Serenity: A Journey Within

Chapter 4

The next day, Mubashira woke up feeling slightly lighter and more refreshed than before. After freshening up, she opted for a light breakfast, mindful of the emotional challenges that lay ahead, hoping to avoid any potential upset stomachs. At 10 am sharp, she left the holiday home, embarking on a journey that would undoubtedly be emotionally draining.

An hour later, as the car came to a stop, Mubashira stepped out onto the pavement, her gaze settling on the bold letters of the Aspen Clinic. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she made her way inside, her footsteps echoing in the quiet reception area. Approaching the receptionist, she explained her appointment with Dr. Hasan, and she was promptly guided towards the designated office.

With a sense of resolve, Mubashira knocked on the door before entering. Inside, she found herself face-to-face with her psychiatrist, ready to confront the challenges of the day head-on.

As Mubashira settled into the plush blue sofa, Dr. Hasan rose from his office chair and positioned himself on the sofa chair. His gentle inquiry about her well-being prompted a flood of emotions to surge within her. "Honestly, I could be better, Doctor," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "But I'm here because I want your help."

Dr. Hasan offered her a reassuring smile, a familiar gesture that conveyed both empathy and understanding. "You know, Mubashira, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I can only assist you if you're willing to assist yourself," he gently reminded her, his tone firm yet compassionate.

Nodding solemnly, Mubashira affirmed her commitment to her healing journey. "I want to get better, Doctor. And it's for me, not for anyone else," she asserted, her voice steady with determination.

"Then let's begin," Dr. Hasan suggested, his demeanour encouraging as he prepared to guide her through the process.

Mubashira nodded, feeling a knot of apprehension tightening in her chest. She hesitated briefly, her mind swirling with the tumultuous memories of her past. But then, with a deep breath, she summoned the courage to speak.

She delved into the depths of her childhood, recounting the profound loss she had experienced with her mother's death at a young age. The feeling of abandonment had gripped her tightly, fueling her grief and morphing into seething anger over time. Despite her struggles, her father's attempts to excuse her behaviour had only exacerbated her sense of isolation.

Transitioning to her tumultuous relationship with Zaid, Mubashira spoke of the constant conflicts that had ultimately led to their separation. She then detailed her ill-fated courtship with Mohib, their whirlwind marriage, and the devastating betrayal she had endured when he served her with divorce papers at their first-anniversary party.

The revelation of his infidelity with her friend had been a crushing blow, sending her spiralling into a desperate bid for vengeance that had ultimately backfired.

Agreeing to marry Zaid for the sake of appearances had been a calculated decision, she confessed, driven by a fierce determination to prove herself worthy in the eyes of society. Yet, the discovery of his lingering affections for another woman on their wedding night had shattered whatever semblance of hope she had clung to.

The ensuing conflicts and misunderstandings had only served to deepen the chasm between them, culminating in her decision to facilitate his remarriage.

As she recounted the tumultuous journey that had led her to this moment of reckoning, Mubashira felt a dam burst within her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the weight of her past mistakes and betrayals crashed over her in relentless waves.

Dr. Hasan watched on, his expression one of compassionate understanding as he bore witness to her pain. There were no words he could offer to ease her suffering, no platitudes to diminish the depth of her despair. All he could do was be present, a silent anchor in the storm of her emotions.