Journalstone's 2010 Warped Words for Twisted Minds by Compiled by Christopher C. Payne Page A

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