Detective Meenakshi’s Therapy: A Morning of Emotions

December 14, 2018 – A Revealing Session

“So, Meenakshi, who died?” Dr. Bhatia adjusts her glasses and smiles.

“Ananth Reddy! He’s dead,” Meenakshi replies, wishing she had eaten more than just three almonds before coming to the clinic. She gazes at the beautifully carved glass bowl filled with cookies on the table.

Dr. Bhatia, dressed in her usual cream silk shirt and black pencil skirt, takes notes in her diary. Meenakshi wonders how she maintains such a pristine environment while dealing with people’s troubled minds every day.

Meenakshi’s Life Unravels

“Does it bother you? Another case?” Dr. Bhatia asks.

“It shouldn’t, but it does. Now we can’t go to Bali, and Akshay left me last night,” Meenakshi says, trying to hold back her emotions.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Can you tell me what happened?” Dr. Bhatia responds, showing no signs of surprise.

“I came home late, and Adi was waiting for me. Akshay saw me, upset about the vacation and the case,” Meenakshi explains.

“Did you smoke weed again?” Dr. Bhatia inquires.

“Yes, I did,” Meenakshi admits defiantly.

A Series of Misfortunes

“What happened next?” Dr. Bhatia asks.

“Akshay texted me that he’ll move out before I return home,” Meenakshi shares, feeling a lump in her throat.

“How do you feel about that, Meenakshi?” Dr. Bhatia questions.

“I feel like my life is falling apart,” Meenakshi confesses, her voice trembling.

Meenakshi’s Inner Struggle

“You resent Akshay for moving on, don’t you?” Dr. Bhatia observes.

“Why isn’t he mourning? I want my child back! I want my life back!” Meenakshi cries out, expressing her frustration and sadness.

“Meenakshi, have you been doing the meditation exercises I recommended?” Dr. Bhatia asks gently.

“No, I haven’t,” Meenakshi admits, wiping her nose.

“You need to find balance and heal. Don’t let Adi’s memory be the cause of your destruction,” Dr. Bhatia advises.

“I’ll see you next week,” Meenakshi says, walking out the door.

Excerpted with permission from Shameless in Stilettos, Ell P, Tara Press.