The next morning, the household was a flurry of activity. Ravi's parents were up early, their anxious murmurs filling the living room. Mrs. Kapoor had arranged for a renowned pandit to check the couple's kundlis and determine an auspicious date. Everyone waited with bated breath.
The pandit, an elderly man draped in saffron robes, sat cross-legged, meticulously scanning the horoscopes of Aryan and Reena. He frowned, muttered prayers under his breath, and finally, after what felt like an eternity, he looked up.
"An auspicious date is ten days from now," he announced. "The alignment of stars will bless the union. However, preparations must begin immediately."
Ravi's mother glanced at her husband nervously, while Ravi, sitting demurely in Reena's guise, nodded silently. Varun and Riya, who had joined the meeting, exchanged excited glances.
Varun clapped his hands together. "Ten days it is, then! Let's get to work."
---
Preparations in Full Swing
Over the next few days, the preparations kicked into high gear. Mrs. Kapoor took charge, orchestrating everything with a precision that left no room for mistakes. She transformed from a polite, albeit firm, woman into a whirlwind of determination. Her desire to see Aryan's last days filled with joy was the driving force behind every decision she made.
Varun and Riya had naturally taken the bride's side, and their enthusiasm was infectious. They spent hours at Ravi's house, helping to decorate, finalize guest lists (albeit small and selective), and pick out music. Ravi's parents, however, had one unyielding rule: No one from their extended family or close social circle would know about this wedding. They couldn't risk the shame or the scandal of explaining why their son was marrying as a girl.
---
A Trip for the Bridal Lehenga
Mrs. Kapoor arrived one afternoon, her face glowing with purpose. "Reena, today's the day we get your bridal lehenga," she announced, her tone leaving no room for refusal.
Ravi's heart sank. Shopping for something so extravagant felt like a nightmare, but there was no escaping it. Dressed in a simple salwar suit, he followed Mrs. Kapoor to the city's most luxurious bridal boutique.
The boutique was a palace of silks and sequins. Mannequins draped in intricate lehengas and sarees adorned the showroom, each piece more opulent than the last. The air smelled of jasmine and expensive fabric.
The shop attendant, a woman with a keen eye for fashion, approached them with a polite smile. "How can I assist you today?"
Mrs. Kapoor gestured to Ravi. "We're looking for the perfect bridal lehenga for my daughter-in-law."
Ravi's eyes darted around the room, landing on a deep red lehenga with intricate gold embroidery. The weight of the occasion pressed down on him as he imagined himself wearing it.
Mrs. Kapoor noticed his hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's overwhelming, I know. But this is your day, Reena. You deserve the best."
Ravi forced a smile, nodding. The shop attendant brought out several lehengas, each more ornate than the last. Mrs. Kapoor rejected them one by one until she found one that made her eyes light up-a maroon lehenga, heavy with gold threadwork, paired with a matching dupatta.
"This one," she declared. "It's perfect."
Ravi stood in the dressing room, staring at his reflection as he tried on the lehenga. The weight of the fabric, the shimmer of the embroidery-it felt alien, yet oddly familiar. He could hear Mrs. Kapoor's voice through the door.
"You look beautiful, dear. Come out, let me see."
He stepped out hesitantly, and Mrs. Kapoor's eyes filled with tears. "You're going to make Aryan the happiest man alive."
The words stung more than they comforted. Ravi felt trapped between the expectations placed upon him and the reality of his situation. But he swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded, allowing himself to be swept back into the illusion.
---
The Home Preparations
Back at home, the preparations continued in earnest. Varun and Riya were the lifeblood of the operation, coordinating with decorators, organizing the mehendi ceremony, and ensuring every detail was perfect.
Riya, sitting beside Ravi one afternoon, carefully combed and braided his hair. "You know, you're handling this better than I thought you would," she teased gently.
Ravi forced a laugh. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
Varun, lounging nearby, chimed in. "You do, Ravi. But I know why you're doing it. Aryan means a lot to you, even if... things are complicated."
Ravi didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the mehendi design Riya had started tracing on his hand. The floral patterns felt like shackles, but there was no escaping now.
---
The Final Touches
Mrs. Kapoor arrived with boxes of jewelry, handpicked to match the lehenga. "These belonged to my mother. I want you to wear them on your wedding day."
Ravi's parents watched from a distance, their expressions unreadable. Later that evening, when everyone had left, his mother pulled him aside. "Are you sure about this, Ravi?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "I have to be."
His father sighed. "We never wanted this life for you. But... we're proud of the strength you've shown."
The words provided little comfort, but they were a reminder of the burden he carried-not just for himself, but for everyone around him. As the wedding day approached, Ravi steeled himself for what lay ahead, knowing there was no turning back.