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The Invisible String

hrough this Narrative essay I wish to convey a story about a little
boy who devises his own coping mechanism to get over a personal
Ttragedy. I have included dialogs, description of characters and events
to get the reader involved. A third person voice is used that reveals the
thoughts and feelings of the characters. The tone is serious sentimental
and thoughtful whereas the mood is sympathetic. This narrative is for a
universal audience
CONTINUED
Both of them were there at the appointed time. The principal came straight
to the point. What they heard shocked them. Yash had been talking to
someone imaginary for some months now. It had been confirmed by all
his teachers and even the school counsellor. The children in his class were
either making fun of him or avoiding him altogether. This resulted in Yash
getting aggressive and physical with his peers. Just a day before, a child
got badly beaten up by him. His parents complained but on the principal’s
assurance they decided not to pursue it for the time being. The principal
Hello I am Saisha Khemka. suggested Yash take time off for some days and be shown to a therapist.
I was born and brought Yogesh and Maya took a little time to process what was being told to them.
up in Mumbai, India. I am They were not keen on showing Yash to a therapist as they did not find any
misbehavior at home. So, they decided to first observe Yash and take him
16 years old and I study in for a holiday.
the 10th grade. Along with Yash seemed to enjoy his vacation. Neither did his father nor Maya found
writing I also love to sing. anything amiss. They were relieved that the principal’s observations were
Everything I find, observe, incorrect.
and feel is an inspiration for Within a day of rejoining school, the principal called them yet again
and complained of the same symptoms. Yogesh was now annoyed and
my stories, and the different snapped at her saying, “Ma’am I think you need to re-assess the whole
behavioral patterns of situation as Yash is absolutely fine.” On the principal’s repeated request he
people make them a exasperatedly gave in and decided to meet a therapist to clear her doubts
stimulus for me to find the about his son if nothing else and bring this nuisance to an end.
characters for my stories. I Mr. Gupta, the therapist was a portly man in his late fifties. He had this
reassuring voice which comforted Yogesh that his son was in good hands.
am the kind of person who After two sessions, Mr. Gupta was ready with his diagnosis. Yash was not
can’t be alone, and I love given the much-needed time to grieve over his mother’s death. He was
to socialize with people and sent to school much before he could accept and understand the reality. At
love to spend time with my home Maya filled the void his mother left but at school for want of special
friends and family. Anyway, attention he started imagining his mother and talking to her. He used this
as a coping mechanism without realizing what was happening. A couple
that’s about it I hope you of more sessions would help him overcome this traumatic experience and
enjoy the story. allow him to grieve and outgrow this behaviour.
Yogesh had never felt so guilty. He had found his escape in his work and
had not realized what it would have been for a five year old. But it was no
time to dwell on this and he had to take matters in his hands. Along with
the therapy sessions Yogesh took time out of his busy schedule and spent
some quality time with his young son.
As hoped the therapy worked and Yash was able to get over his grief and
was back to his normal self. The principal never had to complain again.
END

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