The lady who entered the chamber just now ought to be complimented for her punctuality. Yesterday when she had dialed up for appointment she was pretty hesitant about a session. But as soon as the first bell of 9 o' clock rang, the ring on the door revealed Miss Aparna Ghosh at the entrance. Clad in a black chanel bodycon reaching down to her knees and carrying one of those leather briefcases that lawyers carry, she radiated the class of her blue collar job.
"Good morning", Aparna greeted in her thick Texan accent as she sat herself on the chair and placed her hands on the table professionally. "I am Miss Aparna, and I had an appointment today at 9 for a therapy session". Even as she spoke, there was a lingering doubt in her voice. As if she was still coming to terms that she needed a therapy.
"Very good morning, Miss Aparna. Would you like to discuss the problems that have been bothering you?"
Dr. Madan took a scrutinizing look up and down at Aparna as he picked up the blue Parker from the table.
"My mother thinks I need a therapy". Aparna started, finally voicing her inner conflict. "She thinks that I need to change, regarding who I am. So I can find a suitable partner".
"A competitive and successful lawyer based in US at the young age of 35. I do believe she is not referring to your credentials as a professional". There was a small smirk at the corner of Dr. Madan's lips. A little flattering often works wonders. Especially when the flattering is true.
Standing 5'5", an athletic built radiating intimidation and class, she was quite a catch. And so she knew for a fact.
A smile surfaced finally on the dried up lips of the lass. She scooted ahead eagerly "Right? I know I am perfect. I just need my partner to sync up to me. He should fit in with me. After all, husband is the only relation in your life that you choose for yourself"
Dr. Madan narrowed his eyes a little. The problem was surfacing up to him now. Slowly.
"Miss Ghosh, I believe we are here to look into the issues about you. For it is you who is looking for a partner. Have you tried looking for a partner from your side?"
"Oh yes, of course. I have tried the dating apps a couple of times. I have dated some wonderful men, but I knew right off the bat that, they were not a match for me". Aparna replied a little sad.
"And did you try contacting them again?" Dr. Madan raised an eyebrow.
"I give my dates an hour and a half of my life. I ask them to bring their CV, and check why we might fit. I maintain an excel sheet of their names and credentials. Sometimes I take extra steps to add an extra column to jot down the qualities I liked in that person".
Dr. Madan was listening close up until now. His face barely showed any expression. Once she was done, he took out his pen and meticulously noted some points on his pad.
"Miss Ghosh, I believe your problem needs some more explorations. As you can see, it is taking a slow burning into your psyche. I can work out a number of sessions, but for that I will need your confidence for strict privacy. And as you understand as a lawyer, in legal".
Aparna tapped her finger on the table, biting her lower lip and contemplated on what the therapist had said for a few moments. Finally, she nodded her head in a slow yes.
"Excellent. I will have your sign now, we can work out the fees later".
Dr. Madan reached into his drawyer and fished out a small stack of papers.
Aparna took a cursory look over the terms and signed at the places as Dr. Madan prompted.
Once the paper was signed, Dr. Madan placed the papers back in his drawyer and locked it up.
"Patient confidentiality". He quipped and took out another paper. This one was a blank A4 sized white sheet. He jotted a few words and handed over to Aparna.
"Rope, paddle..? Plug? What are these for?" she looked up at the therapist incredulous.
"I want you to get these things for our next session and.."
Dr. Madan sauntered to Aparna's chair. He lowered his face right beside her ear, sliding aside her black silky hair and whispered maliciously, "You will know"