The Mandap

Ishan took a deep breath and stepped into the hallway, his 4-inch heels clicking against the marble floor. With each step, his anklet made a soft, tinkling sound, drawing attention to his elegantly adorned feet. He struggled to balance, his legs wobbling beneath the weight of the 30 kg lehenga.

As he walked, his breast forms, attached to his chest, wobbled precariously, drawing unwanted attention. Ishan's stomach fluttered as he caught many men stealing glances at his cleavage. He felt a mix of embarrassment and unease.

"Sandhya, why are people...specifically men...staring at me?" Ishan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sandhya chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, Mr. Chaudhary, if you saw a smoking hot woman walking in a bridal lehenga, what would you do?"

Ishan's cheeks flushed.

"Can't blame them, then," he admitted, struggling to keep his lehenga in control.

As he adjusted his breast forms, he asked, "But how do you handle these?" He demonstrated, squeezing the forms, unaware of the spectacle he was creating.

The men staring at him were caught off guard, their faces turning bright red.

Sandhya quickly intervened, her voice low and urgent. "Ishan, please stop that."

Just then, a man whistled from behind, and Ishan felt a surge of degradation. He realized what he was doing and apologized to Sandhya, his face burning with embarrassment.

"Sorry, Sandhya I'm just not used to this.", Ishan said.

"Happens with most girls when they first get some development", Sandhya joked ,"but they get over it by the time they turn 16. By the way these .... look so real How did they do it."

'Control yourself women, My eyes are up here', Ishan thought but could say anything.

"Ask Ratan, I was asked to keep my eyes close so I could not really see anything"Ishan sighed and tried to look at his chest but the Rani

har blocked most of the view, he continued "Ratan applied some glue on my chest and 10  seconds later I got two kg weight on my chest".

"Well they suit your size though", Sandhya's voice sounded like flirting.

Ishan settled into the plush Ranger Rover, his 30 kg lehenga threatening to engulf him. As he leaned back, the heavy skirt folded over his face, obscuring his vision.

Sandhya quickly grasped his hands, giggling, and gently pulled him upright.

"Comfortable, Ishan?" she asked, adjusting his veil.

Ishan whined, "As comfortable as anyone can be wearing all this...bullshit."

"Beauty demands sacrifice they say", Sandhya smiled, sitting beside him. "Girls would kill to get inside this beautiful lehenga."

The car started, and Ishan's heart beat faster. "What do you think about all this drama?" he asked, fidgeting with his blouse.

Sandhya's expression turned neutral. "As an employee, I don't really have a say. And you're getting 80 crores; so you should also whine about it."

"But seriously tell me", Ishan raised an eyebrow. "Would you marry a girl for 80 crores?"

Sandhya's voice barely registered above a whisper, "I would have married her for free if she was hot like you."

"What did you say", Ishan's eyes widened.

"Nothing" Sandhya quickly diverting the topic "We are here"

The car stopped at the grand hotel entrance. Inside, the hall was a marvel of opulence. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting rainbow hues across the floor. Fresh flowers adorned every available surface, and gold embroidery glittered on the intricately designed drapes.

However, despite the grandeur, only about 20 people were present. Ishan spotted his parents, beaming with pride, and Aryan, resplendent in a tailored sherwani.

The fitted jacket highlighted Aryan's broad shoulders, and the intricate embroidery seemed to dance across his chest. Aryan's eyes locked onto Ishan, and for a moment, they just stared.

Ishan couldn't help but think Aryan looked captivating.

Sandhya's gentle cough broke the spell. "Shit, why am I looking at him like this?" Ishan thought, feeling uneasy.

His gaze drifted to the majestic flower board, adorned with gold embroidery. Two names caught his attention: "Aryan Raichand" and "Radhika Chaudhary."

"Whose name is that?" Ishan asked, adjust his big round nose ring that kept falling on his painted lips whenever he try to talk

"Oh that..", Sandhya smiled. "that's the name you'll have for the next few months. Your mother suggested it."

Ishan rolled his eyes, 'Of course, who else would have suggested it?'

Ishan took a deep breath and began his walk, the song "Din Saghna da..." filling the air. Sandhya chuckled at his obvious discomfort.

As he walked, Ishan's pace was too fast, his lehenga threatening to unfold like a blooming flower.

Sandhya quickly grasped his arm, reminding him, "Slow down, Radhika. You're a bride, not a runway model."

Ishan slowed, his eyes scanning the room. The intimate gathering of 20 people seemed to shrink the space. Aryan, resplendent in his sherwani, sat near the priest, who was prepping for the ritual.

Harivansh Raichand beamed with pride, while three servants hovered around Aryan, ensuring his grooming was impeccable. Aryan's annoyance was palpable.

Camera crews and supporting staff mingled with the guests, capturing every moment. Ishan's family sat comfortably on a nearby sofa, his mother's eyes locking onto his.

"Wow!!! You look so beautiful, my Baccha!" Ma exclaimed, rushing towards him with open arms. "Kisi ki najar na lage meri beti ko" (May no evil eye fall on my daughter).

Ishan whispered, "Ma, why are you calling me Beti?"

Ma's expression turned serious. "Mr. Raichand ordered it. The less people know about your identity, the better it will be for us."

Ishan's mind reeled as Ma took his left hand, supporting him through his walk towards the mandap.

"But Radhika?" Ishan wondered. "Why not Ishika? It would have been easier for me to adapt to 'ISHIKA'."

Ma's voice rose slightly. "If I had a daughter, I would have named her Radhika."

"We even have all documents ready for your new identity.", Sandhya added, " The last two weeks weren't just for serving your notice period; it was to make your fake identity more real than your current one."

Ma nodded. "It's a good name. Now be a good daughter and keep walking."

'You're seriously enjoying this, aren't you, Ma?'

As he reached the mandap, reality hit him like a ton of bricks. His heart beating uncontrollably fast.

'Fuck me, This can't be Happening'

The priest began chanting, and Aryan's eyes met his. Ishan felt a shiver run down his spine.