.

Meher:"Papa "and she jumped on to her father's lap. It was only then Neil noticed the red blood stain on her offwhite frock and realised that her little girl has finally entered the sanctuary of complete feminity. She has got her first period!

Neil composed himself quickly and rubbed her tears..

Neil:"Mehu my bachha!There is nothing to cry bachha.. Its normal baby.. Wait first we will change and then I will tell you a story.. Okay?Can u wait here while I go and get you the necessary things beta? I promise to come back sooner."

Meher just nodded in response. The red blood and the exquisite pain has petrified her pristine mind. But her father's comforting eyes instilled a little bit courage in her heart.

Neil in the meantime ran to Avni's wardrobe where she kept her sanitary napkins and other essentials. Then, he picked up a towel and a fresh pair of garments and underwears for her. He, then, trodded towards the  bathroom and slightly opened the door.

Neil:"Mehu listen carefully whatever I am saying. Remember bachha me and mom once told you about certain special return gifts our body gives when a little girl becomes an adult women and one of them is period. And now since you are a grown up girl, you have got your first period, beta.. Bilkul maat darna okay.. I will teach you the procedures of using a pad okay?

First wash your outlet and then tear open the plastics stuck on the sides and back of the napkin.
This sanitary napkins has wings that you can wrap around your underwear linings. And then carefully lift it up. Okay? I  am just outside. Jab bhi jarurat paare give me a call..Mehu you are a strong girl bachha.. Darna nahi hai bilkul bhi.."

And he waited outside the door, anticipating for things to be alright. Ever since, Meher entered her early teenage, both he and Avni has been prepared for her menarche. They both had made it a point to normalise basic discussion about menstruation and other puberty related changes with Mehu. Even Avni bought a small zipper pouch and stuffed some hygene necessity for Mehu in her school bag. They made it a point to make her ready for any situation.

After a while, the creaking sound of door drifted Neil out of anticipation.. Little Meher came out, her face fixed towards the floor and hands in a fist catching the helm of her dress-She was nervy and mousy.

Neil :"Bachha have u been able to do it carefully? "

Meher just nodded in reply. Her face still trying to decipher the floor underneath .All of a sudden Shyness has overtaken her senses. Another common perks of Puberty. Although she has spent more time with Neil than Avni, yet she felt a little constrained.
Neil understood her mind and picked her up on his lap.

Neil:"Mehu! Aap itna kya soch rahe ho? Beta I am your papa and your best friend. So no need to be shy in front of me. Okay listen. I know a lot of questions might be running in your mind. I will tell you everything but first let us lay down in bed. Your lower abdomen might be paining? "

Meher:"Yes Papa!Its paining here And I am feeling a pukish feeling at times." she said while laying down on bed.

Neil:"Beta these are the common sideeffects of periods and we call it cramps.  Periods or the good name for it being menstrual cycle,are bodily changes when a girl enters her teenage. Her body changes so that she can hold baby in future and this monthly blood flow is a sign that the place for the baby's growth is getting ready. We call that uterus.  Periods are as natural as any of our biological happenings. Jaise ki aap soote ho, khana khate ho, pani peete ho, yeh bhi kuch aisa hi hai. Its very normal."

Meher:"Par papa why do we girls get all the pain? And not the boys"

Neil:"Beta jab bhagwan ji hume bana rahe theh tab unhone ek match organize kiya between girls and boys to decide who will be the strongest!Aur uss match ki end mai girls won the title of being super strongest. Toh bhagwan ji as an honour unko sabse strong banaya to bear any pain and they deserve a huge respect for that. "

Meher:"Par papa its paining a lot now.. "she started sobbing in pain while clutching her lower abdomen.

Neil:"Mehu baas thora sabar karo beta. Mai  abhi kuch leke aata hu iss dard ko choomantar karne ke liye."
Neil ran out of the room and hopped down the stairs, skipping a few steps in between. In the meantime, his hands working through the browser for some remedies to counter the pain. As per the information collected along with his some prior knowledge (courtesy Avni and her period cramps)he got a heating pad, lavender oil mixed with coconut oil for abdomen massage, and a flask of kadha considered good remedy to sooth cramps. Upon entering the room, he made Meher lie down flat on her tummy and lifted up her dress a little to expose her stomach. He, then dropped a little amount of the essential oil and started massaging slowly.

Neil:"Beta how is it feeling now? Thora aram mil raha hai? "

Meher :"Haa papa thora dard kam ho raha hai. But mai jab bhi thora hilne ki koshis kar rahi hu phirse dard ho raha hai. "

Neil:"Haa aap ko rest karna hai abhi.. Thore time baad you will feel better. Wait I will bring the hot water bag. Place it on your stomach and you can feel a tinge of relaxation on your tummy. Also, sip these kadha in between. It will give some relief. "

Meher :"But Papa I hate kadha." She made a face of distaste.

Neil:"Beta your Father's special kara tastes different from any other kara in this whole universe. Also we have a buy one and get something special alongside offer running this time. " He smiled.

Meher:" Special?? Papa kya special hai batao na!"  Her eyes twinkled at the instant mention of something special.

Neil:"Umm I can give that but first you have to finish this kada quickly. Or else I won't mind having that special thing all to myself.. Also, I have planned something for the evening....But.... " he made a false display of disappointment on his face.

Meher:"Papa bataooooo na.Okay Fine, mai pee rahi hu isse. " she turned her nose up,squeeezed her eyes and pushed the not so delectable liquid down her throat.

Meher :"Look I have finished this yuckkk thing.. Ab toh batao kya special thing hai!"

Neil:"Okay okay Little Bear. Since you have kept your words now its my turn too. Just wait a sec. " He searched something in his pant's pocket and  pulled out a hazelnut diced dark chocolate-Just the favourite flavour of Meher and also something he knew his little girl would crave for. After all a father don't need words to read his daughter's heart. He has got some inborn talent in this regard.

Meher jumped up in excitement forgetting about all the pain, screaming umpteenth thankyou and love you papa to Neil.

Neil:"Anything for you bachha. But now apko rest karna hai abhi. Mumma ka half day hai so she would be coming anytime soon aur phir sham ko I have planned a small party -me, you and mumma. " He disclosed the plan waiting for Meher's reaction.

Meher:"Wow papa party.. Par aise achanak? Koi occasion hai kya? " she looked at him Inquisitevely.

Neil:"Yes, a very special occasion. My chocopie got her first break into complete femininehood, she is now a big girl, although papa ke liye aap humesha little bear rahoge. Aur this is also equally important to me just like your first step or first tooth fall. Remember Papa promised you to celebrate all your firsts in a grand way. " He shot his answer with a smile.

Meher:"Yayyyyyy!I am so happy." but in a moment her face fell.

Neil:"Kya hua!Apko plan achha nahi laga? "

Meher:"Nahi papa its so good!But how can I go outside! What if I get stains? Aur kisine dekh liya toh? "

Neil:"Bachha first of all we are not going outside. Rather we will celebrate here in our home. But keep in mind the reason behind it is not what if you get stains and people say anything or laugh at you. Your papa don't care about Log kya sochenge. Beta humesha yaad rakhna logo ki soch unke khud ke hote hai, na aap or nahi hum usse badal sakte hai.  Toh humesha aap apne saar ucha karke chalna aur aise kisi cheez ke liye saar niche nahi karna jo aapke haato mai ho hi na..  Menstruation is  pure. Agar kuch impure hai toh woh logo ki regressive soch hai. Toh aap yeh sab maat socho aur rest karo!Papa apki favourite cheese burst pizza order kar denge along with chocolate mousse aur sham ko we will party.. Yayyy!"

Meher :"Okay papa!I am so excited. Mai so rahi hu par mumma ki aate hi aap utha dena mujhe. " Hardly she completed her words, than she slipped into the comforter and drifted to dreamland.

Neil caressed her forhead and smiled thinking "Papa ke liye tum humesha Little Bear hi rahogi Mehu." He switched off the lights and left the room. He had to give the great news to Avni.

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Hello and Welcome Everyone To The InspiTalk Show. Today, we have with us the renowned gynechologist and women activist Dr Meher Khanna.Put a  big round of applause for the lady of the evening" -The host delivered the prelude and handed over the microphone to Dr Khanna.

Meher Khanna:

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen. Its good to see so many people out here to hear a women speak. Isn't that an achievement in itself! Haha!

Anyway let's start with today's show and the issue which I have picked to talk about is Menstruation or the common name for it being Period. Owww!Did I just put it loud? I can spot some usual expression in the audience now. Some boys are laughing as if it is some meme materials  while some women are looking left and right or down to avoid the shame. As well I might have been blessed with some expletives or being questioned about my upbringing since I have committed a 'sin' according to some. Isn't it?  Ab dekho jaise maine expression ki baat ki, sab straight baith gaye. Dariye mat, mai thori na apko stage pae bolaungi! I just tried to place a snippet of the society in front of you.

I have been used to this stares, courtesy goes to my frequent visits to rural corners of the society. I remember one of my visit to a village named Khimsur in Rajasthan with my team. We went there to make a survey and educate female section about period hygienes and menstrual education. For this purpose we approached a number of women. They were so shy to even open their mouth in front of men-only when there were no one around them they spilt their menstrual issues in our ears.

And what we came across is beyond shocking! There when a women is menstruating, she gets beaten black and blue by her husband, who thinks the former is potraying an alibi to escape sexual intercourse. Moreover,there were no toilet facility in the village and cloth pad were the only thing they could afford. Some women were even made to sleep in the cowsheds during those 5-6 days. They aren't allowed to cook or enter the main house until their period stops.  We went speechless!Believe me everytime when I hear such stories of agony I pray this is the height a woman has to bear and every single time I am proven wrong!

If I ask you what seems the most logical reason behind this?  90% of the population will scream :Literacy. But sorry folks you are again mistaken!I can cite some shocking examples from the literate urban household even. During my college days, my best friend faced one such incident. Her boyfriend literally thrased her when she complained of period cramps and incessant pain in her lower abdomen. He felt she nags everytime to gain sympathy and that pain lies in her head. However, a recent studies show period pain or endometriosis can be as bad as  having a heart attack!It can be life disruptive even. But 'a person with no uterus ' seemed to have more knowledge about it. For your information, he was an educated person with BTech and MTech degrees but as says people education enriches a person's granery of knowledge but has nothing to do with his 1st century mentality. What an irony!

You know the problem lies inherent in our childhood. Talking about Menstruation or Sex or any other mature topic is a strict no -no in the society we grow in.  Most of us get to know about these from friends or elder sister or brother and lastly google. Discussing with parents or parents talking about it freely is a far fetched dream. Isn't it?  That is why, Sex word has always been a meme material for the maximum people while it is as normal a necessity as sleeping. Same goes to Menstruation. Most of us have grown up hearing words such as -"Tum abhi sudh nahi ho toh mandir maat jao ","Hume bhi hota tha pain par hum toh aise tantrums nahi throw nahi Karte theh","Pads bag mai yah phir cupboard ki ek kone pae rakh, aise sabke samne achha nahi lagta","Itna mood kyun off hai tera-Are you PMS ing?", "Abee chinta maat kar, its just a mere period". Remember, how we used to hide pads in school in case boys pull that out and make fun of us or trying to muffle the sound of the wrapper so that people might not get curious about the same.

And the most important thing,"Ladko ke samne kabhi bhi periods ke baat maat karna." Guess what!When I had my first period, I had my father who Stayed beside me, helped me with the pad and cramps, celebrated it the same way he celebrated my first step and explained me about periods.  Infact he always taught me "Beta period is just a part of your life and jo isko mazak samjhe, uske khudke soch ek mazak hai. Aur jo hum badal nahi sakte uske baare mai hume sochna hai hi nahi." Papa ki iss sikh ko maine thora modified version mai apply karne ki koshis ki. Mera manna hai agar badlav lana hai toh hum chote chote kadam lenge. If I am able to change the thinking of 20 people. I consider it my achievement because in the long run those 20 people will influence the thought process of another 40 people. And the thread will go on. Atleast while aspiring for the sea, I could actually reach the pool. Isn't it? If this is not achievement, I don't know what it is then!

Thank you everyone for lending a ear. Have a great day and remember change starts from home. So, Parents normalize discussing issues with your wards, schools organize sex education and menstrual education for your students and society drop the patriarchial mentality. Let's make India a better place for our daughters.

She folded her hands and concluded her speech. The entire crowd applauded her to the echo.

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Later in night:

Meher picked up the garlanded photoframe kept on her table.

Meher:"Papa mumma. Its been 8 months since you both left me and everytime I achieve something I so wish you both were there sitting in the front seat, applauding me for my achievements. Kash mai apko dikha paati ki apki beti desh ki kahi  betiyo ki zindagi badalne ki koshis kar rahi hai. Kash aap aur mumma rehete mere saath jaise aapne promise kiya tha. I miss you Mom. I miss you Dad. " a drop of tear  landed right on the photograph. Before she can wipe them, a hand did the honour. She needed no extra power to guess who the probable person could be!

Meher :"Avinash!" she now turned to face the person.

Avinash:"Yes Darling!Its me. Missing Mom -Dad? " He knew her distressed soul needed her mate to share her grief.

Meher :"A lot Avi. It just feel so unbelievable even now. I so wish I could give them a bear hug but.. " she started sobbing.

Avinash held her close but didn't tell her to stop. He knew crying is a necessity for her to vent out her pent up emotion.

Avinash:" Uncle Aunty are so proud of you Mehu. Every time they see you from above, there heart swell in pride. They were blessed to have you. You know Mehu, the day we went to meet your parents, I was so nervous. I thought what if they don't like this Mach and Rasgulla eating person and show me the doors.. What if I become a devdas or Aman!  But uncle Aunty were such gem of a person. Uncle just told me one thing 'My daughter is capable enough to fight this world but she is soft like a cake from inside. If she has chosen you, I believe you will be a perfect shoulder for her. Hold each other hand forever and make it to the end with a smile.' I had promised them I will never let you shed a pearl, how can I break the promise  now!" He caressed her hair.

Meher :"I love you Avinash. I love you so damn much. "

Avinash:"I love you too Wifey! Always and forever just like the way Uncle Aunty has stayed beside each other. "

They sealed the night holding each other's hand, staring at the glittering stars, praying for their blessings !

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