A Public Outing: Arun’s Worst Nightmare Begins
Arun had managed to tolerate the teasing within the house, but when Lakshmi suggested a visit to the nearby temple, his heart pounded in fear.
“Amma, no,” he said firmly. “I can’t go outside like this!”
Lakshmi smiled patiently. “Kanna, no one will recognize you. Just think of it as paying respects for Priya. We’ll be quick.”
Meena, ever the mischievous one, clapped her hands. “And Maami, I mean Maama, you already look the part! With just a little touch-up, you’ll be the prettiest woman at the temple.”
Arun shook his head. “No. I won’t do this.”
Raji Chithi chuckled. “Ayyoo, why are you acting like a shy new bride, kanna? It’s just a saree, and you’ve already worn it at home. What’s so different?”
Everything. Everything was different.
But before Arun could argue further, Lakshmi sighed. “Fine, kanna. If you’re not comfortable, we won’t force you.”
He exhaled in relief—until she spoke again.
“But at least help us carry the puja items. You can wear the salwar kameez instead of the saree, and we’ll leave your hair as it is. No one will question anything.”
Arun hesitated. It still felt wrong, but compared to going out in a saree, it was at least bearable.
“Fine,” he muttered.
Lakshmi and Meena exchanged a glance but said nothing.
Stepping Into the Outside World
As soon as they arrived at the temple, Arun felt a wave of paranoia wash over him. He kept his head low, afraid someone would recognize him. The light pink salwar was modest, but the way it draped over his frame, combined with his long, jasmine-adorned hair, made him look undeniably feminine.
Lakshmi walked beside him, holding the puja tray. “Relax, kanna,” she whispered. “You look beautiful.”
Meena giggled. “Yes, Maami, you’re blending in perfectly! No one has given you a second glance.”
Arun stiffened. It was true. The women around them barely noticed him, assuming he was just another young lady accompanying her family. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.
Raji Chithi suddenly nudged him. “Look there, kanna. A newlywed couple.”
Arun turned his head involuntarily and saw a young bride dressed in a vibrant red saree, standing beside her husband. The man was tall, strong, and had a protective arm around his wife as she adjusted the pleats of her saree.
Meena sighed dreamily. “Aww, look at how sweet they are! The way he’s looking at her… so much love.”
Raji Chithi chuckled. “That could have been you, Arun, if you had been born as a girl.”
Arun clenched his fists. “Please stop,” he whispered.
But Meena wasn’t done. “Oh, but just imagine, Maami! If you were a blushing bride like her, your husband would be fixing your saree pleats, adjusting your bangles, protecting you from the crowd…” She turned to Lakshmi with an exaggerated pout. “Aunty, don’t you think Arun would have made the cutest coy wife?”
Lakshmi smiled knowingly. “Of course. His features are so soft, his mannerisms are already changing. If he keeps listening to us, maybe one day we’ll find a groom for him too.”
Arun’s breathing became uneven. “Amma, enough!”
Lakshmi patted his hand reassuringly. “Okay, okay, kanna. No need to get so flustered. Let’s go pray.”
Arun sighed in relief and quickly followed her. But as he moved through the temple, he noticed something terrifying—he was instinctively adjusting his dupatta like a woman, holding it delicately over his chest.
The realization sent panic through him.
What was happening to him?
A Close Encounter and More Teasing
After the puja, the family moved toward the temple exit. Just as they were about to leave, a young man accidentally brushed past Arun, muttering a polite “Sorry, ma.”
Arun froze.
The man had thought he was a woman.
Lakshmi hid her smile. “Oh, did you hear that, kanna? He called you ma.”
Meena nearly burst out laughing. “Aha! You’ve officially passed the test, Maami! Now even strangers think you’re a woman.”
Raji Chithi added, “It’s not surprising. Just look at you—long hair, flowers, delicate steps. Any man would assume you’re a new daughter-in-law.”
Arun’s face turned deep red. “I-It was just a mistake.”
Meena smirked. “Was it?”
Lakshmi sighed dramatically. “Perhaps we should have brought you in a saree after all. Then you wouldn’t look like someone confused about their identity.”
Arun looked at her in horror. “Amma!”
She only smiled. “Don’t worry, kanna. One step at a ti
me.”
As they walked back home, Arun felt his resolve weakening.
And Lakshmi knew it too.
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