Is what occurred, in terms of seclusion and kissing between a young man and a young woman after marriage by way of Al-Fatihah only, and before the legal consummation, considered permissible or forbidden?

If the marriage contract is concluded with its conditions, the wife is entitled to half of the mahr (dowry) if separation occurs before consummation. The mahr becomes complete with a valid khalwa (private seclusion), which is a seclusion where no one sees them, or by closing a door or drawing a curtain. This is based on the saying of Omar and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them): "If he closes a door and draws a curtain, she is entitled to the complete sadaq (dowry), and she must observe the ‘iddah (waiting period)." The majority of jurists have held that a valid khalwa confirms the mahr in full, whether the mahr was specified or was a mahr al-mithl (a dowry equivalent to that given to women of similar status), based on the Almighty's saying: "And how could you take it while you have gone into each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?" (Quran 4:21). Also, the wife must observe the ‘iddah after a valid khalwa, which is three menstrual cycles, based on the Almighty's saying: "Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods." (Quran 2:228). There is no religious prohibition on the mediation of benevolent people to reconcile between the spouses.