Arun Resists, But Lakshmi’s Family Involvement Pressures Him
A week had passed, and Arun still hadn’t removed the jasmine flowers from his hair. He told himself it was just to avoid arguing with Lakshmi, that it meant nothing. But every time he caught his reflection, every time the soft fragrance followed him, the unease in his heart grew.
One afternoon, Lakshmi announced that her sister, Raji Chithi, was coming over. Arun frowned. “Amma, I don’t think I should be here. I—”
“Nonsense, kanna,” Lakshmi interrupted. “You are family. And besides…” Her gaze lingered on him, assessing. “She will be happy to see you looking neat.”
Arun stiffened. He didn’t like the way she said it, as if he had already changed. But before he could protest, Raji Chithi arrived.
The older woman took one look at him and gasped. “Arun! My dear, is this really you? You look… so lovely!”
Arun’s stomach turned. “Chithi, I—”
Before he could say anything else, she cupped his face, her eyes full of approval. “Lakshmi told me you’ve been taking care of yourself, but I didn’t expect such a transformation! Just look at your hair—it’s so long and well-kept. And those delicate features…” She turned to Lakshmi with a knowing smile. “You were right, Lakshmi. He looks just like Priya.”
Arun’s breath caught. His heart ached at the mention of his wife, but what unsettled him more was the way they were looking at him—not as Arun, but as something else.
Lakshmi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “He’s just been adjusting, Chithi. The past few months have been hard on him.”
Raji nodded sympathetically. “Of course, of course. Poor boy.” Then she brightened. “You know, Lakshmi, I brought something for you—some of Priya’s old sarees. But now I wonder… Arun, dear, why don’t you help us fold them?”
Arun felt a chill down his spine. He wanted to refuse, to walk away, but both women were watching him expectantly.
Lakshmi smiled gently. “It would be nice, kanna. Just to hold them again.”
His throat tightened. Priya’s sarees. His fingers trembled as he reached for the fabric. The scent of his wife still lingered in them, filling him with grief and something else—something dangerous.
Raji Chithi clapped her hands. “Ah, see how beautiful the colors are! This blue one would have suited Priya so well.” Then she paused, eyes twinkling. “Actually… I think it would suit you too, Arun.”
Arun’s breath hitched. “Chithi, please—”
She only laughed. “Oh, I’m only teasing, dear. But truly, with your soft features, if you ever wore one just for fun, I bet you’d look just like a young bride!”
Lakshmi chuckled, patting his hand. “Don’t worry, kanna. We won’t force you.”
But Arun could feel it—something shifting, something he was losing control over.
Lakshmi had been careful, guiding Arun with small, seemingly harmless steps. But now, it was time to let others play their part.
That morning, Arun was still wearing the pink salwar kameez she had given him. He told himself it was because it was comfortable, that it wasn’t a real change. But as he sat drinking tea, he didn’t realize how much more naturally he had begun to accept these things.
Then Lakshmi’s niece, Meena, arrived. She was a lively young woman, always full of energy. The moment she saw Arun, her eyes widened.
“Maama!” she squealed, using the affectionate Tamil term for uncle. Then she giggled. “Or should I say Maami?”
Arun’s face burned. “Meena, stop that.”
But Meena only grinned. “Oh, come on! I mean, look at you! That salwar suits you so well. And with your hair and the flowers, you could pass for a newlywed woman.”
Arun gritted his teeth, but before he could argue, Meena rushed to Lakshmi. “Aunty, you’ve really worked wonders! He looks adorable.”
Lakshmi laughed softly. “Don’t tease him too much, Meena. He’s still getting used to it.”
Arun turned to Lakshmi in shock. “Amma!”
Meena clapped her hands. “Getting used to it? So there’s more?” She turned to Arun playfully. “Oh, we have to try draping a saree on you! Just for fun, Maama. Please?”
Arun’s heart pounded. “No. Absolutely not.”
But Lakshmi’s voice was calm. “It’s just fabric, kanna. You’ve already worn Priya’s things before. This is no different.”
Meena pouted. “Oh, come on! Just for a minute. I’ll even take a picture for fun.”
Arun felt trapped. He looked at the expectant faces around him. If he refused, they would tease him more. If he agreed, he would lose another battle.
But had he ever been winning?
Lakshmi simply smiled. “Just for a little while, kanna. For Priya.”
His defenses crumbled. With a trembling breath, Arun nodded.
Meena cheered, rushing to fetch a saree. Lakshmi watched with quiet satisfaction. She kne
w the moment he let them drape it around him, there would be no turning back.
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