Hi everyone, it’s Tamil again with an incident that happened two weeks ago. My brother works in IT and has a colleague named Kalpana. She is very open, talkative, and an easy-going person with a cool head; her husband also works in IT and travels abroad frequently.
My brother introduced her to me; I am 31, and she is 40. She is very fair and always wears modern dresses. As days went by, she started visiting my ice cream shop frequently, either with her friends or her children (she is the mother of two), and we always had nice positive conversations filled with jokes and smiles.
As usual, one day I was feeling quite upset and was sitting in my cabin inside the ice cream shop. She came in with her friends, although I was not aware of her presence, as I was indulged in deep thoughts. She entered my cabin, inquiring about my dull demeanor. I said I was okay, but she would not accept it. Finally, I told her that I could not discuss my feelings with her because it was something personal.
She calmly took her seat and asked me what happened. I repeated my earlier statement, then she said, “Okay, in that case, we can’t discuss it right here.” She sent me a message with a location link and asked me to come there at 7 PM; then she left with her friends, saying goodbye and see you later. I checked the location; it was a rooftop resto bar. I knew she drank with her friends and husband, as she had lived abroad before.
At 6:30 PM, she messaged me, inquiring about my arrival time, and I replied that I was already there. She arrived after 45 minutes, accompanied by her friend, who is of the same age as she is. I greeted both of them with a handshake and a smile, but they stepped forward; her friend came first and hugged me (a formal hug), and then Kalpana hugged me a bit more stiffly.
Both of them sat down and ordered a beer. All three of us engaged in chit-chat and an introduction about her friend. It was then that I learned she is a psychologist. I was somewhat shocked and turned toward Kalpana with a questioning look.
Kalpana (K) said, “Hey, don’t mistake me; you only said you couldn’t discuss it with me, which is why I thought to bring my doctor friend here to help you resolve your issue.”
I responded, “Hey, what’s this? I have no issues; I’m fine.”
Her friend Revathi (R) said, “See, Tamil, I am here to help you. You can discuss your issue with me; if it’s solvable, I will assist you.”
I replied, “No, it’s not an issue; I will be fine in some time.”
K said, “No, Revs; he is not fine. I know him very well, and I’ve never seen him like this today. We need to solve this.”
Knowing they would not leave me alone until I confessed my issue, I thought to myself and asked Kalpana to move away from the table, as it was inappropriate to talk about this with her present.
I said, “Okay, I will share my issue, but Kalpana, could you please move to that table until we call you? I will speak with your doctor friend.”
K respected my privacy and moved to another table with a broad smile.
Revathi (R) prompted, “Okay, now tell me, Tamil.”