Journalstone's 2010 Warped Words for Twisted Minds (5 page)

“You can try it, if you think it will work, but I’ll have no part in it. You’re on your own with this, and if it doesn’t work then, I guess, we’ll have to start medication.”

Karen’s voice cracked and tears streamed down her cheeks. She had never felt more defeated.

Emily stared out the window of the car. Dinner with her father had been an unexpected treat. Just the two of them, eating hamburgers and French fries and even a banana split for desert! Emily had felt happy sitting in the brightly lit restaurant with her dad. For so long he had been angry with her, and now he was suddenly nice again. Maybe Caroline had talked to him. Caroline believed she wasn’t crazy, that she didn’t have some silly fear of the dark. Maybe her dad was starting to realize that, too.

However, Emily’s happiness soon turned to sickening dread during the car ride home. The sun had set hours ago, and darkness was everywhere. The road snaked through the dark forest, only illuminating the first fringe of trees with its headlights. The soul snatchers lurked just behind the trees, where the shadow of darkness swallowed all shapes and forms to make what looked like a black void of nothingness. Only the soul snatchers were visible in that darkness beyond, their eyes fixed on Emily’s as she stared out the window.

“Emily,” Rob said gently, “I’m going to turn off the car light.”

Her eyes widened, and she whipped her head around.

“No, Dad! Don’t do it! Please, don’t do it!”

“But it won’t be that dark inside the car, there will still be some light from the dashboard.”

He hated driving with the inside light on.

Emily went into hysterics.

“No! It’s not enough. Please, Daddy, please!”

Tears were already falling from her eyes and she looked as panicked as a deer caught in the headlights.

Rob felt his patience break.

“You know what? This is ridiculous. There is nothing to be afraid of, and I’m going to prove it to you.”

He suddenly swerved off to the side of the road, slammed the car into park, cut the engine, and practically ripped Emily from the car.

“Dad! What are you doing?” Emily screamed and clawed at his face. “Put me down! Daddy, please, put me down!”

But Rob had had enough. He carried his daughter kicking and screaming into the woods. He stopped as soon as the thick canopy of leaves blotted out the streetlights so that they found themselves in total darkness.

Emily struggled as hard as she could against her father. She even bit him. She screamed and pleaded, but her cries were soon strangled as icy hands clamped around her throat. The soul snatchers were clinging to every part of her body like leeches, sinking their shadowy fangs into her skin, slithering into her pores, creeping through her open mouth, entering through her eyes. Emily could feel them inside her, feel them traveling through her blood stream up to her brain.

“We’ve got you Emily,” they whispered, as they squeezed out her soul and devoured it with their hungry, snapping jaws.

Rob felt Emily stiffen in his arms.

“There you go,” he said, taking it as a good sign that she had stopped struggling. “Nothing can hurt you. I’m here, and you are safe with me. See, Emily? You don’t have to be afraid of the dark. There are no soul snatchers. They don’t exist.”

He hugged Emily tighter when she didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re going to be mad at me, but I had to show you that there was nothing to be afraid of. It’s for your own good.”

Suddenly, Emily’s body started to convulse in his arms.

“Emily?” Rob cried out in alarm. He quickly laid his daughter down on the ground. “Oh my God, Emily!”

He watched her eyes roll into her head. Panic seized him like a vice. What was happening?

“Emily, I’m so sorry! Emily!”

He pulled out his cell phone and called an ambulance.

“My daughter is having a seizure. We’re at the side of the road on Route 65, just before Old Danforth Road.”

He shut his eyes and prayed, knowing he would never forgive himself.

Michael Crocket pulled back the stiff white sheet from the small corpse on the table. Rarely did he choke up during his work, but there was something about the innocence of this one that broke his heart. He had a daughter the same age at home himself and couldn’t picture ever losing her.

“What’s the prognosis?”

Robert, the finest mortician Crockett Funeral Home had, said as he entered the room.

Michael sighed. “The autopsy papers said it was a panic attack-induced seizure.”

Robert looked over Emily’s lifeless body.

“What an awful way to go, especially for a little girl.”

“Be sure to do an extra good job with her, okay?” Michael asked.

Rob nodded. “I’ll make her look like a little angel.”

“Good, because she was somebody’s little angel, and the service is going to be open casket.”

“Don’t worry boss, I’ve got it covered.”

 Robert shook his head sadly.

“I really hope that when I go, I'm one of the lucky ones that dies peacefully in my sleep.”

Ashok looked at his watch before he turned the page and continued to read the file of his next patient. It was almost 9 p.m., and he hoped his new client would arrive soon.

“Dr. Virani, your son is on line two,” the secretary informed him via the intercom.

“Thank you, Monica. You know you can leave. There is no need for you to stay.”

“I’ll wait for you to finish up, Dr. Thank you.”

“Are you sure? I can close up myself, you know?”

“That’s alright, Dr., I don’t mind.”

Ashok switched lines to speak to his 6-year-old son, Jai.

“Hello?”

“Papa, when are you coming home?” Jai squeaked.

“Soon ,beta, I just have to finish up some work. Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?”

“Papa, there is a monster in my room! It’s not letting me sleep again,” he sulked.

“Oh, is that right? It’s back, is it? Alright, I’ll come home soon and take care of that monster, ok?”

“Promise?”

“Yes, beta, I promise,” Ashok said, reassuringly. “Let me speak to mummy.”

Ashok looked at his watch again and then the door, anxiously waiting.

“Ashok, why aren’t you home yet?” Sonia asked sternly.

“I’m still waiting for my client.”

“At this hour? You normally finish up by 6,” she nagged.

“Yes, but I told you I’d be late today.”

“This late? Ashok! What kind of psychiatrist stays open at this hour?”

“Sonia, I have to go, I can’t have this discussion now.”

His frustration began to take over.

“Ashok, I’m worried about Jai. He hasn’t been sleeping. His teacher called and said he falls asleep in class. His school work is suffering, and he just looks haggard. I think we need to see a pediatrician.”

“Sonia, please, can we talk about this when I get home?”

“Ashok, this is your son, for God’s sake!” she shrieked.

“Fine!” Ashok screamed back, “I’ll set up an appointment. Ok?”

“Fine! Your dinner is in the fridge.”

She slammed the phone down.

Ashok replaced the receiver and began to pace around his office, trying to get his wife’s irritatingly nagging voice out of his head. Eight years ago, it was the sweetest sound he ever heard uttered. Today, when he hears her call his name, he can feel his blood pressure rising.

He once again began to wonder why the property billionaire and philanthropist, Rakesh Mehta, sought out his services. And, why would he have requested such a peculiar hour? Ashok was aware of his capabilities, and knew he wasn’t considered a renowned psychiatrist. Yet, this pillar of society wanted to speak with him and only him. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up!

“Dr. Virani, your client has arrived,” buzzed Monica.

Reaching over the desk, he pushed the button on the phone and instructed his secretary to let in the most prominent client he’d ever had (and possibly ever would have). Standing upright, he began to straighten his tie. For the first time since he had opened his practice, his hands were clammy, and he did his best to hide his anxiety.

Rakesh Mehta walked in and immediately, his presence could be felt. A tall, broad man, with thick hair, his aura and charismatic smile could capture a room. Ashok noticed that Mehta was much bigger in person than the papers and magazines suggested.

“Dr. Virani, thank you for seeing me at this hour,” Mehta strode forward with his hand outstretched.

“Oh, it’s my pleasure, Mr. Mehta,” responded Ashok, as he tried not to wince when his hand became engulfed in Mehta’s vice-like grip.

“Please, call me Rakesh.”

Rakesh released the doctor’s hand, noticing the pained expression sweeping across the doctor’s face. “Unfortunately, my schedule is rather hectic. I apologize for the late hours, but this was the earliest we could meet.”

They continued the exchange of formalities as they sat down and shared their opinions about the sudden heat wave. Ashok was curious, and while he wanted nothing more than to move onward with the session, he was seasoned enough not to let it show.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I wanted to see you, Dr. Virani,” Rakesh asked while unbuttoning his impeccably tailored pinstripe suit.

“It certainly did cross my mind.”

“Well, why does anyone want to see a psychiatrist? To hear themselves talk of course!” Rakesh smiled, easing Ashok somewhat.

The irony wasn’t lost on Ashok. In this situation, it was he that was supposed to calm the patient. However, Mehta stature was so immense, Ashok couldn’t help but feel out of his element.

“Dr. Virani, I am sure you are aware of my public image and standing in society?”

“I am,” Ashok nodded, maintaining his poise.

“Then you understand that anything discussed in this session cannot leave this office, no matter what the circumstance might be?”

“I’m surprised you’re asking, Mr. Mehta”

“Please, call me Rakesh,” he interrupted.

“Rakesh, you must be well aware of the doctor-patient privilege by which we are bound.”

“Indeed, I am Dr., but I do need to protect my interests. Certainly, you understand?”

“Of course.”

“Then you wouldn’t mind signing this confidentiality agreement?” he asked, as he pulled out an envelope.

“Mr. Mehta, I mean Rakesh, I assure you this is not necessary.”

“I hate to put you in this position, but this is a necessity for me,” his tone quickly became stern.

“Rakesh, I can’t sign any documents without my lawyer having a look first.”

“Then, I’m sorry, but I cannot continue this session without a signature on these papers.”

Mehta stood up and began to place the envelope in his pocket. Ashok twitched and was uncertain about what to do. This was highly irregular. He justified the situation to himself – why would a man of Mehta’s prominence want to swindle a mediocre psychiatrist like him?

“Please, Mr. Mehta,” he stood, “we’re here to help and heal, and if this is what we need to do to guarantee you peace of mind, then so be it.”

He reached out for the papers.

“Thank you, Dr. I understand I’ve put you in an awkward position, but, like I mentioned earlier, it is a necessity for me.”

He handed over the envelope.

“I assure you, it’s nothing more than regular boilerplate information. To put it bluntly, if any of our session is disclosed to anyone, I can sue you for anything and everything you own.”

Ashok’s hand paused an inch above the paper, and he looked up, disturbed.

“I’m sure that won’t happen…it’s not as if you intend to leak any details to the tabloids, do you?” he smiled

Ashok smiled back nervously. He signed and handed the documents to Rakesh, who promptly returned it to the inside pocket of his suit jacket. Ashok sat down, feeling a little rattled but was ready to push forth.

“Shall we begin?”

“Yes, let’s. Do you mind if I walk around, Dr.?”

“Well, usually patients find it easier to sit or perhaps lie down.”

“Well I prefer to walk while I speak, it helps me communicate more effectively. I hope that’s alright?”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with, Rakesh.”

“Thank you.”

Rakesh paced around the small room, absorbing the vast amount of information that surrounded him. He inspected Ashok’s degrees on the wall, his books, even the family photographs.

“You have a beautiful family, Dr. Virani. Is that your son?”

“Yes, his name is Jai, he just turned six.”

“Adorable.”

“Thank you, but you haven’t come here to talk about my family, have you?”

“Of course not,” he laughed, “I’ve come to talk to you about mine.”

He turned towards Ashok and smiled.

“Do you know anything about my family, Dr.?”

“Well, I know what I’ve read. You lost your parents at a young age and were raised by your uncle and aunt who dealt in garments. That’s pretty much all I know, just what I have picked up here and there in the papers.”

Rakesh once again faced the walls, ignoring the fact that Ashok was scribbling away on his note pad.

“Well, allow me to fill in the missing details. Lata, my older sister, was my parents’ pride and joy. She was also the closest thing I had to a parent. We weren’t from a wealthy home, Dr. Virani, so both my parents worked hard to provide us with a decent life. My mother was a nurse, and my father managed a factory floor. They both worked long hours, well into the night. They left me home alone with my sister on most occasions”

“Dr., it’s your son on line one,” the intercom buzzed.

“Monica, you know not to disturb me when I’m with a patient.”

“Yes sir, but your son said it’s important.”

“Monica, he’s six for God’s sake! You should…….”

“Sir, he’s bawling on the phone,” she interrupted.

“Dr., please take the call, I’m sure it’s important to your son.”

“I’m sorry, Rakesh, I won’t be a moment.”

“Of course.”

“Hello? Jai? What’s the matter?”

“Papa, it’s in my room again and won’t leave me alone. It’s troubling me,” he sobbed.

“What is, beta?”

“The monster, Papa. Papa, please, please come home. Please Papa, please!”

Ashok could barely understand what his son was saying through all the wailing.

“Jai, let me speak to mummy.”

“Papa, please! The monster’s here! It said it won’t leave me! It’s sitting on the bed now, Papa! It’s coming closer and closer!”

“Jai, beta, calm down. Stop crying. Let me speak with your mummy. Jai? Hello? Jai?”

Realizing his son had hung up, he called his wife’s mobile phone.

“Hello?”

“Sonia, can you please check on Jai, he’s in hysterics! Please, handle this! I’m in the middle of a session.”

“What happened?” Sonia was alarmed.

“Nothing, he’s just talking about the monsters again. Please just go upstairs, and get a handle on this!” he hung up, frustrated.

“I’m terribly sorry about that, Rakesh,” he said, regaining his composure.

“It’s quite alright. Is everything ok?” Mehta asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

“Yes, yes. You know children and their wild imaginations. My son insists there is a monster in his room that has been bothering him for the past few days.”

“I think every child has a healthy fear of the monster in their room,” he smiled.

Ashok was confused with that response, but paid it no heed. Instead, he picked up his note pad and asked Rakesh to continue.

“As I was saying, my parents worked late into the night, and it was Lata who raised me. I was always asleep by the time my parents got home and only saw them briefly at the breakfast table. Close to my 7th birthday, my father passed away in a fire at the factory. It was a tragic scene, numerous employees died that night. I’m sure you’re aware that India isn’t well known for its safety standards.”

Ashok instinctively wanted to say something but knew better, and allowed Rakesh to continue expressing himself.

“We received some compensation, but it wasn’t enough. My mother began working double shifts at the hospital and began to run herself into the ground. I saw her even less. Lata became my mother.”

Rakesh stopped walking around and sat down across from Ashok. He took a sip from his water cup and smiled at the doctor.

“I understand you live near the Rajni Estates in Parelle.”

“Yes,” Ashok was surprised, “Yes I do, but how did you…how did you know?” he stammered.

“It’s my business to know, Dr. Virani. Information and knowledge are important commodities. Acquiring it and containing it is what controls the business world.”

Ashok sat silently, unsure about how to respond.

“Don’t be alarmed Dr. Virani, I own a great deal of property in that area, so I’m bound to know,” Rakesh smiled.

“Oh I see, ok,” Ashok said, reassured once again.

“Are you aware of how my property empire came to be?”

“Well, I understand you have purchased land and some of your assets are construction companies.”

“Yes, well, before all that happened, it was more primitive, if you will. My mother passed away when I was 14. Being aware of our situation and the impact her long hours had taken on her health, my mother had prepared a decent insurance policy in case of her demise. Being the entrepreneur that I am, I took a portion of it and invested. You see, the area near Rajni Estates, where you live, was very dilapidated during my youth. I hated coming home to such a morose and depressing surrounding. Hiring some of my friends, we began to refurbish homes. It began first with painting and repair, and then turned into brick and mortar work. Some children used to play, I used to work in order to make a living. It helped me deal with the loss of my mother. It also allowed me to stay away from home.”

Ashok quickly wrote down in his notepad. Mehta had a desire to stay away from home. It wasn’t surprising since he had lost both his parents and lived in semi-poverty but still, something about it sounded ominous. Suddenly, he felt his mobile phone vibrate against his waist. Picking it up, he noticed it was a call from home.

“Rakesh, I do apologize, it’s my wife.”

“Please, by all means,” Rakesh insisted.

“Hello?”

“PAPA!” Jai screamed. Ashok wrenched the phone away from his ear, grimacing in pain. The loud blood curdling scream startled Rakesh. “PAPA!!!” he screamed louder and longer.

“Jai? What happened?”

“PAPA, HELP ME!!!” he screamed again, “I’m begging you, HELP ME!”

“Jai, what’s the matter? JAI?”

It was no use, the line had gone dead. Immediately, he called the house, and Sonia answered.

“What happened? Jai just called me screaming!”

“I know, I just heard. I’m heading upstairs. Let me see, and I’ll call you.”

Ashok replaced the phone on to his belt and looked at Rakesh who had a concerned expression on his face.

“Is everything ok? Perhaps we should end the session?”

“No, I’m sure my wife will take care of it. It’s ok. Please continue.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure it’s nothing. My wife will call momentarily telling me it’s ok. Please continue.”