Temple encounter with Crush

The next day dawned bright and sunny, and there was a buzz of excitement in the air as we prepared for our trip to the temple. Aditi and Shruthi had planned a traditional outing, wanting us all to dress up in beautiful sarees adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. The anticipation made my heart race; I could hardly wait to see how everything would come together.

As we began getting ready, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and playful chatter. Aditi pulled out her gorgeous silk saree, a deep shade of royal blue with golden patterns. “Look at this, Suhasini! Isn’t it just perfect for today?” She twirled the fabric in the air, letting it catch the light. “I’ll pair it with these stunning jhumkas and my favorite bangles.”

Shruthi chimed in, holding up her own saree, a lovely shade of emerald green with delicate floral embroidery. “I’m going for a more subtle look, but I’ll load on the bangles to add some sparkle!” Her face lit up as she rummaged through her jewelry box, pulling out layers of colorful bangles that jingled as she moved.

I was getting ready with a bit of a nervous excitement, my heart racing at the thought of dressing up fully as Suhasini for the day. I had chosen a soft pink saree with golden accents, and the thought of adorning it made me feel both giddy and nervous.

“Come on, Suhasini! You need to help us!” Aditi exclaimed, her voice laced with excitement. “I need you to hook my blouse.”

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a rush of shyness, but they both smiled at me encouragingly. As I helped Aditi fasten her blouse, my hands trembled slightly, both from nerves and the thrill of the moment.

Shruthi, in the meantime, had started to change into her attire, leaving her top half bare as she pulled on a beautiful cream-colored petticoat. “Oh, don’t be shy, Suhasini!” she said playfully. “It’s just us girls! We’re all sisters here.”

I blinked, taken aback for a moment as she continued getting dressed in front of me. The atmosphere was casual, and I found myself blushing, but the way they treated me as one of them started to calm my nerves. “But… is this normal?” I stammered, glancing between them.

“Of course it is!” Aditi laughed, pulling off her top and switching into her saree. “Girls do this all the time. It’s like a fun little ritual! You’re our sister now, remember? Just relax and enjoy it.”

They moved with ease, not a hint of self-consciousness as they slipped into their outfits. They tossed me their undergarments and asked me to help select the right lingerie for them, giggling as they discussed colors and styles.

“How about this one?” I asked, holding up a delicate lacy bra in soft lavender.

“Oh, perfect! It’ll match my saree beautifully!” Aditi clapped her hands, then wiggled her shoulders. “Can you help me hook it on?”

Feeling a mixture of surprise and excitement, I nodded, moving closer to help her. As I did, I couldn’t help but admire how free they were, completely at ease with their bodies and their femininity. It was an unexpected but liberating atmosphere.

“See? It’s all part of getting ready!” Shruthi said with a wink as she tied her hair into an elegant bun, adorned with flowers that she had picked just for this occasion. “And honestly, it’s a blast to dress up together!”

As I continued to assist them, I felt the line between boy and girl blurring. They treated me like one of them, and the experience was exhilarating. It wasn’t just about clothes or makeup; it was about sisterhood, about bonding over shared experiences and laughter.

Once we were all dressed, I couldn’t help but admire the three of us. Aditi looked stunning in her blue saree, every bangle on her wrist shimmering as she moved. Shruthi was equally beautiful, the emerald fabric highlighting her features perfectly, while I felt a rush of joy seeing myself in the pink saree, feeling like a true part of this group.

“Okay, let’s see how we all look!” Aditi said, striking a pose and twirling around dramatically, her jhumkas swinging. Shruthi and I joined in, laughing as we spun and twirled, fully embracing our outfits and each other.

As we prepared to leave, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced before. With the love and acceptance surrounding me, I realized that I was exactly where I was meant to be—with my sisters, ready to embrace the world together.

When we arrived at temple, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Aditi and Shruthi had suggested this outing, and I could hardly believe I was actually going to the temple dressed as Suhasini. My heart raced as I slipped into a beautiful saree, the soft fabric swirling around me, paired with delicate jewelry that sparkled in the light. I felt like a vision of femininity, and the thrill of it all sent butterflies dancing in my stomach.

Walking through the temple gates, I was instantly overwhelmed by the sense of divinity that filled the air. The scent of incense wafted through the halls, mixing with the sound of chanting and soft bells ringing in the background. I glanced around and saw women dressed in vibrant sarees, their hair adorned with flowers, all radiating grace and beauty. In that moment, I felt an unexpected wave of connection wash over me.

As I stood in line meant for women, I couldn’t help but notice how there seemed to be no difference between them and me. I belonged to this group, a feeling I had never experienced before. The bond of femininity enveloped me like a warm embrace. I realized that I was happier here, surrounded by these women, than I had ever been among men. I felt an intense joy bubble within me as I stood taller, embracing my identity.

When it was finally my turn to receive blessings from the priest, my heart pounded with anticipation. As he looked at me, there was a twinkle of recognition in his eyes, and I felt a sense of acceptance. “May you find a good husband and be blessed with many children,” he said, placing the Kumkum in my palm.

With a sense of bashfulness, I took the red powder and gently put it below my bindi, the color beautifully accentuating my features. A delightful blush crept across my cheeks as I realized the significance of this moment. I felt radiant, almost as if I were embodying the essence of the goddess herself.

When I turned to Aditi and Shruthi, their faces were lit up with laughter. “Look at you, Suhasini! So ready to be a beautiful bride!” Aditi teased, nudging me playfully.

“I can’t wait to play with your children!” Shruthi chimed in, a giggle escaping her lips. Their laughter rang like music in my ears, and I couldn’t help but join in, feeling light-hearted and carefree.

As we walked through the temple, I noticed many women glancing at me, admiring my saree and jewels. The fabric flowed elegantly, and I felt a thrill at the attention, proud of how I looked. Even some men stole glances my way, and I felt a rush of exhilaration, basking in the beauty of the moment.

Suddenly, I heard a voice calling from behind. “Excuse me, miss,” it said, pulling me out of my reverie. I turned around and my heart nearly stopped. There he was—Vikram.

He stood there, his dark hair catching the light, and his deep brown eyes glancing at me with a mix of curiosity and warmth. My mind raced as I took in his features—he was tall, with a lean, athletic build that seemed effortlessly strong. Everything about him exuded confidence and charm, making him the kind of guy every girl dreams about. In that moment, he seemed to embody everything I had ever admired in a man.

But as I turned to face him, I couldn’t help but become acutely aware of my own reflection in his eyes. I was dressed in a beautiful saree, adorned with sparkling jewelry that danced in the light. I felt like I was presenting the best version of myself, yet I was also painfully aware of how nervous I felt. I could sense that he was looking at me, and it made my heart race with a mixture of excitement and fear.

“Um… it’s this way,” I managed to stammer, pointing toward the path leading to the Darshan. My voice was barely a whisper, and I was acutely aware of how shy I sounded. In that instant, I felt a wave of vulnerability wash over me. What if he could see the nervousness radiating off me?

Vikram’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion crossing his face. I could tell he sensed something different about me, perhaps the way I was dressed or the aura I was giving off, but he seemed to brush it off. “Thanks!” he replied, his smile brightening his face.

I watched him closely as he turned to walk away, my heart racing faster than ever. His eyes lingered on me for just a moment longer, and in that fleeting glance, I felt an unexplainable connection. For a brief instant, it felt as if time had slowed down, and I was acutely aware of how beautiful the moment was.

Then he was gone, heading toward the Darshan, and I stood frozen in place, my mind racing. Did he really just call me “miss”? The warmth of embarrassment flooded over me, and I couldn’t help but replay the moment over and over in my head. I was on cloud nine and at the same time grappling with my nerves. How had I let myself be so shy?

As I took a few steps forward, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—shyness, longing, and a newfound confidence. My heart was still racing, not only from the encounter but also from the realization that I had engaged with Vikram, my crush, even if it was just a brief moment. What surprised me even more was how I felt more connected to him at that moment than to the men I had been surrounded by in the past. I realized that I was more than just a bystander; I was Suhasini, fully embracing my identity as a woman, and in that identity, I could navigate my feelings toward men, too.

The connection I felt toward the other women in the temple now extended to this boy who had noticed me, even if only for a fleeting moment. It was as if a new world had opened up, one where I could exist freely as both Suhasini and a girl who could admire someone like Vikram. The blend of my feminine identity with my crush ignited something deep within me, a feeling of belonging that I hadn’t fully recognized before.

With each step I took deeper into the temple, I found myself smiling despite the flurry of emotions dancing in my chest. My earlier nervousness started to dissipate, replaced by a bubbling excitement. Perhaps this was my opportunity to embrace who I truly was. The temple was a sacred space, one where I felt welcomed, and as I continued through its halls, I felt empowered by my choices and the people around me.

I remember noticing Aditi and Shruthi standing a few paces away, hidden behind a column. They were watching the interaction unfold, their eyes wide with excitement. I could see the mischievous grins on their faces, and it made my heart race even more.

“Did you see that? He called you ‘miss’!” Aditi teased, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with enthusiasm.

“Right? He totally noticed you!” Shruthi chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. They stepped out from their hiding place, approaching me with playful grins.

“I didn’t know you had it in you to make such an impression,” Aditi said, elbowing me gently. “You were all shy and adorable.”

“Come on, Suhasini! That was your chance! You should have said more!” Shruthi added, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You should follow your heart! You never know what could happen next.”

Their playful teasing sent my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but it also filled me with a sense of exhilaration. They were right—I had just spoken to Vikram, my crush, and while I felt shy, there was something empowering about the moment.

“I don’t know what I was thinking,” I mumbled, my heart still racing. “I just froze!”

“Hey, don’t worry,” Aditi said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You have to embrace who you are. You’re Suhasini now, and you can be whoever you want to be.”

As I listened to their encouragement, I began to feel a shift within me. Perhaps I didn’t have to be so shy. Perhaps I could take a chance and follow my heart. Vikram’s brief encounter had sparked something in me, and I felt ready to explore it.

As Aditi and Shruthi watched me with eager smiles, their encouragement sparked a fire within me. “You have to go after him, Suhasini!” Aditi urged, her eyes wide with excitement. “Follow your heart! Just think of something to say.”

“Yeah! Just be yourself, but in a girly way!” Shruthi chimed in, a teasing grin plastered on her face. “And remember, a cute voice goes a long way!”

With my heart racing, I glanced over at Vikram, who was now moving deeper into the temple. My shyness nearly overwhelmed me, but the thought of not seizing this chance pushed me forward. Reluctantly, I took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage to approach him. I followed at a distance, feeling like I was in a surreal dream.

“Okay, just a little closer,” I whispered to myself. A spark of hope flickered within me as I approached him, my feet feeling heavier with each step. Finally, I summoned the courage to speak. “Excuse me!” I called out, my voice trembling slightly as I tried to sound sweet and inviting.

Vikram turned around, and for a moment, I felt paralyzed under his gaze. “Yes?” he asked, his brow slightly raised.

“I… um, could you help me? I need some Kumkum, but it’s on that shelf, and I can’t reach it,” I said, gesturing toward a small shelf adorned with vibrant kumkum containers perched high above. I felt shy, but the urgency of the moment pushed me to keep talking.

Vikram chuckled softly, his warm smile making my heart flutter. “Sure, I can help with that!” He stepped forward and reached for the container, effortlessly bringing it down to me.

“Thank you!” I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I took it from him. Our fingers brushed against each other, and I felt a spark of electricity run through me.

As I turned to walk away, happiness bubbling within me, I decided to try ringing the temple bell—an act of celebration for my small victory. However, despite jumping repeatedly, I couldn’t reach the bell. Frustrated, I giggled nervously, my jumps becoming more exaggerated, and I felt the hem of my saree tugging at my legs.

“Need a hand?” Vikram’s voice came from behind me, and I turned to see him again, a playful grin on his face. Before I could answer, he walked up and lifted me gently, his hands around my waist. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I tried to hide my face with my hands, the overwhelming shyness consuming me.

In that moment, I felt a rush of emotions. Here I was, being lifted by the very boy I had admired from afar, the boy who represented everything I found attractive in a man. He was my protector, and I was his delicate flower. I realized in that fleeting moment that Vikram was everything a girl wanted in a boy, and I was just a little girl, finding my place in this beautifully complicated world.

After ringing the bell with a triumphant chime, I felt giddy with joy. But as the reality of the situation settled in, my shyness surged back. I couldn’t bear to look at him, so I slipped out of his grasp and instinctively slid down, my heart racing.

In a burst of energy, I kicked my saree pleats playfully and darted away, my heart pounding as I ran toward Aditi and Shruthi. They laughed as I hid behind them, my face flushed with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

“Oh my gosh, Suhasini! That was amazing!” Aditi squealed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

“I can’t believe you just did that!” Shruthi added, nudging me playfully.

As I peeked out from behind Aditi and Shruthi, my heart raced when I noticed Vikram approaching. He walked towards us with an easy confidence, and I felt a rush of anxiety wash over me. What if he noticed how shy I was? What if he figured out my secret?

“Hey, Aditi!” Vikram called, his voice bright and cheerful. “Who’s this cute girl hiding behind you?”

Aditi quickly glanced at Shruthi and then turned back to Vikram, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, this is my cousin,” she said, spinning a story on the spot. “She’s visiting for the holidays and is a bit shy. She’s got a childlike nature, really!”

“Cousin?” I thought to myself, feeling both relief and embarrassment. I felt the heat of a blush creeping up my cheeks as Vikram’s gaze turned toward me.

“Hi there!” he said warmly, a charming smile lighting up his face. I could barely manage a shy nod in response, my heart fluttering in my chest.

“You should try to be more confident next time,” he added, leaning a little closer as if to encourage me. “I promise I won’t bite!” he said playfully, winking at me.

His teasing tone made me giggle nervously, and I found myself smiling despite my shyness. The way he interacted with me felt like a warm embrace, pushing me to break out of my shell.

“Thanks!” I managed to squeak out, my voice barely above a whisper. I could feel my cheeks burning, and I hid my face partially behind my hands again, overwhelmed by the attention.

Vikram’s presence was magnetic, and I felt drawn to him, even as I tried to hide my nervousness. It was as if he could see right through my facade, his playful demeanor making me feel both embarrassed and exhilarated.

“Don’t worry! We’re all friends here,” he said, flashing that disarming smile again. “Just relax and enjoy the festival.”

As he stepped back, I felt an urge to stand tall and show him that I could be confident too, even though I was still hiding behind my friends. My heart raced at the thought of continuing this connection with him.

“See? You’re already making friends!” Aditi teased, nudging me playfully.

I felt a mix of excitement and shyness as Vikram waved goodbye, promising to see us around. As he walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling of joy and anticipation that filled me. I was Suhasini, and perhaps I could find the courage to embrace this new side of myself.