A few weeks had passed and everyone in Geet's household was settling into the swing of things. Geet wasn't working late yet but she was feeling the crunch where now due to the constraints of work she had limited time with the kids.   She missed those days when she and the twins had the full days together and did so many activities.   Rohan and Maya were extremely intelligent and due to Nausheen and Geet's constant attention were able to read at a grade 1 level, could tie their shoes and were well versed in basic manners just to name a few of their achievements. Ensuring a normal routine, provision of a stable environment and a loving home had seen the twins flourish.   Geet still worried about their interaction with other kids their own age, how would they be in school and if they might feel abandoned as she could not give them enough time.

Geet shook her head at her thoughts.   Her kids and Amma were right.   She did worry too much. She smiled thinking at least she still had time with them in the mornings, evenings and especially weekends.   Rohan and Maya were enrolled in swimming and music classes as well. They were getting involved in their own life, interests and their new friends as well.   Geet also felt relieved that her colleagues and superiors understood her obligations so she was allowed to keep her own office hours and was provided some flexibility.   This allowed her to pick up the kids from daycare most days as long as she did not have any other late day meetings scheduled or other pending work.

The past two years had been very busy with the added responsibilities of the twins, moving from Montreal to Surrey, ensuring that all her hard work for her Ph.D. program could be transferred over and being allowed to continue with her research.   From time to time, she was seen at Surrey Memorial for various meetings and needed work pertaining to her doctoral research but she had not really interacted that much with the staff and had kept to herself unlike her other fellow doctoral students.   

For her post doctoral placement, she was limited in her choices as she had to stay within the vicinity and the selection of what she might be doing was not that attractive.   But then the fates had smiled down on Geet in the form of Dr. John Trevor when she was offered this job with the added option of completing her post doctorate, and she had readily accepted.   Even though no one had broached the subject it seemed that the staff was quite surprised that she was chosen as team psychologist since she was straight out of school and considered her not to have the required experience.   

She recalled the day that she had started and subsequent following days at Surrey Memorial with all the interesting looks that she had received.   Everyone seemed curious and speculation was rampant as they all had waited for her to elaborate on the situation.   However, Geet was not that type of person and knew the best way to handle the assessing glances was to plainly ignore everything.   She might have to prove her metal and worth but she was ready.   Plus, she was here to do her job and that's what she would do, if they liked or disliked her as a person that was of no consequence.

With a deep breath, Geet decided to distract her mind with other considerations.   She was relieved and pleased that Amma's medical checkup was fine.   High cholesterol was found but that was genetic mostly.   She knew that making some minor changes in their diets would get things under control.   Amma did not like Geet restricting her from some of the savory treats that she enjoyed.   However, Geet had her means to get Nausheen to agree.   Overall, things could not have been better both on a professional and personal level.   She was finding fulfillment and that made her feel blessed.

The new mental health initiative for corporate employees with the insurance companies would help with her post doctoral training.   Her doctoral thesis focused on the mental health status and productivity levels of personnel before and after group sessions focusing on depression, stress management and behavioural issues.   For her dissertation, she was only allowed to observe the group sessions for which she had created the material and presentations.   Her research entailed evaluating the entire program and showing how effective and beneficial these counseling sessions were to the clients.   She had some practical experience that was supervised during her practicum training.   She successfully defended her dissertation and her papers were being peer reviewed for publication.   

Having Dr. Trevor as a clinical supervisor had helped her extensively.   He had been so patient and understanding of her situation and responsibilities.   He was one of those people with whom Geet had to reveal all and it had been difficult for her to share.   At the time, she was pleasantly surprised as she had not received any recriminations or judgment.   As time further marched on she wasn't always happy, that it took her longer to complete everything than proposed but she had no choice in the matter.

However, circumstances were different now and she would be able to make a difference in her own way.   This new initiative would not only help with her post-doctorate training but would also allow her to gain more practical experience in counseling.   

She also had a chance to develop an entire program and tailor it to the needs of the companies and its employees focusing on the issues that plagued these work forces the most.   She even was able to add new elements of including individual and group sessions over time to see meaningful changes that she was unable to do during her Ph.D. process.   Geet was getting used to the work environment at the hospital which was so different from university and her research period.   Her new role was shaping up and there was still a lot to learn.

Geet twisted her body left and then right on her chair to stretch out her back muscles.   She was just in the middle of tilting her neck to the left, when her cell phone rang.   Geet was about to break for lunch so with a frown she looked at the number.   To her surprise, it was the daycare. She frowned and answered the phone.

Geet:   "Hello."

Lady:   "Hi Geet!   This is Debra.   How are you?"

Geet:   "Hi Debra.   I am fine.   Did you just call me to have a normal chat?"

Geet had started to get slightly annoyed and worried.   Debra was a lovely lady and Geet could never be mean but to Geet inquiring about her well-being in the middle of a weekday from the kids' school headmistress was just not warranted.   She needed to know if something was wrong.   Sarcasm is just not my forte!

Debra:   "Well, no, first of all don't panic okay?"

Geet:   "Debra you are not helping your cause.   What is wrong?   What happened to Maya and Rohan?   Tell me now, please."   Exasperation was getting the best of me!

Debra:   "Well.... Rohan got into a small fight with Sam Khurana.  He is fine but did receive a few scratches and has a bruise.   Maya is a little upset.   I think you should come now."

Geet:   "What happened?"   Hurriedly, Geet got up from her seat and was starting to gather her things.   She frowned and thought:   Rohan never gets angry.

Debra:   "I will fill you in when you arrive.   Just come as soon as possible.   Katie is with all of them right now.   And I should go as well."

Geet:   "Okay, I am on my way..."

Geet forgot about her lunch and ran out of her office with her purse and laptop bag.   As she passed the reception desk, she told Nora about having to leave.   She knew she wouldn't be coming back to work as all types of crazy thoughts crowded her mind.   Of course, I am going to think the worst.   She made her way to the parking lot and drove quickly to reach the daycare.

*********************

Geet entered the daycare and made her way to Debra's office.   Today Geet was dressed in her grey wool dress that hugged her curves with her well-worn patent leather Louboutin platform heels.   She had put up her hair in a French twist.   She accessorized with diamond studs in her ears.   As Geet liked to put it, my work armor and war paint are flawless.   To her it was important, that her inner workings not be reflected in any way through her body language or visible on her face especially in her field.   Panic had definitely set in but her composure on the outside had remained intact.

Geet knocked on Debra's door to see six pairs of eyes turn towards her.   She recognized four out of the six.   Debra and Katie showed recognition with small smiles.   The two strangers looked on with curiosity.   The younger version was standing and looked rather anxious and scared.   The older version looked at Geet with anger and contempt and there was something else but she could not quite fathom it.   Maya and Rohan were looking at her with relief and uneasiness.   To Geet her priority was to first do a quick inspection.   She released a shallow breath as both of the kids were at least standing and were not bleeding profusely or had broken bones.

Geet bent down and opened her arms.   Maya came running while Rohan stood with his head lowered.   Geet hugged Maya gently as she cried against her with soft sobs.   Geet picked her up and rubbed her back as Maya put her head on Geet's shoulder still continuing to cry.   Geet furtively gazed at Rohan looking dejected; to reassure him Geet extended her arm to Rohan as she soothed Maya now with her whispered words.   But Rohan still wouldn't look at her nor would he take her hand.

Debra caught Geet's attention and addressed her in a stuttering voice.   She looked a little harassed and Katie looked very scared.   What's going on?

Debra:   "Hi Geet!   This is Sameer Khurana but he likes to be called Sam."

Debra introduced her to the little boy who had a cut on his lip but was not crying.   Just like Rohan, he also did not meet her eyes.   Geet was sure he would have been a cute little kid if he was not dirty and had not gotten into a fight with HER Rohan.   Tiger Mother, I know!

Geet:   "Hi Sam!"   She said it gently but she saw a mumble rather than hear a greeting.

Man:   "Sam, please acknowledge Mrs. Raichand and say hello!"

Well, that was harsh.   Shouldn't he be hugging his kid!   Jeez...

Geet:   "It is okay, Sam.   Debra, do you mind filling me in?"

Geet decided to completely ignore the man and did not want to pay any attention to him.

Debra:   "Sam and Rohan were in the playground playing in different groups.   From what I understand, Sam's ball rolled over to Maya in the sandbox and ruined her castle.   Sam and his friends instead of saying sorry, asked her to return the ball.   When Maya would not return the ball, some words were exchanged.   Rohan overheard the so called teasing and started the fight.   Katie found them and broke the fight up.   Rohan has suffered some scratches and has been hit in the back of his head but seems fine.   Sam here, has a cut to his lip and a scraped knee.   This is..."

Geet interrupted:   "Rohan, please look at me."

Rohan's brown eyes filled with tears along with guilt, fear and defiance.   Geet's heart was melting for her baby but she needed to hear Rohan's side from him.

Geet gently but firmly:   "Rohan, please tell me what happened.   Haven't I always taught you to use your words instead of your hands and not be angry?"

Rohan in a choked voice:   "Mommy, Sam was so mean to Maya.   He called her a cry baby and "Maya the giant papaya".   He ruined her sandcastle that she was working so hard on.   He was also pointing at her while she was crying and laughing with his friends.   I told him to stop but he wouldn't so I hit him."

Saying so Rohan shrugged his shoulders and lowered his head while he shuffled his shoes on the floor.

Geet contemplated Rohan's details.   I know my Rohan; he only calls me Mommy when he is upset and worried.   Even though, he tried to stand up for Maya, this behaviour is still unacceptable.   Okay, I guess I am getting some practical counseling experience a lot more quickly than I thought.   How the tables have turned!   

Maya was still holding on tightly to Geet and she could feel some wetness on her dress.   Geet as she patted Maya's back:   "Sweetie, is that what happened?   Please tell mama."   But all Geet heard were her hiccups so she let Maya be.

Finally, Geet appraised the man seated on the couch by looking at him under her lashes to see his reactions.   She waited for him to contribute to the conversation.  However, he seemed to be annoyed and distracted as he looked at his watch.   What is going on with him?   Humph, not my problem.

When no other responses or explanations were forthcoming, Geet turned to Rohan and firmly stated:   "Rohan, you should have called out to Miss Lacey or Miss Holloway.   Hitting someone is never the answer.   I would like you to go over to Sam and to apologize.   Please!"

Man:   "Sameer Khurana, look here!"

The little boy finally looked at the man with fear in his eyes and did not move.   Rohan walked over to Sameer with shuffling steps and with his head bent down said:   "I am sorry, Sam."

Man:   "Well, Miss Holloway we accept Rohan's apology, right Sam?"   Sam nodded his head but still did not acknowledge any of us nor said anything in return.

The man continued:   "If this is it, I have to leave as I have an important meeting and I have about a 30 minute drive ahead of me.   It would be great if we could wrap this up..."

Geet's eyebrows arched gracefully.   Huh?   This is how this man handles these situations.   Wow, how arrogant!    

*********************

Author's Note:   I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of support, views and comments.   Many of you have also included the book in your reading lists or have started following me and I am extremely appreciative.   I hope you like the current update.   Please share your views and comments because they mean the most.   And only if you enjoyed or liked the chapter, then feel free to show your affection with a vote!   Until next time...

Since this book deals with mental health, all four chapters have a theme that depicts a certain emotion, feeling or incidence.   The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any of the four chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will also receive a shout out on my conversation board.   So start guessing!