Even before I could contort my face into an expression of disgust and horror, the little leaky creature did a mini somersault thing and landed on my own lap with a gurgle loud enough to take me by surprise and at the same time soft enough to stroke a part of my heart with suitable warmth. Suppressing the smile which my heart sent as a signal of liking the little baby’s presence, I got up, placed the child on his folding cot and tried as hard as I could to be NI (not interested). Trying stunts with me, huh? Just go tell him who I am. You may be cute and cuddly but with your habit to drip and overflow, you sure as hell don’t qualify for the kindness bit.
Like how the atmosphere with a definite composition envelopes our earth, a kindly feeling surrounded the child. Admitted, I was tempted to play with him. Touch his cheeks and do a little brutal pulling and twisting. Sing him a song and watch him laugh or repulse, the latter being a more appropriate response to the kind of singing he would be subjected to. Anyhow, I just wanted to do those little cutesy pretty things to the gorgeous baby. but but but if you plan to soak me, then boy, I’ll make your injuries look like an accident.
With the clashing thoughts of love and apprehension, I decided, I wasn’t going to risk my life if I went ahead and showed a little appreciation for the toddler’s existence. What could be the worst, he’ll cry and shout and howl and yowl and scream and shriek and create havoc. What else? Helpless creature he is, and look at me, I can just slap him and shut him up at once if need be. I suddenly felt as powerful as a bi pedaling fully evolved man would feel if he were sent back to the Stone Age amongst quadrupeds. What harm can the crawling baby do me, after all?
Reaching out to his chin to do the signature cuddling gesture mother’s generally do to their infants, I felt so safe like I was going to do the most pure and true action ever. Weirdly enough, this was the moment I realized what a big deal I had made out of such a simple situation. We just love to complicate things for ourselves all the time. So, alright, I’ve got a brain. Active grey cells. A working mind. Intellect. But should they always be put to use? Umm yes, of course but how about once in a while doing things without putting in thought and bothering our ability to reason out. This actually reminds me of a particular story by Nicholas Fisk where in a highly advanced and complex alien with five stomachs and the power of sending out brain waves somehow lands on earth and befriends a little baby of all people because he happens to be the only creature who matches his intelligence and astuteness while all other animals and scientists have very basic and self interested needs and desires. The message is clear, who is more intelligent? the scientists with a thousand laboratories in function or the baby with his simple natural race memories. Most will still debate.
Similarly, another example which comes to mind is hunting which was the early man’s necessity. He did it ever day for food, security, etc. but look at hunting now, it’s more of a hobby nowadays. People who have the facility or are very keen on shooting take it up and brandish animal skins as a testimony to their valour. For the early man it was routine, for today’s man an accomplishment. What they did so easily on a daily basis is an achievement for us. So, aren’t we in a way backsliding?
No, I am not very crazy about natural living and camping and bon fires, these are just thoughts. I very fervently support developments of all kinds. Technology rocks. But simple pleasures, just don’t miss out on them.
And the baby, he was very happy with all the attention. I was even happier and now I know it wasn’t his leaky habits I feared. I was just afraid he was too delicate and tender for my rash habits, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to handle him well enough and what if he didn’t smile at me? Would that mean he hated me? But for what reason? Would I ever find out? Too many doubts.
PS- For all those who just like to look at babies from a distance and fear going too close, try it, it’s one of life's greatest pleasures.
