‘No. See you in an hour.’ Radhika smiled, having got her way.

They had made plans to meet earlier too, but Madhav always ended up getting stuck at the office. However, they spoke to each other every night. She could see an improvement in his behaviour as a result of their talks during which she would try to get him to open up and address his issues. He slowly began interacting with his family more often, making his mother very happy. He would always join them for dinner after work. She was very curious about the person who was engendering such a positive change in him. But he always deflected her questions.

After he hung up with Radhika, Madhav went downstairs and gave his mother a hug and asked, ‘How are you, Mom?’ He held her hand and sat on the sofa.

‘Whom do you talk to at night on the phone?’ she asked.

‘Ma, come on! Not again.’

She saw him blush, which had never happened before.

‘I’m guessing it isn’t Meera,’ she said.

‘We do not talk any more and I don’t want you to ask me any questions about it,’ he said firmly.

‘But then whom do you talk to?’

‘Her name is Radhika. She is a friend. I mean, she’s a therapist, but she’s become a friend,’ he said.

‘You’re going to meditate with her?’ She had overheard snippets of his conversation.

‘I don’t know. I’ll try.’

‘Do you like her?’

‘What are you saying, Ma?’ He sounded exasperated, but smiled sheepishly as he left the room.

Madhav’s mother was happy that her son was getting better. She wanted to meet Radhika but she knew she’d have to wait until he was ready.

Madhav and Radhika met at the gates of Raj Ghat. It was a bitterly cold and foggy morning. He wore a grey tracksuit while she was brightly attired in fuchsia.

‘I’m surprised you haven’t been to this peaceful place before,’ she said.

‘And I can’t believe that I am going to meditate for an hour on my first visit,’ he whined and made a face.

As Radhika chose a quiet space for them to sit, Madhav was struck by her simplicity and the will to help those around her relax and be happy. When she smiled and laughed, one couldn’t help but smile as well. Her personality shone like the summer sun even on the gloomiest day.

‘Okay, madam. Shall we start?’ he asked.

‘This hour of sunrise, nature’s transition between day and night, will help calm our thoughts,’ she said softly. Madhav squirmed at the thought of having to be spiritual. She ignored him and continued, ‘First, we need to sit in a comfortable position.’

She straightened her back and relaxed her shoulders. Madhav copied her movements.

‘Now, we will close our eyes and take a few deep breaths.’

Madhav didn’t close his eyes. He just wanted to observe Radhika—that was his idea of meditation. She looked serene and completely at peace, her hair flying gently in the wind.