Imaginary friend

Tall for his age, Arjun was coffee bean coloured with eyes the colour of night sky. He was as enthusiastic as any other four year old. He was adored by his neighbours and relatives. He said to his friend, "Can you make a building taller than mine?"

"Yes Arjun. Of course I can."

"I bet you can't."

Arjun was busy playing with his blocks and talking to his friend when his mother entered his room.

"Arjun! Whom are you talking to?" she shouted.

"My friend here mom."

"There is nobody in this room except you and me. You are imagining a friend."

"No mom, look! Here he is.. Sitting on my rocking chair," Arjun pointed to his chair near him.

But there was no one there.

"There is no one there. I have told you several times there is no friend in your room. I do not want to see this continue. You will not talk to yourself when you are alone," said his mother sternly.

"But mom, I am not talking to myself. I am talking to Jojo." Arjun informed her with a proud smile.

His mother could not argue with him anymore. She tried to make him understand that there was no Jojo and that he was his imagination. But Arjun relentlessly continued talking to Jojo. He would share bed time stories with Jojo every night, he would share his food and he would tell him how his day went. Jojo spoke to him, shared his feelings too. This had been going on for a year. Arjun's parents tried everything to stop him from going crazy. It is very common for kids to have imaginary friends to share their joy and toy with. After a point of time, they grow out of it. But Arjun's parents couldn't take it even if it was common. The stigma attached to mental illness and disorders is a lot to take in this society.

They consulted a psychiatrist. They were sure that their son was a schizophrenic. The doctor advised the parents not to make a big deal of it but his parents were not convinced. They put him through a series of sessions to get over the imaginary friend. His parents did not give up. They tried every outlet and opportunity to stop him from this madness. They even resorted to get help from other religious establishments. Their neighbours suggested that he be brought to a mosque for a ritual healing. After a lengthy incantation and an exhausting ritual, Arjun still continued to talk to his indestructible friend. 

As a last resort, he was brought to a Goddess Amman temple close to his home. It is known for the aggressive rituals and divine powers. Arjun’s mother cried her heart out to the priest. The priest assured that it is a common occurring and that he would do anything to destroy the demon that has possessed her child. The priest in the temple sat Arjun down and tied an amulet around his neck. He asked Arjun, “What is your problem son?”

“I don’t have any problem.”

“Does your imaginary friend talk to you every day?”

“He is real”, said Arjun defensively.

The priest applied kumkum on his forehead, closed his eyes and chanted some mantras. He rubbed neem leaves on the little kid and continued the show for some more time. He seemed to have a direct connection with the Gods above. 

“Son, tell all your problems to Goddess Amman”, said the priest pointing to the deity in the temple.

Arjun looked around and said innocently, “Who? I don’t see anybody here.”
"There. That is the Goddess", his mother said.
Arjun looked at the statue and asked, "Oh! Is she your imaginary friend mom?"

Arjun’s mother and the priest were visibly embarrassed.

Who is schizophrenic now?

P.c. Random picture from google search