Layers of Us

Chapter 2: World's Apart (Part 2) - Tripura's Day

Note:

This is a huge update!
Please take your time to read through it at your leisure.
It's packed with details and emotions, building towards the next key moments in the story.

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As the sunlight filtered through the tall windows, Tripura welcomed her first patient, a young woman named Kavya.

She could see the tension in Kavya's shoulders, the way her gaze flickered to the floor, as if anchoring herself to something solid in an unsteady world.

Tripura offered a reassuring smile.
"Kavya, it's good to see you. How have you been this past week?"

Kavya took a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've... I've been having these moments, where it feels like everything around me is closing in. Like I can't breathe."

Tripura nodded, allowing Kavya to feel heard. "Anxiety often has a way of creeping in and making us feel small, like the world is out of control. But remember, you're stronger than those feelings.
Take me back to one of those moments, if you can.
What were you doing when it began?"

Kavya paused, glancing out the window. "I was just at home, sitting at my desk. And then, out of nowhere, it felt like the walls were pressing in. My heart started racing, and all I could think about was... was running." Just getting out of there."

Tripura leaned forward, her voice soothing but firm. "Anxiety sometimes tricks us into thinking that escape is the only answer. But what if I told you there was another way to face those feelings? Next time, try grounding yourself.
Look around the room, find three things you can see, two things you can touch, and one thing you can hear. It brings you back to the present and reminds your mind that you're safe."

Kavya's eyes softened as she absorbed Tripura's words. "I... I can try that. Thank you, Dr. Tripura. It's just... so hard to believe I can get through this."

"You already are getting through it," Tripura replied, her tone compassionate yet resolute. "Remember, healing isn't a straight path. There will be days like this, but you're not alone in it."

As their session wrapped up, Tripura saw a slight lightness in Kavya's demeanor, a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," Kavya murmured, her voice a little stronger than when she'd arrived.

After saying goodbye, Tripura welcomed her second patient, Rishi, a college student with a troubled expression.

He slouched slightly, his hands clenched together as he began to speak.

"Dr. Tripura, I just... I feel like I'm letting everyone down," he confessed, his voice thick with frustration. "My family keeps pushing me to do well in college, but it's like no matter what I do, it's never enough. I'm exhausted."

Tripura's gaze softened, and she took a moment before replying, "Rishi, sometimes the expectations placed on us are out of our control.
But remember, you don't need to carry everyone's hopes on your shoulders. Tell me, what makes you feel proud of yourself?"

He looked at her, a bit taken aback. "I don't... I mean, I don't think anyone's ever asked me that. I guess... I like drawing. It's one of the few things that makes me feel... like myself."

Tripura smiled, her tone encouraging. "And that's worth celebrating. Your self - worth isn't defined by anyone else's expectations.
Your art, your passion - those are pieces of who you are.
Hold on to that, and don't let anyone take it from you.
You have every right to be proud."