Radhika knew that in order to address Madhav’s deep-seated issues, she had to be as normal as possible with him, despite all that had happened.

‘Hello,’ Madhav’s voice trembled as he answered her call.

‘Madhav, are you free to speak to me?’ Radhika asked, in a low, soothing voice. He was still in shock from the day’s events. He couldn’t believe that he had actually assaulted Meera simply because she had insulted Radhika. What had he become? He tried to push away the overwhelming despair knocking at his mind’s door.

‘Yes.’

‘I am going to ask you a couple of questions and it’s up to you whether you want to answer them or not. Are you fine with that?’ Radhika’s words were as serene as gentle waves.

‘Yes,’ Madhav mumbled in agreement.

He was sitting locked up in his room. His family had no idea what had happened or what he was going through. He was far too ashamed and scared to tell them.

‘Madhav, what exactly do you remember from last night?’ Radhika asked.

He exhaled shakily. ‘I clearly remember buying alcohol from the wine and beer shop and then driving to Meera’s apartment. She was upset that I had come to your place after I got the job. I went over to her place to apologize and tell her that I didn’t want to be with her.’ He paused.

‘She wanted to get physical. I felt a strange urge and I admit I became violent. I remember being quite shocked by my actions. But I soon calmed down and started playing the guitar. I hardly recollect anything between then and when she hit me. I did not force myself on her, Radhika. I would never do that.’

Radhika noted down the key points. His behavioural patterns were unconventional and did not clearly suggest any particular root cause. She had dealt with patients suffering from depression before but his case was more complex.

‘We were drinking on the balcony and she provoked me by saying I need psychiatric help, after which we argued about you. I tried to stop myself from getting angry again, but then she called you a bitch and I honestly don’t remember what happened next. I think I lost control of my senses. It was as if I had been ripped apart from my body and something else took over. I could sense something terrible happening but I felt caged and helpless in the face of this force.’ Madhav was shaking, sweat forming on his brow. He sank into his couch and tried to breathe normally.

‘It’s okay, Madhav. It’s fine.’ Radhika tried to channel his thoughts and emotions before they consumed him. She had conducted several such sessions recently, but never had any of them touched her so deeply. She had known her relationship with Madhav wasn’t going to be like those with other patients when she saw his painting.

‘It wasn’t me who mistreated Meera, it wasn’t me! It was that voice, that spirit that overtook my body. I wasn’t in control, I swear . . . You have to believe me, Radhika. I didn’t want to hurt her!’ Madhav broke down as he tried to explain his torment in a way that he never had to anyone else, not even to himself. She recorded everything. She felt an inexplicable tenderness towards him.