The Reconciliation (Epilogue on Page 11)- A Mriara FanFic - Page 7

Posted: 9 years ago

Part V.2

 

The next morning Mrithunjay and Tara took leave of Revathy and boarded the flight back to Mumbai along with their little son. Ishan was initially curious about the new environment and sitting on his father's lap he looked around the cabin of the aircraft but soon his curiosity turned to fear when the plane took off. Frightened by the loud noise, he wailed loudly. A beautiful and friendly airhostess, however, managed to calm him down and he kept staring at her admiringly and giving her dimpled smiles, forgetting his fear. 

 

Continued in Page 10 

Mrithunjay winked at Tara and whispered to her that he suspected that his son would end up being quite a Casanova when he grows up. Tara smiled at her husband's inference. She then turned her attention to the morning newspaper which was sticking out of the seat back in front of her. She pulled it out and stared at a picture in it, her eyes filling up with tears. She gently caressed the picture with her finger tips, her lips quivering as she did so.  Mrithunjay was alarmed to see his wife's distraught state and asked her what the matter was. As Tara remained silent, he took the paper from her hand and saw that the object of her attention was a picture of his father-in-law. The news item below the picture informed that renowned industrialist Govind Sharma was celebrating his fiftieth birthday that day and his employees were holding a huge party that evening at Grand Hyatt Hotel.  

 

"You need to meet him and wish him, Tara. He is your father, after all. All birthdays are special but this one is extra special considering it is his fiftieth. By the way, does he know that he has a grandson?"

 

Tara silently shook her head, her tears now flowing down more freely. Ishan, who caught sight of them, leaned forward and wiped them with his little fingers. Realising that her son was aware of her crying, she quickly tried to compose herself. Mrithunjay was surprised to learn that Tara has not told her father about their son.

 

 

"Tara, it is not right to keep the knowledge of his grandson from him.  The man may not have accepted me, but he still loves you very much. Being a father myself, I now understand his feelings better. He wanted the best for you, just as I would want the best for my son. Although he does not approve of me, he still helped me for your sake.  If it had not been for him I would not have been walking around a free man today. You are lucky to have him as your father. Wish I had a father like him who cared for me enough to set aside his personal prejudices, but I don't even know who my father is. I don't think I want to know him either."

 

 

Tara looked at him in surprise. She was under the impression that Mrithunjay lost his parents at a young age and was raised by Meena Kaki. She did not expect to learn that he did not even know who his parents were. Mrithunjay then hesitantly revealed his background.  When she learnt that her husband was the product of rape, Tara was appalled. She finally understood why her husband behaved the way he did in the rape case involving the MP's son. She could well imagine the dreadful memories it must have brought back to him.

 

 

Clutching his hand tightly, she apologized for not understanding him and letting him believe she left him for good. Mrithunjay assured her that it is he who should apologize for not coming out clean about his family earlier. He asked her not to dwell in the past but look to the future. He said that they will visit Govind that evening with their son and wish him on his birthday. Tara was happy that her husband could look past all the insults her father hurled on him and accept him so wholeheartedly.

 

 

That evening they went to the hotel with Ishan but stood at the background, waiting for the other guests to wish Govind but Govind's sharp eyes caught sight of them and he rushed to meet them. He warmly hugged his daughter and shook hands with his son-in-law. His eyes then turned to the little baby in Mrithunjay's arms.

 

 

"Papa, this is your grandson, Ishan," said Tara, her voice cracking with emotion.

 

 

With his eyes brimming with happy tears, he stretched out his arms to his grandson. Ishan looked suspiciously at the distinguished but grim looking man.

 

 

"Gollu, this is your Nana," Mrithunjay encouraged his son to go to him and Ishan let himself be carried by his grandfather. He then promptly tried pulling his grandfather's specks off his nose. Govind smiled at his grandson's mischievousness and pulled back his head from the little boy's grabbing hands. Aradhana, who was talking to her friends, noticed her daughter and her little family and came hurrying towards them.  Mother and daughter hugged each other in a tight embrace and shed copious tears.  

 

"Why did it take you so long to bring your son to us, Tara? Have we become aliens to you?" asked Aradhana taking Ishan from her husband's arms.

 

Tara shook her head and apologised for taking so long to make peace with her parents.

 

"I am sorry, Papa. I am sorry Mama. I should have told you about your grandson earlier, but I was so confused about my own life and was trying to get a grip over it that nothing registered in my mind. Thank you Papa, for your help in getting Mrithunjay out.  He has promised to seek help to get over his problem in controlling his rage."

 

 

"So when will you be meeting Dr.Tipriwala, Mrithunjay?" asked Govind anxiously and then bit his tongue for letting the name slip. Mrithunjay and Tara looked at him in shock, wondering how he knew that Mrithunjay was intending to meet Dr.Tripriwala, a renowned psychologist, who is a specialist in the study of anger and its management. Revathy had advised them to see him regarding Mrithunjay's problem of controlling and managing his violent streak.  Aradhana goaded Govind to come out with the truth and finally Govind recounted what he had been up to in the past year. Tara's respect and regard for her father grew manifold when she realised how much her father had done for her inspite of her going against his wishes and marrying Mrithunjay. She profusely thanked him once again.

 

 

"Tara, don't thank me for doing my duty as a father. I will be quite content to see Mrithunjay really change and keep his family happy. That is all I want for now."

 

 

"I promise to fulfil your wishes Papa for they are my wishes too," said Mrithunjay and realising that he had addressed his father-in-law as Papa he asked skeptically, "I can call you Papa, can I not?"

 

 

"Of course you can, my son", assured Govind and embraced him warmly.

 

 

Just then Tara realised that she had still not given her father his gift. Taking out a small packet from her bag she handed it to him saying that it was a small gift from them.

 

"Tara, you have given me my biggest gift by bringing my grandson to meet me," said Govind emotionally but Tara insisted that he accept their material gift too which was a small diamond ring. Govind gladly accepted the gift from his only daughter and her husband. He then went around entertaining the other guests.

 

By the time Tara and Mrithunjay returned home with their sleeping son, it was close to mid night.

 

Edited by Opti - 9 years ago
Posted: 9 years ago
Loved it loved it and loved 😃😃😃😃
 
You to  are quite a writer opti 👏👏👏👏
 
Cant wait for the next part 😃😃😃😃
Posted: 9 years ago
Awesome update...********
Posted: 9 years ago
the whole family together ...good.
Posted: 9 years ago
Originally posted by Greys_Anatomy


Loved it loved it and loved 😃
 
You to  are quite a writer opti 👏
 
Cant wait for the next part 😃

Thanks Grey.
Posted: 9 years ago
Wow the reconciliation of Mriara was superb and worth waiting. And finally the whole family reunion. Loved it:)
Posted: 9 years ago

Part V.3

 

The next day, they left Ishan at his grand parent's place and went to Dr.Tripriwala's therapy centre.  While they waited for his arrival, Tara looked at her husband with concern.

 

 

"Mrithunjay, how do you feel about this?" asked Tara, unsure of whether Mrithunjay was comfortable with the prospect of discussing his problems with a stranger.

 

"Tara, nothing is more important to me than my family. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I don't jeopardize their peace and happiness."

 

Tara was relieved to hear him say this.

 

Dr.Tripriwala arrived after a few minutes. He was portly man of around fifty years old.

 

"Good morning, Mr.Shekawat," he wished him genially.

 

"Good morning. You can call me Mrithunjay."

 

"OK, Mrithunjay. I understand that you have a problem controlling your anger."

 

Mrithunjay silently nodded his head and looked down in shame.

 

"Don't worry, there is nothing to be ashamed of. We'll tackle your problem together. Remember, anger is a completely normal and usually healthy human emotion but it creates problems when it gets out of control and turns destructive. It then affects your work, your personal relationships, and the overall quYugty of your life."

 

"Nobody can understand that better than me," Mrithunjay said wryly.

 

 

"Have you wondered why some people are angrier than others?" Mr.Tipriwala asked both Mrithunjay and Tara.

 

They nodded their head together.

 

Pushing his specks up his nose, Dr.Tripriwala continued, "Some people really seem more 'hot headed' than others; they get angry more easily and more intensely than the average person does. There are also those who don't show their anger in loud spectacular ways but are chronically irritable and grumpy. Angry people have different ways to display their anger. Not all of them curse and throw things; some people withdraw socially, sulk, or get physically ill.  People who are easily angered generally have what some psychologists call a low tolerance for frustration. This simply means that they feel that they should not have to be subjected to frustration, inconvenience, or annoyance. They can't take things in stride, and they're particularly infuriated if the situation seems somehow unjust."

 

"You just described my husband in those last sentences, Dr.Tripriwala," said Tara.

 

Dr.Tripriwala smiled. "What makes these people this way? There are a number of things. One cause may be genetic or physiological. There is evidence that some children are born irritable, touchy, and easily angered, and that these signs are present from a very early age. Another may be socio-cultural. Anger is often regarded as negative. We are taught that it's all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions but not to express anger. As a result, we don't learn how to handle it or channel it constructively. Research has also found that family background plays a role. Typically, people who are easily angered come from families that are disruptive, chaotic, and not skilled at emotional communications.

 

Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person or event, or your anger could be caused by worrying or brooding about your personal problems. What triggers your anger, Mrithunjay?"  

 

"I cannot tolerate people being taken advantage of or exploited. I lose my temper and turn violent."

 

"Do you feel that you're at the mercy of an unpredictable and powerful emotion when you get into these fits of rage?"

 

Mrithunjay nodded his head.

 

"How long have you been having this problem of uncontrollable rage? I am asking you this question since sometimes memories of traumatic or enraging events can also trigger angry feelings."

 

Mrithunjay paused for a second and told him about his background and his difficult teen years and how over the years his anger grew along with him.

 

"Mrithunjay, anger is a natural, adaptive response to threats. It inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and behaviour, which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival. I understand that your anger initially started off as a self preservation mechanism.  At the same time, we can't physically lash out at every person or object that irritates or annoys us. Laws, social norms, and common sense place limits on how far our anger can take us."

 

"I know that but am unable restrain myself when confronted with instances of gross unfairness, prejudice and exploitation. I, then, turn totally irrational and lash out at the perpetrator. I want to control and manage my anger, but often fail to do so," Mrithunjay tried to explain his inadequacies.

 

 

"I perfectly understand your state of mind, Mrithunjay. To resolve your problem with anger, you need to first accept your inner rage and hate, find their sources, express them in appropriate places, and watch them dissipate as a result. This may be difficult, but it is the only lasting solution. Spewing vitriolic anger and hatred can, temporarily, make you feel calmer and less stressed . But that violent process of releasing anger is really like using food, a drug or a drink as a temporary calming device. It works, but not for long. There is a difference of opinion among various therapists regarding whether anger should be avoided entirely or should some or all of it be brought out. I believe it is important to feel the inner child feelings of anger and hate so that they may be tackled.

 

There are three main approaches to tackle anger --- expressing, suppressing, and calming. Expressing your angry feelings in an assertive---mind you, I said assertive and not aggressive---manner is the healthiest way to express anger. Being assertive doesn't mean being pushy or demanding. It means being respectful of yourself and others. To do this, you have to learn how to make clear what your needs are, and how to get them met, without hurting others.

 

The second way to tackle anger is to suppress it and then convert or redirect it to more constructive behaviour. This happens when you hold in your anger, stop thinking about it, and focus on something positive. The danger in this type of response is that if it isn't allowed outward expression, your anger can turn inward---on yourself. Anger turned inward can cause hypertension, high blood pressure, or depression. Unexpressed anger can create psychological problems too. It can lead to pathological expressions of anger, such as passive-aggressive behaviour such as getting back at people indirectly without telling them why rather than confronting them head-on or you may end up being perpetually cynical and hostile. People who are constantly putting others down, criticizing everything, and making cynical comments haven't learned how to constructively express their anger. Not surprisingly, such people aren't likely to have many successful relationships.

 

 

The third approach to tackling anger it to calm down from within. This means not just controlling your outward behaviour, but also controlling your internal responses -- take steps to lower your heart rate, calm yourself down, and let the feelings subside. When you don't use any of these three techniques, you turn to aggression which is bound to not only hurt someone but will also hurt you.

 

 

The goal of anger management is to reduce both your emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. You can't get rid of, or avoid the things or the people that enrage you, nor can you change them, but you can learn to control your reactions to them, can you not?"

 

Mrithunjay nodded his head understandingly.

 

"Allowing anger to erupt actually escalates anger and aggression and does nothing to help you resolve the situation. It's best to find out what it is that triggers your anger, and then to develop strategies to keep those triggers from tipping you over the edge. Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxation, can help calm down angry feelings. There are books and courses that can teach you relaxation techniques, and once you learn the techniques, you can call upon them in any situation."

 

He then made him sit on the clinical table. "Now, breathe deeply from your diaphragm."

 

Seeing Mrithunjay breathe, he said "No, not like that. Breathing from your chest won't relax you. Picture your breath coming up from your 'gut'. Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as 'relax' or 'take it easy.'"

 

Mrithunjay did as he was told.

 

"Now, repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply. Use imagery and visualise a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your imagination. Non-strenuous, slow yoga-like exercises can relax your muscles and make you feel much calmer. Practice these techniques daily. Learn to use them automatically when you're in a tense situation."

Mrithunjay nodded his head.

 

Shaking his hand Dr.Tripriwala said, "I think we have had enough for a day. I will see you next week.  When I meet you next I want you to tell me how much progress you have made during this week."

 

Mrithunjay nodded his head again and thanked him.

 

Over the next week, Mrithunjay faithfully practiced the breathing exercises.  Tara tested him by provoking him many a times, but he held back his irritation by breathing deeply and employing the relaxing techniques.

 

During the next sitting, Dr.Tripriwala spoke to him about cognitive restructuring.

 

Seeing Mrithunjay's confused expression, he said, "We psychologists come up with big words for simple things. What it means in layman's language is, changing the way you think. Angry people tend to curse, swear, or speak in highly colourful terms that reflect their inner thoughts. When you're angry, your thinking can get highly exaggerated and overly dramatic. Try replacing these thoughts with more rational ones. For instance, instead of telling yourself, 'oh, it's awful, it's terrible, everything's ruined, I need to seek my vendatta' tell yourself, 'it's frustrating, and it's understandable that I'm upset about it, but it's not the end of the world and getting angry is not going to fix it anyhow.' Be careful using words like 'never' or 'always' when talking about yourself or someone else. These words are not just inaccurate, they also serve to make you feel that your anger is justified and that there's no way to solve the problem. They also alienate and humiliate people who might otherwise be willing to work with you on a solution. Remind yourself that getting angry is not going to fix anything. It won't improve things or make you feel better but may actually make you feel worse.

 

 

Logic defeats anger, because anger, even when it's justified, can quickly become irrational. So use cold hard logic on yourself. Try to have a more balanced perspective. Angry people tend to demand things such as fairness, appreciation, agreement and willingness to do things their way. Everyone wants these things, and we are all hurt and disappointed when we don't get them, but angry people demand them, and when their demands aren't met, their disappointment turns to anger. In your case you want a perfect world and demand it. As part of your cognitive restructuring, you need to become aware of this demanding nature of yours and translate your expectations into desires. When you're unable to get what you want, you will experience the normal reactions such as frustration, disappointment and hurt but not anger. Some angry people use this anger as a way to avoid feeling hurt, but that doesn't mean the hurt will go away.

 

 

Your anger and frustration are caused by very real and inescapable problems. Not all anger is misplaced, and often it's a healthy, natural response to these difficulties. There is also a cultural belief that every problem has a solution but the solution is not violence. There are several ways to address the problem. If you feel that the society needs to be changed, change it. Start a peaceful movement that will awaken the general public to the ills of the society and help you find a more peaceful and lasting solution to the problem. Make a plan, and check your progress along the way. Resolve to give it your best, but do not punish yourself if an answer doesn't come right away. If you can approach it with your best intentions and efforts and make a serious attempt to face it head-on, you will be less likely to lose patience and fall into all-or-nothing thinking, even if the problem does not get solved right away.

 

Angry people tend to jump to, and act on, conclusions, and some of those conclusions can be very inaccurate. The first thing to do if you're in a heated discussion is slow down and think through your responses. Don't say the first thing that comes into your head, but slow down and think carefully about what you want to say. At the same time, listen carefully to what the other person is saying and take your time before answering. It's natural to get defensive when you're criticized, but don't fight back. Instead, listen to what's underlying the words: the message that this person might feel neglected and unloved. It may take a lot of patient questioning on your part, and it may require some breathing space, but don't let your anger let a discussion spin out of control. Keeping your cool can keep the situation from becoming a disastrous one.

 

 

Sometimes humour can do the trick. It can help you get a more balanced perspective. When you get angry and call someone a name or refer to them in some imaginative phrase, stop and picture what that word would literally look like. If you're at work and you think of a co-worker as a 'dirtbag' for example, picture a large bag full of dirt sitting at your colleague's desk, talking on the phone and going to meetings. Do this whenever a name comes into your head about another person. If you can, draw a picture of what the actual thing might look like. This will take a lot of the edge off your fury. Thus, humour can always be relied on to help unknot a tense situation.

 

Angry people tend to feel that they are morally right, that any blocking or changing of their plans is an unbearable indignity and that they should NOT have to suffer this way. When you feel that urge, picture yourself as a god or goddess, a supreme ruler, who owns the streets and stores and office space, striding alone and having your way in all situations while others defer to you."

 Mrithunjay laughed heartily, imagining the things Dr.Tripriwala asked him to imagine.  

 

Mr.Tripriwala continued, "The more detail you can get into your imaginary scenes, the more chances you have to realise that maybe you are being unreasonable in trying to find quick fix solutions through violent means. 

 

 

But be forewarned. There are two things you need to note about using humour. First, don't try to just 'laugh off' your problems. Instead, use humour to help yourself face them more constructively. Second, don't give in to harsh, sarcastic humour. That's just another form of unhealthy anger expression. What these techniques have in common is a refusal to take yourself too seriously. Anger is a serious emotion, but it's often accompanied by ideas that, if examined, can make you laugh.

 

Sometimes it's our immediate surroundings that give us cause for irritation and fury. Problems and responsibilities can weigh on you and make you feel angry at the 'trap' you seem to have fallen into and all the people and things that form that trap. Give yourself a break. Make sure you have some 'personal time' scheduled for times of the day that you know are particularly stressful."

 

Mrithunjay nodded his head understandingly.

 

"Remember, you can't eliminate anger and it wouldn't be a good idea if you could. In spite of all your efforts, things will happen that will cause you anger; and sometimes it will be justifiable anger. Life will be filled with frustration, pain, loss, and the unpredictable actions of others. You can't change that; but you can change the way you let such events affect you. Controlling your angry responses can keep them from making you even more unhappy in the long run.

 

 

You can decide you wish to not have feelings of hate or rage under identical circumstances in the future but this is more often easier said than done. It may take you months or years to completely getting the blinding rage out of your system. But having the wish/goal/intent to make such a change is important in propelling you along your best path so it does get accomplished."

 

"Believe me, Dr.Tripriwala. It is more than a wish to rid myself of this blinding rage. It is now my life's mission. I cannot afford to lose the two most important beings in my life to it.  I assure you of my complete co-operation and will be patient and persevering till I achieve this goal."

 

"I am pleased to see such determination, Mrithunjay. We'll meet next week and continue with this therapy."

 

It had taken nearly six months of therapy for Mrithunjay to completely rid himself of his rage. Tara was like the pillar of rock right through the therapy period.

 

Mrithunjay wanted to channelise his rightful indignation at society's ills into something productive rather than something destructive.  Tara suggested that he start a non-government organization and mobilize support from like-minded people. Mrithunjay thought this was a good idea and started an organisation called "Friends of the Society".  The organisation elicited support of people from all walks of life. Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants and others joined the organization.  The organization not only sought to redress the complaints of affected people through the mechanism of public outcry but also helped these people through financial and other means to cope with their problems. Tara donated a large chunk of the wealth Govind had given her to the organization. Seeing the vast improvement in Mrithunjay's behaviour and his sense of responsibility Govind wanted him to join his Group of companies at the CEO but Mrithunjay declined saying that he will join the Group as an ordinary salaried employee and work his way up.  Govind was pleased to see the sincerity and zeal of the young man and all his reservations about him not being suitable for his daughter soon dissipated.

 

Source for discussions on Anger Management: Controlling Anger -- Before It Controls You : http://www.apa.org/topics/controlanger.html



Epilogue in Page 11

Edited by Opti - 9 years ago
Posted: 9 years ago
Originally posted by TasrinS


Awesome update...********

thanks tasrin
Posted: 9 years ago
Originally posted by Isa_de


the whole family together ...good.
yes, finally the family has got together.
Posted: 9 years ago
it is a super touching story about a family's reunion.. 👏

i really enjoyit Opti 🤗

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