Nostalgic

"Okay," she sighed. "Usually how this works is, my patients tell me about their problems or something that has been bothering them and I try to make them feel comfortable and try my best to solve their problems by giving some valuable advice."

Before he could say anything, she added, "But since this is your first session, I can understand your awkwardness so let's make it a bit easy." Keeping the diary on the table, she explained, "Why don't we start this session with an introduction? You introduce yourself and tell me whatever you can about your family, friends, your habits and other things. For example, My name is Amber Carlton, I am twenty-eight years old. I am a therapist by profession and I love reading books. I prefer staying at home and enjoying a cup of warm coffee instead of going out on a Saturday night."

"See that, it's so simple. Now you do the same," she instructed.

Straightening his back, he started his introduction without any hesitation. "My name is Ivan Carter and I am also twenty-eight years old. I am Genny's boss and a businessman by profession. I am not really into books but I do like reading sometimes."

"What about your parents and siblings if you have any? Can you tell me something about them?" she inquired.

Ivan's facial expression immediately dropped and became dark as soon she mentioned his parents. The thought of them always made him feel vulnerable and he hated it.

Noticing the change in his expression, Amber tried to change the topic. "Let's talk about something else—"

"Leandor and Elena Carter—my parents," he hesitantly answered. When was the last time he expressed their names out loud? Though it felt good, he also felt a pinch in his heart.

The restlessness in his heart was clearly evident on his face which did not go unnoticed by Amber. Giving him a sweet smile, she further questioned him. "What about your siblings? Do you have any?"

"Two, an older brother and sister." Pausing for a while, he added, "I also have a very close cousin, Jason. He is also like my sibling."

"Seems like you and Jason are quite close." When he nodded his head, she added, "It feels nice when you have someone who is close to you in your family. Such relationships are very special."

Ivan nodded his head and agreed. "Yes, it feels quite nice."

"Alright, I think this delightful introduction is enough for today." Picking up her diary, she added, "Now I will see you in the next session."

"Today's session is over?" he frowned.

"Yes, it's over unless you have something to share or anything you wanna tell me," she remarked.

"But we barely talked about anything." Ivan had cleared his entire evening schedule thinking the first session would last long but it ended much earlier than he had expected.

"It's not about how long we talk, it's about how transparent you wanna be with your therapist." Pausing for a while, she further explained, "And transparency is not something that can be achieved in the first session itself."

Getting up, she grabbed her card from the desk and gave it to him. "This is my card and my number is on it too, you can call me whenever you want to talk or if you need something."

Taking the card from her, Ivan asked, "What is the mode of payment?"

"You don't have to pay for the first session, that is a complimentary for all my clients. In case you liked the first session, don't hesitate to schedule the second one," she informed.

Keeping the card inside his pocket, he said, "I seldom get any free stuff." Stretching his hand towards her, he smiled, "Thank you for that."

Shaking his hand, she said politely, "You're welcome."

When a familiar yet unfamiliar sensation crept throughout his body when their hands touched, Ivan felt very flustered. It gave him a very nostalgic feeling which for some odd reason, pinched his heart.

…..