I have asked him to arrive punctually at 4.00 P.M. today since I would be free and relaxed after a heavy schedule of consultations. I run a clinic in Colombo- the Lankan capital helping people needing psychiatric treatment. They call me Sarojini, and I am the only woman consultant in Wellawatta, a Zonal region in Colombo. I am 32 years old. I have a teenage brother living with me and my husband.
At two minutes to four, I hear a faint scratching sound-his nails on the door-
“Come in, the door is open”
“Good Evening, Madame- I mean Doctor”
I turn on the soft green overhead lights while observing my young patient, who could be 19 or 20.
He sits on the sofa rather hesitantly but with underlying excitement. He stares blankly at the white walls.
He has not even noticed the glossy Western art – photography magazine featuring fully naked women with statuesque figures that I put out for him. I had wondered if he would react, which would give me a tentative psychiatric diagnosis.
I clear my voice softly.
Noticing him wearing a branded half-sleeve white shirt and dark blue slacks, and trendy black shoes and socks, I thought to myself that in real he is not what appears seemingly naïve. He has come to see me with a purpose to impress me than asking for help for some sort of psychic problem.
Nevertheless I am curious to know what he intends to do at this session.