Walking out of the doctor’s office, the Mumbai sky hung heavy with the start of the monsoon season. It felt like a lifetime ago that I had run in a torrential downpour, trying to escape my life, using the rain to hide my tears as they fell freely in response to Puneet’s betrayal. So much had changed in the months that followed; I finally felt alive, accepted not only by those who loved me, but accepted by myself. I opened my phone, not to check my statistics, not to post a photo, but to phone my mom and let her know the good news.

As I disconnected the call, the first drops of rain began to fall. I sent Ashray a message, knowing that he would only get it when he was finished with Dr Shyam.

‘Kavya and I are cooking tonight at your place, invite Rishi.’

The taxi was waiting for me as the heavens opened. A young woman made a mad dash towards the doors of the building I had just exited. Fear was written on her face, anxiety forcing her to claw her wet, clinging dress from her chest. Hopefully, Ashray would give her a comforting smile when he left so that she knew she wasn’t alone in all of this. That she, too, could overcome it.

38. DR SHYAM

38

DR SHYAM

It isn’t unusual for a relationship to develop between patients. People in need tend to lean on each other, the wounded often seeking out other wounded. Even in the animal kingdom, the sick finds the sick, the dying somehow instinctively seeking out the resting place of those who have passed before them. In people who have come to me or any other professional, this is not necessarily a good thing, and so, when Jhanvi and Ashray’s friendship initially blossomed, I tentatively warned them against it. They proved me wrong though. Ashray, ever wise, told me that two slightly damaged planks laid with their faults in opposing directions would still hold more weight than one thin plank. In this instance, he was right; they complemented each other in a way I could never have expected and, I am sure, have had many a laugh and complaint session about me. Regardless, considering the level of anxiety both Jhanvi and Ashray displayed when first walking into my office, I have been impressed with the progress they have made.