INTIMACY CLINIC - The Conversations we AVOID

WEEK FOUR: Saturday - Part 03

Charlie's anger started to melt after some time.

He leaned back. He paused to take a few deep breaths. Then said in a normal tone. "I believe these two rules should be taught at every home. Parents must teach their sons not to touch a girl without her consent. And must teach their daughters to speak up. Being open to talking about sex is one of the best ways to stop abuses."

"You are correct. This should be taught in every home." Antara broke the silence.

Everyone raised their hands.

"Why did you raise your hand when you don't believe in it," Charlie said, looking at Komal.

"I believe in it," Komal replied, instantly, surprised.

"If you believe in it, then why don't you follow it? Why can't you say NO?" He said.

Komal's eyes widened. Everyone else was confused.

"Are we missing something?" Lovereet commented.

Antara nodded.

All the eyes turned to Charlie.

Charlie ignored the gazes at him and continued, looking at Komal. "Aanchal at least showed the discomfort. But you can't even do that. You are the worst of all when it comes to saying NO."

"I can't say NO," Komal said in a low voice.

"Why? It's not rocket science that you can't figure out. It's a simple word."

Her eyes turned down, "It's not that easy."

"Is it more difficult than being used?"

Komal shook her head.

"Then?"

"Can you fill us in?" Antara lost her patience.

"Tell me," Charlie said to Komal, ignoring Antara, and added, "Is it fair to hurt yourself? Doesn't it hurt you when you are forced to do things that you don't want to do?"

"It does."

"Then why do it?"

Komal looked down.

"Can someone please tell us what's going on?" Antara said.

"Look at me," Charlie said to Komal, ignoring Antara once again.

Antara narrowed her eyes.

"He won't say," Aanchal said in a low voice, placing her hand on Antara's hand.

Antara looked at Aanchal. Aanchal shook her head.

Antara sighed – dejectedly.

Komal lifted her chin to look at Charlie.

He continued, "People who get hurt because you said NO do not deserve to be around you. There is no shame in saying NO, and it is not selfish to not want to hurt yourself. You should be glad if such people, who can't hear NO from you, get out of your life."

Komal nodded.

Charlie paused. He took a deep breath. Then he looked at Antara and said, "You were asking the wrong person."

Antara's anger subsided. She nodded. Then she turned her head to Komal. "Komal, will you tell us what happened?"

Komal looked down. She started rubbing her hands; out of nervousness.

"Komal?" Antara said again.

Komal shivered. She shrunk in her place.

"Do you wanna take the fifth?" Charlie's voice fell on her ears.