The Perfect Student And The Counsellor

You need not curb your cravings.

- Merin Babu Mathew

Miss, I need counselling, Cathy said to Ankita after the first period. She was possibly hiding in some classroom because she appeared from nowhere in the school corridor. Ankita was rushing to staffroom, she was a bit late. "Okay, during the break hour, come to my office." she replied to Cathy and hurried to her room.

She could not contain her curiosity. She had been a student counsellor for 5 years and had listened to different students, parents and teachers - each with explanations of their own. She had reached a stage where she could narrow down the problem before the student started talking and in eight out of 10 cases, her intuition proved right.

But Cathy surprised her. She was a brilliant student of class X and the school was betting on her to be the topper for the coming boards. Her parents, teachers and friends had nothing but good to talk about her.

She's so pretty, so helpful, so caring, understanding, mature... the description about her went on and on. Ankita too had the same opinion.

Cathy was a popular student she had repeatedly heard her name being called while distributing proficiency certificates, swimming competitions and in elocution. She had even envisioned how the school would be if it was filled with students like Cathy.

She waited impatiently for Cathy, thinking of all the possible reasons... exam tension, insecurity, tantrums... nothing seemed to fit.

"Miss..." hearing Cathy's voice, her thoughts came to a sudden halt.

"Come in, Cathy" she smiled. "Sit down" she said pointing to the chair in front of her. Cathy sat down and looked around, spotting the webcam in a corner she asked, "Miss, does this record audio also?" "Oh no, don't worry" Ankita assured her.