July 26, 2025 

Session 1: 

Sitting with her legs crossed, psychotherapist Lucy observed her new client with quiet intensity, attempting to unmask the inner self. 

“Name?” Lucy asked, reaching for the mug on the table. 

“Gretta.” Her voice trembled slightly. As she eyed the coffee, a sudden craving for hot chocolate bubbled up. 

“Age?” Lucy took a sip. 

“Thirty-two.” 

“Same as mine,” Lucy replied with a smile untouched by her eyes. “Could you tell me about the challenges you are currently facing?” 

“I’m depressed,” Gretta said, pausing to sniffle before continuing. “I’ve lost the will to live. The imbalance in my mind is affecting my mood, my thoughts... even my physical health.” 

“Do you work?” Lucy asked. 

“Yes. I’m an assistant manager at a shipping company.” 

“And how would you describe your relationship with the people at home?” 

“What do you mean by people at home?” 

“I mean your immediate family, your parents and siblings.” 

“My father served in the Army. He is retired now and works for a security firm. My mother is a homemaker. I have a brother; he lives in Ireland. He completed his higher studies there and eventually landed a good job.” 

“How would you describe your bond with your parents and your brother? Have you felt any bitterness or emotional pain in those relationships?” 

“It would not be fair to say I was hurt. I think it is more accurate to say that I have made my parents unhappy with some choices I have made. I admit, I have acted recklessly at times... maybe even irrationally.” 

“You shouldn’t blame yourself. In youth, those decisions are often part of self-discovery. People take risks, sometimes just to fit in, to feel accepted, and in doing so, they begin to understand themselves.” 

“We have healed our relationship. Things are cordial now. I meet my parents regularly and spend time with them. I am always there for the festivals. We celebrate together.” 

“That is wonderful. The joy, the laughter, the shared moments during celebrations; they leave behind some of the happiest memories.” 

“So, how is it at works? Do you feel any peer pressure? And how’s your relationship with your boss?” 

“The pressure at work is always there. I manage it calmly. It does not get to me. I stay focused and do my job with diligence. The environment is respectful. There is no harassment, and I make a conscious effort to leave work problems behind once I am out of the office. No complaints.” 

“Are you married?” 

“No, I am unmarried. I am in an unconventional relationship.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I’ve been in a live-in relationship with my partner for the past seven years.” 

“What is his name?” 

“Jason.” 

“Cool name. Sounds like a character from a book. Could you explain more about Jason?” 

“He is an investment banker. Earnings are good. We hit off well after meeting at a business conference.” 

“What began as a romantic fling grew intense, became physical, and ended up in a home sharing life. Has the thought of marriage never appealed you?” 

“Looking back, I see it was a monumental mistake. Live-in relationship was Jason’s idea. My parents strongly objected. During that time, I found it acceptable. However, in recent times I realized marriage could solidify a relationship, creating a stable environment conducive to raising a family with children. 

“Did you talk to Jason about your thoughts?” 

“I have been doing it for the last several months. He has been evading that topic. He is asking me to put off this discussion for the next couple of years. I am under a lot of stress. He is not ready for the commitment. I am completely frazzled.” 

“Most of the men by nature are egocentric. Many men tend to seek physical intimacy to gain emotional closeness. While many women often need emotional connection to feel physical affection. I have closely experienced this in a live-in relationship.” 

“What do you suggest?” 

“All human actions, when properly understood, are ultimately motivated by self-interest. You should figure out what you want. Marriage or live-in relationship?” 

“Marriage.” 

“You situation reminds me of similar experience I had.” 

“How did you manage it?” 

“I told him bluntly that if he's not interested in marriage, I'm ending our relationship. He was reluctant. We broke up. I have no regrets.” 

“Do you advise me to consider a similar step?” 

“No. I do not advise you anything. You will have to decide on what is good for you. The choice is yours: either stay and work on this relationship or leave. Is Jason ready for counselling?” 

“I have already discussed. He is not interested. He thinks, it is waste of time.” 

Session 2: 

“Would you like to have coffee?” Lucy asked. 

“Thanks. I prefer a glass of water,” Gretta replied. “I was addicted to coffee before Jason entered my life. Jason loves hot chocolate. I picked up his hot chocolate habit after we moved in together. My coffee habit just faded away.” 

“How is your situation? Did you find solution to your problem?” Lucy picked up a small bottle of water and offered it to Gretta. She then crossed her legs and reclined in her seat. 

“Solution? I expressed my desire to get married. He politely refused. I packed my belongings and walked out. It is over. We have broken up. I have returned to my parents’ home. When I packed my bags, Jason sobbed uncontrollably, like a small child lost in the dark. I felt sad.” 

“Becoming emotional after deciding can weaken your resolve. If you become weak, you might go back to Jason’s life. Do you want to move forward, or backward? The decision is yours.” 

“I want to leave the past behind. However, something is bothering me.” 

“Open up.” 

“Next Sunday marks the 8th anniversary of our first date. A day difficult to forget. We had our first date at the cozy coffee shop in Le Méridien. Every year, we celebrate this day by savoring hot chocolate and muffins at the same coffee shop where it all began. We never missed. I have a strong feeling; Jason will visit this coffee shop next Sunday by 6 pm.”

“Do you mean, you plan to meet Jason next Sunday evening at the coffee shop?” 

“I want to make sure If Jason will make it.” 

“What do you think? Do you have a stable or unstable state of mind?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Is your decision to leave Jason’s life for good, or is it only temporary?” 

“The decision is final.” 

“If it is final, then you will have to learn to move on from your past. Do not allow the emotions to cloud your mind. If you are truly curious to know if Jason will stick to the tradition, I can check it for you. You may share his photograph on WhatsApp. I will visit the coffee shop at Le Meridien coming Sunday.” 

“Really? Thank you,” Grettapulled out her phone and shared Jason’s picture on WhatsApp. 

“Wow! Your Jason is undeniably handsome. His blue eyes are adorable,” Lucy’s eyes lingered briefly on the picture, and she murmured quietly as if lost in thought. 

Session 3: 

“Shall I warm you up with a cup of hot chocolate?” Lucy grabbed her mug from the table and sat down with her legs crossed. 

“I am back to my coffee days. But…” Gretta felt a rich chocolate aroma that wafted over. “Are you drinking hot chocolate?” 

“The rich taste of hot chocolate and muffin from Le Meridien’s coffee shop still clings to my senses, refusing to let go.” Lucy smiled, masking her enthusiasm beneath a calm exterior. 

“Did Jason make it?” Gretta asked eyes wide with excited anticipation. 

“Whether he showed up or not, does that change your decision? Be honest…Do you want to embrace what lies ahead, or return to what once was?” 

“I do not want to retreat.” 

“Are you happy with your progress, or do you find joy in revisiting the past?” 

“I am happy with my progress.” 

“That is the sign of acceptance and commitment. At times, you may find it tough. It could be emotionally challenging. However, you will have to stay present, acting in alignment with your values and beliefs. Once you apply mental self-regulation techniques, you can easily manage stress and depression.” 

“I have accepted the fact that currently I am single.Jason is no longer part of my journey.” 

“In that case, you will have to disconnect and detach from Jason completely. It is better to avoid his calls and meetings. Delete his number and images from your phone. Get rid of the gifts Jason gave you. Use that emotional space to explore new interests. I would suggest taking a break and planning a vacation. Detachment is not the end. It is the beginning of deeper self-awareness.” 

“…” Gretta raised her hand and gave a thumbs up. 

Lucy waited until Gretta left, then emptied her mug and smacked her lips, savoring the moment. Grabbing her phone, she fired off a WhatsApp message. 

‘Hi Jason. Meeting you last Sunday at Le Meridien’s coffee shop was a wonderful experience. I have developed an irresistible craving for muffins and hot chocolate again. Would you like to catch up this evening?’ 

Five minutes passed before her WhatsApp finally chimed. Uncrossing her legs, Lucy snatched up her phone and read the reply in a rush. Her heart thudded wild, breathless with an overwhelming desire!