Village girl

The day had finally come for our adventure. We were off to a remote village, where I’d be spending the next few days fully immersed in my identity as Suhasini, without any of the usual familiar faces around to question me. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking—this would be the first time I’d experience life entirely as a girl, and I was determined to live up to the role with every detail perfected.

The preparation had been thorough. Over the past few weeks, Shruthi and Aditi had guided me through everything I needed to pass confidently as a girl. With Shruthi’s help, I’d trained my voice, practicing countless phrases in a gentle, natural tone that now came almost instinctively. Aditi had shown me how to carry myself with grace, from the way I walked to the subtle gestures of tucking a strand of hair or adjusting jewelry.

And then there were the physical enhancements: the breast forms that I now wore comfortably, bringing out a feminine shape that felt both foreign and surprisingly natural. This morning, Shruthi added one final suggestion. She handed me a menstrual pad, her eyes twinkling. “This is to keep you grounded in your new self. And…”—she winked—“it’ll help keep distractions at bay.”

With a shy smile, I accepted it, slipping it on with my panties. It added an odd sense of reality, as though I was fully stepping into a new world where I was Suhasini, not just in appearance but in every detail.

I stood in front of the mirror, choosing a modern pink kurta with leggings. It hugged my new shape in a way that felt undeniably feminine. A subtle bit of makeup—a little blush, a hint of lipstick, and eyeliner to accentuate my eyes—transformed my face. I added small, dangling earrings and kept my hair open, its length cascading around my shoulders. I barely recognized myself. Today, Suhasini was truly stepping out into the world.

As I finished getting ready, I found Aditi and Shruthi still choosing their outfits and picking out jewelry. They both stared, clearly surprised that I was ready before them.

“You’re ready already?” Aditi teased, eyes wide with amusement. “And here I thought we’d have to help you!”

Shruthi laughed, playfully giving me a once-over. “I think Suhasini has us beat this morning!”

They called me over, enlisting my help as they rummaged through their suitcases. They asked for my opinion on their outfits, laughing and chattering about which jewelry would match best. I couldn’t help but feel at ease as I helped them, suggesting colors and patterns, adjusting their bangles, and handing them earrings that would complement their looks. It was a simple, girlish camaraderie—one that I’d always admired and now got to be a part of.

As we made our way to the car, my heart thumped with excitement. For the next few days, Suhasini would be stepping into the world—my voice, my mannerisms, my appearance all fully aligned to who I felt I was inside. I felt confident, ready to embrace each moment, and, with Aditi and Shruthi by my side, I knew it was going to be an adventure I’d never forget.

As we stepped out of the car and entered the village, I quickly realized how different this place was from the city. The village had a charm that felt like stepping back in time: women dressed traditionally, some wearing sarees elegantly draped, while younger girls wore half sarees or traditional skirts and blouses.

As we made our way through the winding village paths, Vikram greeted us warmly. He looked at me with a teasing grin. "Suhasini, still the shy one, aren’t you?” he chuckled, giving me a playful nudge. My cheeks grew warm, and I couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious.

When we arrived at Vikram’s home, his family greeted us with a mix of curiosity and warmth. His mother and sisters, clad in traditional attire, exchanged glances with one another, perhaps a little taken aback by our more modern clothing. I noticed that while Shruthi and Aditi had draped dupattas over their outfits, I had forgotten mine. Vikram’s sister noticed immediately and, smiling kindly, handed me a dupatta. “Here, Suhasini,” she said. “You’ll feel more comfortable like this.”

Vikram’s sister guided us to a cozy room and closed the door. She smiled gently as she explained, “Our family is quite traditional. The women here dress conservatively, especially at home. It’s how things have always been.”

She then told us that she’d arrange outfits for our entire stay. I could feel a rush of nervousness. I was comfortable as Suhasini around Aditi and Shruthi, but the thought of presenting as Suhasini in a fully traditional way with Vikram’s family felt like an entirely new experience.

True to her word, Vikram’s sister brought us an assortment of outfits. She handed Aditi and Shruthi beautifully coordinated half sarees, complete with matching blouse pieces and dupattas. They began to dress in the traditional attire, looking elegant and comfortable in the delicate drapery and pleats.

But then, Aditi glanced over at me mischievously, an idea sparkling in her eyes. She held up a blouse and skirt in shades of green and pink, traditional yet youthful in its style. “Suhasini,” she said, laughing, “I think this would be perfect for you. A traditional blouse and skirt—you’ll look like the youngest girl in the house!”

Before I could protest, Aditi had already begun helping me into the blouse. It was fitted and adorned with intricate embroidery along the sleeves and neckline, making me feel strangely delicate. Shruthi wrapped the skirt around me and tied it securely, ensuring that it fell in gentle pleats. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.

Then, Aditi pulled out a comb, and with a quick wink, she began to part my hair. “Today, we’ll go with something traditional. Suhasini, I think you’d look adorable with twin braids.” I protested a little, but they both laughed, insisting that I was the youngest sister for the weekend.

Aditi braided my hair into two neat braids, securing each one with ribbons that matched the colors of my outfit. I stared at my reflection, feeling shy yet strangely delighted by this new look. I looked like a young village girl, fresh-faced and wide-eyed.

Just then, Vikram’s sister entered the room, her eyebrows raised in surprise and amusement as she looked me over. “Suhasini,” she asked, chuckling, “why aren’t you wearing a saree or a half saree? You’d look lovely!”

Aditi quickly interjected, smiling slyly, “She wanted to look younger! She loves this traditional style—says it makes her feel like the littlest sister.”

I could feel my cheeks burning as they all shared a laugh. Shruthi and Aditi teased me, calling me their “little sister” and playfully adjusting my skirt and blouse.

As we moved into the main room, Vikram began introducing us to the family members gathered there. "This is Shruthi," he said, gesturing toward her, "and her friend, Aditi." Then, with a grin, he looked at me. "And this," he continued with a hint of mischief, "is Suhasini, Aditi's little sister."

At that, a few of the women glanced at me with warm smiles, seemingly pleased. Dressed as I was in the traditional blouse and skirt with my twin braids, I must have looked more like the younger sibling of the group. Some of the older ladies murmured among themselves about how nice it was to see girls dressed so traditionally, their approval evident.

Vikram's mother smiled and nodded approvingly, her gaze lingering on me. “It’s so refreshing to see young girls embracing tradition,” she said, her voice warm with affection.

We were then ushered into the dining area for lunch, where a large spread of traditional dishes was waiting. The women encouraged us to eat heartily, serving us generously as they chatted and exchanged stories. I felt strangely at ease, the warmth of the family making it easy to fall into the role I was playing.

After the meal, Vikram's sister approached us, suggesting we take a rest after the long journey. She led us to a small, cozy room with several floor mattresses and soft pillows, where we could stretch out and relax. Aditi and Shruthi looked at me, both clearly amused by the way the family had so readily accepted me as the youngest sister. Shruthi leaned in, whispering, “They really think of you as the youngest one now, Suhasini.”

Aditi smiled playfully, nudging me, “Get used to it, little sister.”

After a short rest, a soft knock on the door stirred us. A young girl, Kavya, peered inside with a smile. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. "Suhasini akka, come play with us!" she chimed, assuming from my dress and braids that I was her age.

I hesitated, feeling a wave of self-consciousness, but Aditi leaned in, nudging me playfully. "Come on, Suhasini. Let’s see you in action!" she teased. Despite my reluctance, I was soon on my feet, drawn in by their warm smiles and infectious enthusiasm.

Kavya took my hand, leading me to a small gathering of girls in the courtyard, waiting eagerly. They introduced me to some traditional village games—like "Kallu Gundu," a hopping game similar to hopscotch, and “Goli Gundu,” a game involving small pebbles tossed and caught with quick fingers. I glanced down, becoming acutely aware of the weight of the outfit I was wearing: the long skirt with its thick fabric, the fitted blouse holding my new form, and the twin braids bobbing against my shoulders. I had never imagined how much these things would change my movement, yet here I was, about to dive into games that required quick, agile motion.

We started with "Kallu Gundu," and the girls demonstrated their graceful jumps and swift footwork with ease. But as I tried to mimic their moves, I immediately felt my own awkwardness. The weight of my chest felt strange and slightly off-balance, bouncing with each hop. Every time I jumped, I had to keep adjusting my posture, unused to the gentle but noticeable weight of the blouse pressing against my chest.

Then there was my skirt. As I hopped from square to square, the fabric tangled around my legs, making it difficult to move freely. I was constantly adjusting it, and a couple of times, I almost stumbled. Kavya and the other girls giggled, encouraging me as I struggled to keep up. "Suhasini akka, you need to practice!" they laughed, their tones friendly yet full of genuine amusement.

And my braids—styled neatly by Aditi—bounced with every jump and twist, sometimes even brushing against my face and shoulders, momentarily blocking my vision. I found myself pushing them out of the way every few seconds, their weight another reminder of my newly adopted girlish appearance. The other girls moved smoothly, hardly noticing the restrictions of their skirts and braids, while I stumbled and faltered, struggling to match their agility.

When we moved on to “Goli Gundu,” I tried to follow their example, crouching low and reaching down to gather the pebbles in quick scoops. But the fitted blouse restricted my arms, and the tight skirt held my legs in place, making even simple movements awkward. I watched the other girls’ skillful hands as they tossed and caught the stones with ease, their laughs filling the air each time I fumbled.

With each round, I lost to the girls, my motions slow and my balance off. There was a humbling sense of feeling weak compared to them, realizing how nimble and quick they were despite their attire. Kavya giggled, clapping her hands in delight each time she won, and another girl patted my arm with a smile. "Suhasini akka, you’re getting there," she teased with a grin, making the others laugh.

But despite my awkwardness, I couldn’t help but laugh along with them, their joyful energy lifting my spirits. I was lost in their world—surrounded by innocent laughter, girlish giggles, and the soft jingle of anklets with each step. For the first time, I felt the camaraderie of being one of them, blending into the group naturally, even with my constant fumbles.

After several rounds, we finally collapsed in a fit of giggles on the soft earth, exhausted but delighted. One of the girls gave me an approving nod, saying, “You’re fun, Suhasini akka.” Her simple words warmed my heart, and as we sat together, I realized I felt truly welcomed, a part of this simple village world. It was humbling, awkward, but also beautiful. For a few brief moments, I was simply Suhasini—a girl among friends, sharing laughter and innocence in the warm afternoon sun.

As we sat there, still catching our breath from the games, I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me. Glancing up, I found Vikram watching me from across the courtyard, his gaze fixed and curious. My heart raced at the realization. I became acutely self-conscious, my cheeks flushing as I instinctively hid behind Aditi again, seeking comfort in her presence.

Vikram's expression was unreadable—part curiosity, part amusement, and something else I couldn't quite decipher. He leaned casually against a wall, but his gaze never wavered from me. There was something about the way he looked at me that made me feel both flattered and vulnerable. It was as if he was seeing me for who I was beneath the layers of Suhasini—someone he found intriguing.

As I shifted behind Aditi, I felt a rush of uncertainty. Was this what it felt like to be desired? It made my stomach flutter in an entirely new way. I could see Vikram chuckling softly to himself, as if he found my shyness endearing. It was both exhilarating and terrifying to think that he might have feelings for me.

Trying to shake off the feeling, I moved away with Aditi and Shruthi, seeking refuge in their laughter and the familiar comfort of our friendship. We stepped a little further from Vikram, my heart still pounding, and I whispered to Aditi, “Why is he staring at me like that?”

She leaned in, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “I think Vikram might have a crush on you, Suhasini. You look cute in that outfit!”

My cheeks flushed again at her words, and I couldn’t help but glance back at Vikram. He was still watching me, his smile broadening as our eyes met. My stomach twisted with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment. Did I really look cute? The thought both thrilled and scared me.

“Just act natural,” Aditi advised, trying to stifle her giggles. “You’re doing great! Just be yourself.”

But the more I tried to act casual, the more self-conscious I became. I could feel my heart racing and the warmth creeping into my cheeks. Vikram continued to watch, seemingly amused by my awkwardness, and it only made me feel more flustered.

I glanced away, focusing on the other girls and their laughter, but the feeling of being seen didn’t fade. It was a strange mix of thrill and anxiety, and I found myself hoping that perhaps, beneath this new identity, there might be a connection blossoming—one that I had never imagined I could experience.

As we continued to play and chat, I caught Vikram's eye one last time. He gave me a subtle nod, and I felt a shiver of excitement run through me. Maybe, just maybe, this weekend was going to be more than just an adventure in femininity; it might be the start of something entirely new.

Just as I was trying to wrap my head around the whirlwind of emotions I was feeling, Vikram’s sister approached us, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Are you all ready to come to our agricultural land?" she asked, her voice bright and inviting. We all nodded in agreement, eager for the adventure ahead.

I turned to Aditi, suddenly feeling a twinge of determination. "I want to wear a half saree too," I whispered, glancing at her. I didn’t want to look like a little girl anymore; I wanted to feel like a young woman among them.

Aditi grinned, clearly pleased by my decision. “Of course! Let’s find one that suits you,” she replied, leading me to the collection of traditional attire. Vikram’s sister watched with an amused smile, clearly enjoying our sisterly bond. “Look at you two! Such a lovely sisterly connection,” she teased, her laughter echoing in the air. “Suhasini, you should call Aditi ‘Akka’ with all the love.”

Aditi and Shruthi exchanged knowing glances. “Oh, she doesn’t have to! We’re all comfortable with her calling us by our names,” Aditi assured, her tone light and playful. The idea of calling Aditi "Akka" felt strange but also endearing, and I smiled at the thought.

After rummaging through the sarees, Aditi finally picked out a beautiful half saree in soft pastel hues that complimented my complexion. With a burst of excitement, she helped me drape it around my waist, adjusting the pleats carefully. I watched in the mirror as my reflection transformed, feeling more like a girl and less like a child.

Vikram's sister couldn’t help but tease us again. “You two really do have the best sisterly bond! Just look at how she’s taking care of you.”

Aditi chuckled, “Well, Suhasini needs all the help she can get to look like a proper girl!” She then began to change my hairstyle, letting my long hair fall in soft waves around my shoulders. A few moments later, she added a pair of shimmering jhumkas, which dangled gently with every slight movement, and slipped a few colorful bangles onto my wrists, adding to the traditional charm.

As I admired my reflection, the thrill of femininity surged through me. The half saree hugged my form differently, and the jhumkas sparkled in the light. I felt a newfound confidence wash over me; I was no longer just Suhasini, the shy boy trying to fit in with the girls. I was becoming something more, something that felt right and beautiful.

Once I was fully ready, Aditi stepped back, her eyes sparkling with approval. “You look amazing, Suhasini! Now you’re ready to join us as a young woman, not just a little girl.” Her words ignited a warmth in my chest, and I couldn’t help but smile widely.

Vikram’s sister clapped her hands together in delight. “Now, let’s head out to the fields! You’ll love it there. And Suhasini, you’ll fit right in among the women in their half sarees.”

With that, we set off, the excitement bubbling within me as we made our way to the agricultural land. As I walked alongside Aditi and Shruthi, I felt a connection to the half saree, the jhumkas, and the bangles—a connection that was becoming more significant with every step I took.

As we made our way to Vikram’s family’s agricultural land, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on everything around us. The vibrant colors of the village came to life—the lush green fields swaying in the gentle breeze, the smell of freshly tilled earth, and the cheerful chatter of women and children in the distance. I could feel the excitement building within me as we approached the expansive fields.

As we entered the farming area, we were welcomed by a group of village girls who were busy picking vegetables and chatting amongst themselves. They paused and turned to us, their eyes widening in surprise and admiration at our colorful attire. Vikram’s sister introduced us, saying, “These are my friends from the city! They’ve come to visit and experience our village life.”

The village girls looked at me, their expressions shifting from curiosity to delight. “Oh! She’s so pretty!” one of them exclaimed, and I felt my cheeks heat up at the compliment. They giggled and invited us to join them in their chores, which soon turned into a playful gathering.

“Come on, Suhasini!” one of the girls said, grabbing my hand. “Let’s play some games!”

Before I knew it, I was swept into their laughter and joy. They taught me how to collect vegetables and carry them in my half saree, demonstrating how to balance the weight on my hip gracefully. With each passing moment, I felt more included, shedding any residual shyness I had. I joined in on their games, including a fun contest of tug-of-war and an impromptu round of duck-duck-goose, where I squealed with laughter each time I was tagged.

After we played for a while, the village girls decided it was time for some entertainment. “Let’s have a dance-off!” one of them suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Aditi and Shruthi exchanged amused glances, clearly excited at the idea.

With a little hesitation, I joined them, heart racing with both excitement and nerves. They started with a traditional village dance, clapping their hands and swaying their hips to an imaginary rhythm. I watched closely, trying to mimic their movements.

“Come on, Suhasini! You can do it!” Aditi encouraged, her voice cheering me on. I felt a rush of encouragement from everyone around me, and slowly I began to loosen up.

As I danced, I found myself moving to the beat, twirling my half saree and laughing with the girls. The long skirt flared around my legs, giving me a feeling of freedom and lightness. Vikram watched from a distance, a smile on his face, and I felt a thrill every time our eyes met.

After the dance-off, the village girls suggested we take pictures to capture the memories of the day. “Let’s have a group photo!” one of them exclaimed. They arranged us in a circle, with me positioned in the center.

Aditi and Shruthi flanked me, both wearing their half sarees elegantly. The village girls joined in, and we all posed, laughing and playfully pushing each other. One girl draped an extra dupatta over my shoulders, saying, “This will make you look even more beautiful!”

As the camera clicked, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and acceptance wash over me. The laughter, the colors, and the warmth of the village girls enveloped me like a comforting embrace. I knew I was creating memories I would cherish forever.

After several snapshots, we gathered under a shady tree to rest. The village girls brought us freshly cut fruits and cool water, and we sat together, sharing stories about our lives. I told them about the city, and they shared tales of village life, filled with traditions and festivals.

“Are you going to come back to visit us?” one of the girls asked, her eyes hopeful.

“Definitely,” I replied, smiling. “I love it here.”

As we spent more time together, I felt my confidence grow. Each moment spent with these girls solidified my bond with them and my newfound identity as Suhasini.