Warrior

84

Now that I think about it, this is the second place today that I didn't think I'd have to come back to.

As I looked around the room, I noted the posh gray and white look it had. Even though it's been a few years, nothing has changed at all. Not the color scheme, not the lighting, not the couch I'm sitting on, nor the coffee table in front of me, and most definitely not the chair in front of me with the aging brunette sitting on it.

I can't believe I'm here again.

"It's been quite a while," the woman smiled softly.

It would've been a while more if Ivy hadn't been able to quickly make the appointment for me.

"That it has been," I sighed, glancing around the room. "Things been treating you well, Dr. Leela?"

"Yes, they have," she nodded. "What about you? I heard you got married again, congratulations."

I eyed the doctor down, looking her up and down. "Thanks. Also, thanks for suggesting the group therapy! It was very triggering," and I gave a fake smile.

Dr. Leela pursed her lips, glancing down. "Khushi, I did warn you that could happen," she said softly.

Rolling my eyes, I looked away.

"I'm sorry that it did. I just let all of my patients with similar cases know about it; it has helped others in the past."

I couldn't help but to snort. "Others? Like who," I scoffed.

Dr. Leela tilted her head. "You know I can't expose doctor-patient confidentiality."

I let out another scoff and leaned back, crossing my legs.

"You seem to be agitated; everything alright?"

"Dandy," I said sarcastically.

Dr. Leela only looked at me and I let out a sigh.

"Alright! ...I'm a little on edge."

"Must be something big given that I haven't seen you in two years."

I glanced up at her before looking away, rubbing my hands together. "I guess you could say that," I said, my voice low.

Dr. Leela didn't say anything, waiting on me. 

Letting out another sigh, I ran my hands over my face. "I feel like I'm going to lose my shit!"

"And why is that?"

"Because my mind is full of nonstop questions, and all these thoughts that just ramble away in my head!"

"About?"

"About-! ...about Arnav."

"You mean your new husband?"

"...yeah," and I pinched my lips together.

"What are the kinds of questions and thoughts that you have about him?"

"I don't know.... There's just so many that I can't even think of one."

"Try."

I let out a heavy sigh. "I... I find myself asking myself why he cares so much. I mean, he's been very nice and very supportive from the start. Like when I told him that he would have to experience me going through episodes, he said that he would be there for me and would take care of me."

"And has he?"

"...more than I ever expected he could- or anyone for that matter. In the past, Gomez - my old butler at my parents house - was the one who would take care of me, here and there. Gomez used to make me hot cocoa during those times.... He wisely even let Arnav in on this secret, and the last time I had a nightmare, he had some ready for me."