OS: Anger Management (completed)

The famous filmstar Rishabh Kundra is the novice addition at Madhubala's concierge counselling practice. Like every new client, he is expected to complete the initiation ritual: smooth a gravel garden; creating repeated geometric patterns on the floor.

"You are a freaking idiot!! This is not working..."

Rishabh throws his rake on the ground, frustrated at the monotonous task that calls for all of his attention. He cannot think of his next meal, his girlfriend or the fight he had last night. He has to swirl the swirls and circle the squares. A task not worthy of his focus. The action invites no response from his teacher.

"Don't know why they pay you so much. Mizz pretend counsellor. Get a job! A real job".

Madhubala blinks twice, unimpressed by the taunts, spine straight like a stick, wearing a loose white robe with enough space to a hide a battalion. She is busy feeding stray birds. The crows crow and peck seeds out of her hands.

"Pick up the rake, and smooth the gravel RK", she walks toward him, birds still comfortably seated on her body.

"Stay away crow lady. Shoo, shoo..." he steps several feet back visibly disturbed by her calm.

"You are incredible work of art. An intricate creation, Mr. Kundra", she gives him a nod of appreciation.

Must mean I am doing something right, he goes back to finishing the task at hand.

"Who told Bittuji to get me a lunatic for a shrink? Are you kidding me? I have doubts this paagal is an asylum run away. Mujhe kya theek karegi, iske toh khud ke nut bolt dheele hain".

Madhu laughs whole heartedly at his comment as if RK deserves the Mark Twain award for cracking the joke of the century.

"My objectivity is compelling", she winks.

"Don't flatter yourself, you are someone who takes pride in making others fail". Still no success on the gravel front.

"You are adorable". Back on task. Her words have a hidden charm, she is inherently positive and impressively immune to his insults.

"Do you ever get angry?" he finally asks what has been on his mind this entire time.

"Maybe, I don't keep count".

"What if I slap you?"

RK tries to make provocative statements.

"Certainly will be painful".

Is she a robot? "What if I insult your parents?"

"Wouldn't make it true..."

"What if I kiss you?"

"That would be nice".

She should not have said that part.

"Okay", Rishabh drops all equipment and pounces at her, landing both their bodies on the gravel. His lips explore hers, touching, nibbling and parting. She kisses back. They lay, on the ruined gravel design, out of breath and giggling.

"So, how was it?" He turns on his side to face her, ready to absorb the praise that comes his way.

"Impressive for your personality. Too bad you have to re-do the gravel".

"Your last boyfriend, how was it?"

"We are professional acquaintances", she picks herself up from the ground and tip toes away from the rocks.

"To hell with it", Rishabh pulls her back down. "You recorded all my life history like you were a psychotherapist. It is only fair I know yours".

"Theodore, half Korean, half Assamese. We parted ways when chose the monastery".

"No kidding. You are from a family of sages. When are you initiating as a nun?"

She laughs a little but he sees the furrow, the subtle sign of discomfort and annoyance. She took offense. Success at last!

"I made you angry. Oh my God! I thought this day would never come...", he rolled on his stomach in excitement. He had managed to, in his mind, evoke a reaction from his coach.

"If this is my definition of anger; compare it yours. You should be clinically diagnosed for the way you react".

"Damn straight!" he nodded in agreement. He affirmed a statement questioning his mental health. "You could be my zen place".

"I think not", Madhu was easing into the conversation. The playfulness of the eyes, the continuous hand movements are free to act and be observed. RK is intrigued by her level of comfort. "How do you do it?"

She slips a piece of paper in his palm and straightens up, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". She leaves him with a puzzle and a puzzled face.

"Tell me, are we doing this or what?"

"What?" She giggles on last time before her figure merges with the horizon.

RK looks over at a red and white note in his hand. It reads:

You are an excellent kisser. I realize we have come to an understanding over the course of this therapy. Come talk to me when you are done. I shall take you out on a date, the fancy kind.

A woman had never made that effort for him, he is estatic. Could it be? He is blushing and he knows this will work out because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

A/N: I was stumped. Hope the ending sits well with you all :)