Sony LIV’s Kankhajura is more than a dark thriller—it’s a psychological exploration of trauma, dysfunctional families, and sibling dynamics. At the core of the show are two emotionally complex brothers whose relationship exposes the long-term effects of childhood emotional neglect. For mental health professionals and viewers alike, this series offers an opportunity to reflect on how early experiences shape our personality and mental health.

At The Mind Veda, we believe stories like these help bring awareness to the hidden wounds many carry. Through this article, we explore what lies beneath such personalities and how therapy can help—even when it’s difficult.

The Parenting Wound: When Love Comes with Conditions

The foundation of the Kankhajura brothers' emotional struggles lies in their upbringing. The parenting style shown in the series is cold, controlling, and lacking in emotional safety. In therapy, such a background is often linked to emotional neglect—a trauma that leaves no bruises but scars the mind deeply.

Children raised in such homes often develop people-pleasing behaviors, emotional shutdowns, or intense anger. This can lead to anxiety, difficulty trusting others, or overcompensating to feel worthy. At The Mind Veda, we frequently see clients who, as adults, still carry the burden of conditional love received during childhood.

Sibling Relationships: Trauma Bonds Disguised as Loyalty

In Kankhajura, the brothers are deeply entangled—not just emotionally but psychologically. Sibling dynamics in dysfunctional families can turn into trauma bonds. Instead of being a source of comfort, siblings become silent witnesses to each other’s pain.

This emotional entanglement can confuse love with guilt, loyalty with fear. We’ve seen in therapy how unresolved sibling trauma can show up in adult relationships—creating difficulty in setting boundaries or constantly playing the role of caretaker or rescuer.

At The Mind Veda, we encourage clients to explore these early relationship roles because they often mirror how we show up in romantic partnerships or friendships later in life.

How Such People Perceive the World

People shaped by emotional neglect and trauma often see the world through a lens of hypervigilance. They’re always alert, second-guessing people’s intentions, expecting rejection, and fearing abandonment.

They may appear cold, distant, or emotionally unavailable. But in truth, they are protecting themselves from pain they haven’t yet processed. These defense mechanisms, while once necessary, now affect their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Many clients who come to The Mind Veda don’t immediately recognize these patterns. Therapy helps bring awareness to these invisible beliefs—like “I’m not safe,” “I must be strong,” or “I can't trust anyone.”

The Challenge of Therapy: Why They’re Difficult Clients

It’s important to acknowledge that individuals like the brothers in Kankhajura are often difficult to engage in therapy. Not because they don’t want help—but because vulnerability feels dangerous.

At The Mind Veda, we work with clients who may:

• Test the therapist
• Avoid emotional conversations
• Drop out of therapy
• Get defensive or shut down

Their inner world is built on mistrust, and therapy challenges their old survival patterns. This is why we take a gentle, consistent approach—building trust slowly, celebrating small breakthroughs, and giving them the emotional safety they never had growing up.

Why This Story Resonates with So Many

Kankhajura is fictional, but the emotional truths it uncovers are very real. Many people walk around carrying childhood wounds that never healed. And while not everyone ends up in extreme situations like the brothers, the emotional patterns—like people-pleasing, withdrawal, anger, or emotional numbness—are far more common than we think.

At The Mind Veda, we often hear clients say, “I didn’t realize my childhood was traumatic,” or “I thought everyone felt this way.” Therapy helps connect the dots between past experiences and present struggles—something the show touches on powerfully.

A Message for Parents and Families

One of the biggest takeaways from Kankhajura is that emotional neglect is just as damaging as visible abuse. Children who grow up without feeling seen, safe, or soothed develop invisible wounds that affect their relationships, self-esteem, and emotional health.

We encourage parents to focus not just on discipline and success, but on emotional connection. Ask your child how they feel. Be curious about their inner world. That’s what builds emotional resilience.

Healing Is Possible—Even for the Most Guarded

The brothers in Kankhajura may never find healing, but in real life, it is possible. With the right therapist and safe space, even the most emotionally shut-down individuals can begin to trust again, feel again, and change their patterns.

At The Mind Veda, we offer a warm, non-judgmental space for individuals with complex emotional histories. We understand that healing isn’t linear. It’s messy, slow, and at times painful—but it’s also worth it.

Looking Ahead: Our Upcoming Book on Relationships

If the emotional layers of Kankhajura intrigued you, you’ll love what’s coming next. Our upcoming book explores relationships in a way that’s rarely talked about—through the lens of emotional roles, early family dynamics, and how our unhealed wounds silently shape the way we love, argue, distance, or hold on.

We dive deep into different kinds of relationships—parent-child, siblings, friendships, romantic partners—and help readers understand why some patterns keep repeating. The book blends real-life therapy insights, case-inspired stories, and simple self-reflection tools to help you recognize what’s happening in your inner world and how to create healthier connections.

Whether you’re trying to understand a difficult relationship, heal from one, or just make sense of your emotional patterns—this book will be your companion in the journey.

Stay tuned.