Arun’s Growing Acceptance: Making Garlands for the Family
The days that followed Arun’s inadvertent admission continued with a subtle shift in his behavior. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it was undeniable. The jasmine, once a source of resistance, had become something he craved. The soft, fragrant garlands had woven themselves into the fabric of his life, and with each passing day, Arun found himself creating them, not just for himself but for the entire household.
Lakshmi, noticing his increasing interest, made it a part of their routine. “Kanna, I think it’s time you learn to make your own garlands. You’ll be doing it for the family too.”
At first, Arun hesitated. “But Amma, I’m not good at it.”
“Nonsense,” Lakshmi said, guiding his hands gently. “Anyone who can wear them can learn to make them. It’s part of the role, kanna.”
With her patient guidance, Arun soon learned to weave the delicate flowers into perfect garlands, his hands moving with surprising grace as he worked. It became a ritual of sorts—he would sit in the courtyard, carefully arranging the jasmine, and then place a garland in his hair before offering one to each member of the family.
The first time he placed a garland around his own neck and turned to hand one to Lakshmi, a small smile tugged at his lips. The familiar feeling of the flowers against his skin, the way they completed the soft curves of his face—he couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty in it.
The family noticed, of course. Meena teased him good-naturedly. “Ayyoo, look at you now, Maami. You’re making garlands like a pro!”
Arun smiled shyly but said nothing. He was coming to terms with this part of himself, despite the lingering feelings of confusion.
The Search for a Husband: Family's Plan Unfolds
As the weeks passed, the family’s subtle nudging didn’t stop. In fact, it seemed to grow stronger. Lakshmi began speaking more openly about Arun’s future, hinting at the inevitable next step.
“Kanna, we’ve been talking,” Lakshmi began one evening, her tone serious but gentle. “You’ve taken on such a lovely role in this house. But I think it’s time you start thinking about a real future. We should be looking for someone to share your life with.”
Arun froze. “W-What do you mean?”
Meena, ever the mischievous one, chimed in. “Oh, Maami, we can’t let you stay single forever. You need someone to take care of you.”
Raji Chithi laughed. “Someone who will appreciate all the garlands you’ll make for them!”
Lakshmi smiled warmly, but her gaze was unwavering. “We want to find someone who will accept you as you are, kanna. As the woman of the house. A husband, someone who will understand and love you.”
Arun’s stomach turned. A husband? It felt so alien. He had once seen himself as a man, strong and independent, but now? Now, he had embraced a role that seemed so different from everything he had known. And yet, despite his resistance, he couldn’t deny that the thought of having someone—someone who would love him and appreciate his changes—began to grow inside him, no matter how much he wanted to push it away.
Preparing for the Future
The days that followed were filled with quiet anticipation. Arun knew that the family had begun their search, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being pushed toward something that wasn’t entirely his choice. Yet, each garland he made, each time he wore flowers in his hair, it felt like a little more of the truth was sinking in.
Lakshmi had already started speaking to friends and distant relatives about potential suitors. “We need someone understanding, kind, and patient,” she would say. “Someone who can accept Arun for who she is becoming.”
The more Arun overheard these conversations, the more his heart sank. But there was also a strange sense of calm within him, as though he had already made peace with the inevitable.
One afternoon, Lakshmi called Arun to her side. “Kanna,” she said, “I’ve found someone. I want you to meet him.”
Arun felt his heart race. “Who?”
“His name is Karthik. He’s from a good family, and he’s seen how well you’ve adapted to your new role. He’s eager to meet you.”
Arun’s mind raced. Meeting someone meant facing the reality of everything that had changed, and everything that was still to come. But as Lakshmi placed a fresh jasmine garland in his
hair, he couldn’t deny that a part of him felt… ready.
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