22- The Proposal

                                        

                                              
Doctor Thapa- the therapist was a pretty married woman in her forties. On their first session, she mostly asked basic questions to make Natasha comfortable around her. In reality, Thapa was already briefed a bit about the situation from Abhishek. She continued making notes as Natasha answered her questions. Towards the end of the session, she told Natasha to write down a list of things she was grateful about. 
Natasha feigned ignorance. “Sorry, but there's absolutely nothing to be grateful about. I'd rather die.” 
“Are you sure? It could be a person who supports you, a dish you love, your favorite accessory, place, anything. Try to come up with atleast ten things.” 
“Ten? Are you for real?” 
“Yes, beta. Only then this session will end.” She smiled. 
Natasha rolled her eyes in disbelief. This smiling bitch. Regardless, she got down to it. The first two were easy as she jotted down the names of Abhishek and Mitali. Then she wrote down the names of three dishes she loved followed by Gateway of India. The next ones became hard to write. Although with doctor Thapa's encouragement and ideas, Natasha was able to complete the list. 
“See,” Dr Thapa smiled with her eyes, holding Natasha's written list. “You just found ten reasons to live.” 
The sessions went smoothly after that. 
Doctor Thapa had kind eyes and a soft voice, that exhibited a warm aura. It propelled Natasha to open up to her. She liked how Thapa never judged her, nor winced at her use of foul language. Although it was slightly annoying to jot down lists and do questionnaires every session. Thanks to her, Natasha had a personal diary now. The doctor often quoted about life from famous philosophers and taught her about the importance of mental health. She even prescribed some medicines based on Natasha's diagnosis. All the fees were paid by Abhishek, much to Natasha's discomfort. 
“Honestly, I want peace. I want to live away from my parents as far as possible. Perhaps in another city or country. Meet new humans, make girl friends, get my brains fucked— in an intellectual way I mean, be a strong, independent lass and...”
Natasha was answering a question about the kind of life that would truly make her happy. She trailed off, staring at the scene of rustling trees beyond the window. 
“And?” Thapa instigated her to continue. 
Natasha cleared her throat as if she was hesitant to add. “You know a bit of those cheesy, overrated girly stuff...”
“Describe, beta.” 
Natasha's hand covered the lower part of her face as she continued in a muffled voice. “Rom-com...” 
Thapa burst out laughing, embarrassing Natasha even further. “Must say I didn't expect that but it's completely normal, dear. I thought about it too, when I was your age. What kind of partner would you like?” 
Natasha crossed her arms. “Hey, I never had this talk before. Let me think hypothetically, um... A hot, sexy boyfriend. Someone who gives off a bad boy vibe.” 
“Oh, what if he turned out toxic?” 
“That wouldn't happen. I won't choose a dickhead,” Natasha flipped her hair, exhibiting an air of confidence. “Let's add intelligence into that fantasy. He should be a smartass, caring but not clingy. Anyway, this was all in theory. Boyfriend isn't my first priority, nor second or fourth.” 
“Really? Did no one come to mind when you gave that description?” 
Natasha's cheeks flushed. “Not at all. I don't pay shit to these shitty things that teens fall victim to.”