Arun’s Transformation: A New Name, A New Beginning
As the wedding preparations grew closer, there was one last step Arun’s family insisted on—one that filled him with both dread and reluctant acceptance. It wasn’t just about the sarees, the jasmine, or the wedding itself.
It was about the name.
Lakshmi had been quiet about it at first, but one evening, she sat beside Arun and gently broached the topic. “Kanna, your new life isn’t just about the clothes or the flowers. It’s about fully embracing who you’ve become.”
Arun’s chest tightened. “I—I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”
Lakshmi smiled softly. “You don’t have to be ready right now, but your new name will be a part of your new life. It’s a way of leaving behind the old you and welcoming the new.”
Arun hesitated, his mind racing. Anitha. The name felt foreign on his tongue, yet there was something oddly fitting about it.
With a sigh, he nodded. “Okay… I’ll be Anitha.”
Lakshmi kissed his forehead. “Anitha suits you beautifully, kanna.”
The Engagement Preparations: A Flurry of Activity
With the name change settled, the family moved forward with the engagement preparations. The house buzzed with excitement as relatives arrived, flowers were strung, and every detail was meticulously arranged. Arun—or rather, Anitha—found himself at the center of it all, not just as a participant but as the focal point of attention.
Meena and Lakshmi insisted that Anitha have the final say in everything, from the colors of the decorations to the arrangements of the food. It was a delicate balance between being overwhelmed and feeling strangely in control.
The entire process was filled with teasing and laughter. “Anitha, you must pick a saree that will make Karthik’s eyes pop out,” Meena teased, holding up a bright pink silk saree.
Anitha laughed nervously, her hands instinctively brushing against the fabric. “I don’t think he’d be that shocked…”
Lakshmi winked. “Oh, he will be. And you’ll love every second of it.”
Arun—no, Anitha—was starting to get used to the teasing. Her reflection in the mirror felt different now, not just in the way she looked, but in the way she held herself. She was no longer someone desperately clinging to her past but was starting to embrace the woman she had become.
The Traditional Engagement Ceremony
The engagement day arrived, and the atmosphere in the house was electric. Anitha’s heart raced with anticipation as she dressed in a deep crimson saree, the intricate gold embroidery shining in the light. Her hair was braided neatly, adorned with a fresh garland of jasmine. She looked every bit the traditional bride—yet, there was still a lingering doubt deep within her.
Would Karthik accept her fully?
As the guests arrived, Anitha sat with her family, hands folded in her lap, trying to calm the nervous energy that hummed through her veins. Lakshmi and Meena exchanged excited whispers, their eyes occasionally darting toward Anitha as if to reassure her.
Then, Karthik entered the room, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Anitha. He smiled, and it was the kind of smile that sent warmth flooding through her chest. He walked toward her, and Anitha rose, her heart hammering in her chest.
“Anitha,” Karthik said softly, his voice warm and reassuring. “You look stunning.”
Anitha’s cheeks flushed at the compliment. “Thank you, Karthik.”
For a moment, all her fears faded away. There was no judgment, no hesitation—just two people coming together, slowly but surely.
The Engagement Rituals
The ceremony began with the exchange of rings, a simple but intimate moment. As Karthik slid the gold ring onto Anitha’s finger, she felt a surge of emotions—confusion, fear, but also an undeniable sense of belonging.
The family gathered around, smiling, laughing, and teasing Anitha in their usual lighthearted way. “Don’t worry, Anitha,” Meena said with a grin. “You’ll be glowing by the time you walk down the aisle!”
Anitha smiled weakly, still unsure whether to embrace this new role entirely. But with each passing moment, it became clearer that this was no longer just a role to play—it was a life to live.
As the evening wore on, Karthik took Anitha’s hand and led her outside for a quiet moment alone. Under the starry sky, he turned to her and spoke softly.
“You’re beautiful, Anitha. I’m glad we’re doing this.”
Anitha swallowed, her heart pounding. “I… I’m glad too.”
For the first time, she allowed herself to imagine the future. A future as Anitha, not just as the man she used to be.
Comments