“The compatibility of a couple and the quality of a relationship lies in the way they handle their arguments and differencs”. And that is why we say it is never too late to make a new beginning.

This story is about a couple Ragini – Abhi and their 5-year old daughter Priya.

“Priya has been behaving a little different these days. I am really worried about her. You are aware of what Abhi and I are going through. A lot is going on right now. I don’t know how to handle Priya.” Ragini was having a conversation with Dipti, her friend, and the counselor.

“Don’t worry Ragini. It’s good that you got Priya with you today. I will talk to her. I am sure we will get to the root of this.”, Dipti said.

“Thank you so much.  I am very worried about her. And I couldn’t think of anybody else than you. Priya is comfortable with you. Thank you so much once again for seeing us.” Ragini said.

“Ragini, don’t be formal. I am your friend first and then a counselor. My job is to make our clients feel better. Don’t thank me for that, please. But I would like to have a conversation with Priya in private. This is for this session only. I assure you, if I feel that I need you here then, I will call you inside.” Dipti assured her. 

“Come, Priya, please have a seat.”

“How are you? How is school?”, Dipti asked to which Priya just nodded.

“Priya, you know that you can talk to me openly. Right?”. Dipti opened the conversation.

“Mmm..hunn”…Priya again nodded. 

“I know you like to draw, and you also like to solve riddles. So, why don’t you draw something while I prepare some riddles for you.” Dipti was trying to make her feel at ease.

Priya took the paper and drew something. In the meantime, Dipti came with a sheet of paper. She took the drawing from Priya and handed over the sheet to her. 

“So Priya, this sheet has a few questions that I want you to answer. Take your time. No rush. But just one thing – don’t erase anything. Write down the first answer that comes to your mind. You can write as much as you want. Let me know once you are done.” Dipti told her, and she sat in her chair while Priya sat in another chair.  

After some time, Priya came to Dipti and gave back her sheet. 

“Awesome, Priya. Let me call your mom inside.” Dipti looked at the drawing at a glance and went out to call Ragini.

“Ragini, I had a brief chat with Priya and gave her an exercise to do. I will go over her work and give you a call. You can come in and take Priya. But as a friend Ragini, I would want to ask you if your decision is final? Have you guys given a second thought to make a new beginning?” Dipti gave the updates to Ragini and something to think about. 

“Are you ready beta? Lets go.”, Ragini asked Priya.

“Bye Priya. Take care. Your mom and I will be meeting for lunch next week, so do come if you want to join us.” Dipti said.

“Ok. Bye aunty.” Priya said and left with Ragini.

After three days, Dipti called Ragini. After making sure that Priya is not at home, she said – “Ragini, I want to ask you a couple of questions. Have you talked to Priya about your decision? And more important, have you tried to understand her reaction about this whole thing?”

“Yes, Dipti. I told her that Abhi and I will not be staying together now. But she has nothing to worry about it. Everything will remain as it is just that we will not be living together.” Ragini told Dipti about her conversation with Priya. 

“So, my assumption was right. Can you and Abhi come to my office tomorrow? Don’t bring Priya.” Dipti wanted to talk about it in detail.

“Ragini, Abhi I would like you to see this drawing. And Priya’s answers to the questions. I told her not to erase anything. These are the first thoughts that came to her mind.” Dipti handed over the sheets to Ragini.

“Ragini – Abhi, I can see that Priya is confused, uncertain, and feeling insecure. Do you see how many times she has strike through her answers? This shows that she is not sure how her future will be after you two separate. These were straightforward questions, but she is not sure what the future hold for her.”

“See her answer to the question – who is your best friend? She first wrote her friend’s name, and then she cut it and wrote ‘I don’t know.’ The same is with How is your day going? She wrote ‘good’. But then strike through that also and left the space blank.” 

“All this is about the uncertainty she is having. Priya is young, and she has never imagined you and Abhi separately. I understand your dilemma, but we have to talk to her about it. Otherwise, she will go in her shell.” Dipti tried to explain her things from a counselor’s point of view.

Tears rolled down Ragini’s cheeks as she was thinking about Priya – her 5-year-old sweet and bubbly daughter. Neither Abhi, nor Ragini had any doubts about their decisions. It was a well-thought (at least they thought it to be like that) decision that both of them have taken. After a few challenging years, they decided to separate and give Priya the love she deserves in their way. “What is the point of staying together just for the sake of staying and not feel connected at any level. It is better to live their own lives and continue to have respect for each other. At least, they would be able to give Priya quality time and not be always occupied in sorting out their problems.”  This is what made them come to the decision they were going to make.

Ragini couldn’t control herself. Abhi put his hand on her shoulder and brought her close to him. Ragini needed that warmth that time. She effortlessly let her emotions flow and found the warmth and support she needed in Abhi’s arms. “I don’t want to lose our daughter, Abhi. We have to do something.” 

“Yes, we will. We will bring our old Priya back.”, Abhi said, making his grip even tighter on Ragini. Both of them needed each other at that moment. 

Today, after so many days, something happened. An exceptional warmth they felt for each other. Both of them looked at each other as if their eyes were talking. Abhi took Ragini’s hand in his hand and patted gently. Ragini let her hand rest on Abhi’s. They talked to each other through feel, and somewhere they decided to give their relationship a second chance. 

Priya had to attend a few counseling sessions with Dipti. She was getting a relaxed environment at home, open communication between Abhi and Ragini, and professional guidance from Dipti, she came out of her shell. She was back to the old Priya. 

It’s been a year since this whole episode took place. Abhi-Ragini & Priya are living a happy life. In fact, they are getting ready to welcome a new member to their family. And that’s just the beginning- their new beginning.

This was a piece of fiction with a happy ending. But many couples don’t get an opportunity to give their relationship a second chance; to make a new beginning. Parent’s separation is a big thing for kids. They don’t understand the complexities of a couple relationship. For them it is black and white, nothing is grey. Talking to them and, if needed seeking timely professional help is very important. 

On a lighter note, check out this saying. Isn’t this cute?

You may like to read this cute love story. https://mothersgurukul.com/valentines-celebration-true-sense-story-dreams-love-companionship/

Used prompts: Tears rolled down, And that’s just the beginning.

This post is written for StorytellersBlogHop FEB 2021 by Ujjwal (https://mywordsmywisdom.com) & MeenalSonal (www.auraofthoughts.com)’