My private prison II

Therapeutic you said? It’s more like addictive Halisa. So don’t kid yourself. Or can you honestly tell me that you really feel better after you watch these series. You just want to know what happens next, and that keeps you excited but does nothing but increase your anxiety.’ I cautioned.

‘You know, you may be right Bint. Because more often than not I feel sad and even depressed after an episode is over. Then when I remember that the issues unsolved today more be resolved in tomorrow’s edition, I become excited and feel I have something to look forward to.’ She explained.

‘But this is very bad, Halisa. You need help. You have to step back into the real world and face your problems head on. You can’t continue to seek escape in the make-believe world of TV dramas. They won’t help you beyond the addiction they cause. So please snap out of it and start attending our meetings. Also since you are well-provided for by your ex and do not need to work, please go back to school. Enrol in a master’s degree programme or in an islamiyyah school. You need to do this if only to keep yourself fit. Did you notice how much weight you have gained? Weight gain, no exercise and too much TV is nothing but a recipe for disaster. Therefore save yourself from imminent health risk because your children need you now more than ever.’ I advised.

‘My weight gain is not entirely a result of TV watching. The truth is I eat a lot more now than I did before. I suffer from cravings all day long, as if I am expecting a baby. So I always have to eat whatever I crave for, unless I can’t find it. I now know why they call it comfort eating. The moment I’m through with what I eat I feel comforted and happy.’ She disclosed.

‘Comfort eating again? You see, your problem is even more complicated than I thought. You better snap out of this and enrol in a school. And I think an islamiyya will be better for you now than pursuing a Master’s degree because what you seem to need is genuine spiritual therapy.

Going there several days a week will keep you busy while the lesson learnt will enrich your spirituality. You need to be reading the holy Quran every morning and evening and stand up for late night prayers, several times a week. That’s what you need to combat your situation not any amount of Mexican, Indian or Korean soap operas.’ I admonished.

‘My elder brother thinks differently. When he came to see me last week, he told me that he had confided in his best friend and my former admirer the situation I am in now. And the man had asked to be introduced to me again as a suitor. So my brother’s theory is that if I were to marry again, I can chase away my blues and live a normal life again. But I told him about my ex- husband’s condition that if I were to marry again I’d lose the house and the monthly allowance as well as the company of my children. I told him I can’t even consider another marriage now.’ She narrated, sadly.

‘I think you are right Halisa, you do live in a private prison. How can you chose not to marry again just because you can’t live without the  luxury you are used to? If only you said you turned down your brother’s suggestion because you haven’t yet gotten over your divorce, I can understand that, because it was only four months ago. But to do so because you can’t live outside this house and without your fat allowance is a real pity. So please rise up and get back to school. Attend our meetings so you can make yourself useful to the society again. And when you feel emotionally prepared, get married again. You may lose your house and your juicy allowance but it is the duty of your new husband to provide for you. So don’t let your ex-husband’s blackmail get to you. And remember that there is no way he can keep your childern away from you. They will always seek you out whether he likes it or not. Therefore save yourself for them. Quit your unhealthy habits, right now.’ I urged, looking straight into her eyes.