The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 22: Revaluating Relationships

Last Time: Sandeep nodded, his expression compassionate. "You can start by talking about last night," he suggested. "Tell me everything you remember, and we'll try to make sense of it together."

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February 15, 2023, 11:10 am, Jain Counselling Centre, Jodhpur

Dr. Shobha listened intently as Banni shared the story of her conversation with Kabir the night before, nodding occasionally as Banni spoke. When she finished, Dr. Shobha leaned back in her chair and thoughtfully remarked, "Kabir asked a really good question."

Banni immediately became defensive, "Kabir is not a monster, Dr. Shobha." she exclaimed indignantly. "He's just a man who made some mistakes. We all make mistakes."

Dr. Shobha held up a hand to calm Banni down. "I understand that, Banni," she said gently. "But that's not what I meant. Kabir's question was a philosophical one. Can love turn someone into a monster? It's a question that has puzzled philosophers, poets, and writers for centuries. It's not a question about Kabir specifically."

Banni looked at Dr. Shobha, seeming to realise her mistake. "I'm sorry, Dr. Shobha," she said sheepishly. "I guess I got defensive. Kabir has had to bear enough judgment in his life - first because of his mental disability and now his DID. I don't want him to go through it again."

Dr. Shobha smiled kindly at Banni. "It's okay, Banni," she said. "I understand why you feel protective of Kabir. But it's important to remember that he's not the only one who has struggled with this question. It's a question that speaks to the human condition, to our capacity for love and for darkness." She leaned forward in her chair and continued. "Banni, I want you to know that this clinic is a safe space for both of you," she said. "There will be no judgment here. This is a place where you both can come to heal and grow, together."

Banni nodded, listening intently to Dr. Shobha's words. "I understand what you're saying," she said softly. "But what do you think, Dr. Shobha? Can love turn someone into a monster?"

Dr. Shobha smiled thoughtfully at Banni. "I don't know if I'm an expert on love, Banni," she said. "But I do believe that love, or any relationship that is driven by mutual love, would only bring out the best in you. If a person, or love for that person, is pushing you towards darkness, then maybe that relationship needs to be evaluated. And I think that's what Kabir was doing last night."

Banni interrupted Dr. Shobha, her voice shaking with emotion. "But Kabir loved Tulika," she said, her eyes filling with tears. "And Tulika loved him back. Their love was mutual! They could do anything for each other. So how could their relationship be wrong?"

Dr. Shobha nodded sympathetically, understanding the depth of Banni's emotions. "I understand how you feel, Banni," she said gently. "But sometimes, even when we love someone deeply, our relationship with them can be unhealthy. It's important to recognise when a relationship is causing harm, even if it is fueled by love."

Banni shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "But Kabir would never harm Tulika," she said. "He was just trying to love Tulika, to make her happy, to keep her safe! How could that be wrong?"

Dr. Shobha sat back in her chair, her voice soft and gentle. "Banni, I'm not saying that Kabir is a monster," she said. "But I think it's important to acknowledge the consequences of his actions. Tulika's death may not have been his fault, but his obsession with her and his actions have hurt others. Kabir is right to question whether his love for Tulika turned him into someone he doesn't want to be."

Banni looked at Dr. Shobha, her eyes filled with emotion. "But Kabir..." she said, her voice shaking. "He was acting out of love."

Dr. Shobha nodded sympathetically. "I understand that, Banni," she said. "But love is never an excuse for trying to kill someone else. Nor is it an excuse to accept such behaviour."