The day of proposal

One evening, as we sat together sharing stories and laughter, Shruthi suddenly shot me a mischievous look. “So, now that you’re embracing who you are, I have to ask,” she began, trying to keep a straight face, “how do you feel about Vikram these days?”

Aditi’s eyes lit up, and she leaned in with a teasing smile. “Yes! You’ve talked about him enough times that we all know that you have eyes on him".

I felt my cheeks flush, but I couldn’t help smiling. I hadn’t admitted it to anyone else, but they both knew I’d harbored feelings for Vikram for a while now. The thought of being open about it was a little intimidating, but their teasing made me feel oddly supported.

“Oh, come on,” I said, laughing nervously. “It’s not like he’d feel the same way about me…”

“Are you kidding?” Shruthi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’re amazing just as you are, and if he can’t see that, it’s his loss! But I have a feeling he’d be thrilled to know you feel that way.”

Aditi nodded in agreement, nudging my arm. “You have to at least give it a try. Just imagine how happy you’d be if he did feel the same! Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to be the one who makes the first move?”

I bit my lip, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves at the thought. “You really think I should?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Shruthi said confidently. “Take a chance, go for it! You’ve already embraced so much about yourself. Why not take one more step and let him know how you feel?”

They spent the rest of the evening playfully teasing me, asking how I’d propose, what I’d say, even what I’d wear. The more we laughed and talked about it, the more they made me feel that maybe, just maybe, this was something I could do.

Finally, as I looked at them both, I felt a surge of courage. “Alright, you two win,” I said, grinning. “I’ll give it a shot. I’ll find the right moment and let him know how I feel.”

Shruthi and Aditi cheered, their excitement contagious. “We knew you could do it!” they said in unison, both giving me a hug.

As I left that evening, I felt a warmth and confidence that made me believe anything was possible.

With each passing day, my heart seemed to find a clearer direction. The support and warmth that Shruthi and Aditi had shown me lit a path to self-acceptance I hadn’t fully realized before. I was no longer caught up in questioning or doubting myself; instead, I felt an overwhelming desire to embrace my truest self with every part of my being.

In this newfound confidence, I began thinking about Vikram, how he’d been a constant presence during my journey. He was thoughtful, kind, and had a natural way of making me feel seen. The way he would always look out for me, the moments of unspoken understanding between us—all of it had touched me deeply, though I had hardly dared admit it to myself before. But now, with this strength blooming inside me, I knew what I wanted.

I wanted to share my life with him as Suhasini.

When I shared my decision with Shruthi and Aditi, their faces lit up, brimming with excitement and mischief. “Oh, Suhasini, we’ve been waiting for this!” Shruthi laughed. Aditi gave a little squeal, clapping her hands together. “We’re going to make you look absolutely perfect. Vikram won’t know what hit him!”

They led me to sit, pulling out everything they needed for my transformation. A mix of anticipation and nerves ran through me, but their confidence and care calmed my heart. First came the lingerie—an elegant red lace-trimmed bra and matching panties they’d chosen just for this moment. As I slipped them on, the fabric hugged me in a way that felt both comforting and exhilarating, adding to my confidence.

Next, they unfurled the saree, a rich, lustrous red that seemed to shimmer as it caught the light. The fabric was soft and smooth, and they gently draped it over me, taking their time with each step. Aditi worked carefully to create neat, even pleats, each fold forming with precision and care. She tucked them into the petticoat snugly, allowing the fabric to flow down, while Shruthi adjusted the length of the pallu so that it fell gracefully over my shoulder. They pinned it lightly to my blouse, making sure it had a natural drape that would sway as I moved.

The blouse was a deep, dark blue, adorned with intricate silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves. It fit snugly, accentuating my shoulders and collarbones, and added a striking contrast to the vibrant red of the saree. I could feel the elegance of the outfit coming together with every detail, and a thrill ran through me.

Shruthi and Aditi stood back, their eyes meeting in satisfaction as they took in the sight. But they weren’t done yet. “Now, time for the jewelry!” Aditi said, her eyes bright with excitement. She lifted a pair of delicate, dangling earrings and gently fastened them onto my ears. They were light but sparkled with every movement, catching the light beautifully and framing my face.

Aditi then placed a matching necklace around my neck, each small stone nestled into an intricate design that rested just above my collarbone, adding elegance and drawing attention to the neckline. Shruthi slipped two sets of bangles onto each of my wrists—a harmonious mix of red and blue to complement the saree and blouse. The soft, melodic clinking sound they made with each movement felt like music, sending a surge of joy and a sense of completeness through me.

They stepped back to check their work, exchanging pleased smiles before moving on to my hair. We decided to leave it open, and Aditi carefully arranged it so it fell in soft waves around my shoulders. They secured just a few strands with pins to frame my face, letting the rest flow freely down my back. The effect was gentle and feminine, perfectly suited for the look they’d created.

Finally, Aditi placed a bindi on my forehead, her hands steady as she aligned it just right. Then Shruthi added a small touch of kumkum above it, enhancing the traditional look and giving a final, graceful touch to the ensemble. The addition of the bindi and kumkum seemed to pull everything together, as if these simple accents truly completed the look.

When I looked into the mirror, my breath caught. Staring back at me was Suhasini, adorned in red and blue, jewelry shining softly, hair framing my face perfectly, and a touch of kumkum giving a look of pure, timeless grace. For the first time, I felt entirely, undeniably myself.

Shruthi stepped beside me, her voice soft with pride, “Suhasini, you’re absolutely beautiful.”

Aditi gave my hand a gentle squeeze, a smile of reassurance on her face. “Now go get him. Vikram won’t be able to look away.”

As I finished getting ready, Shruthi picked up her phone and dialed Vikram. She gave me a sly look as she waited for him to answer, clearly enjoying the moment. When he picked up, her tone was bright and casual, hiding the excitement that we were all feeling.

“Hey, Vikram! How’s it going? Listen, we’re heading to lunch, and we’d love for you to join us!” she said, giving me a quick wink. I felt my heart race a little at the thought of him joining us. Just hearing his name brought the butterflies back.

On speaker, I could hear Vikram’s voice, friendly but curious. “Sounds good! Who all’s going?”

Aditi leaned over, adding her own teasing tone, “Oh, you know, just us…and Suhasini, of course.” She emphasized my name, making it clear that I’d be the focus of his attention. I blushed, adjusting the pallu of my saree and running my fingers nervously over the bindi and kumkum that adorned my forehead.

Aditi could tell I was getting nervous, so once she hung up, she wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Remember, Suhasini, this is your moment. You’ve embraced so much, and today, you’re just letting him see the person you truly are. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Her words reminded me of Guruji’s encouraging prediction about embracing my path. I could still recall his warm smile as he talked about the strength within me and the joy that awaited once I fully embraced myself.

Shruthi sensed my thoughts and leaned in. “Do you remember what Guruji said?” she asked softly. “He saw this in you. He knew you had this confidence within you. And if he could see that, then you need to trust it’s there.”

I nodded, feeling more grounded, more sure. Shruthi adjusted my earrings, her fingers light and comforting, like she was passing along her calm energy to me.

“And don’t forget,” Aditi added, grinning, “Radha herself couldn’t have been more accepting. She encouraged you, remember? Even back in the village, she treated you just like her sister. Imagine how proud she’d be of you right now, seeing you step out like this.”

Their words lifted me. In that moment, I wasn’t just Suhasini in appearance; I felt like her in spirit too. I thought back to Radha’s gentle acceptance and encouragement in Vikram’s family home, how she’d made me feel like I was truly one of them.

Aditi, always ready with her playful teasing, couldn’t resist a few final words. “Oh, and don’t be too shocked if Vikram’s jaw drops a little when he sees you,” she teased, nudging me as we walked towards the restaurant. “He’s definitely not ready for how stunning you look today.”

As we reached the restaurant, my heart raced with anticipation. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. I looked around, taking in the vibrant decor and the laughter of families and friends gathered for their meals.

Aditi glanced at her watch, frowning slightly. “Vikram is running a little late,” she said. “But that just gives you more time to breathe and get into character, Suhasini.”

I nodded, trying to shake off the lingering nerves. Aditi leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Just remember, don’t reveal your real identity today. We want this to be perfect. It’s your moment, and you should get to enjoy it without any complications.”

Shruthi, standing next to her, furrowed her brow, clearly concerned. “But shouldn’t we be honest with him? He deserves to know who Suhasini really is,” she replied, her tone a mix of worry and loyalty.

Aditi, ever the practical one, waved her hand dismissively. “We can tell him later, Shruthi! Today is about celebrating Suhasini. Let’s not complicate things before they even begin. Besides, it’ll give him a chance to see Suhasini for who she is—without any baggage.”

I could feel the tension in the air, a mixture of Aditi’s excitement and Shruthi’s apprehension. It made me wonder if I was making the right choice. But in my heart, I wanted this moment with Vikram, unencumbered by the past.

“Okay,” I finally said, my voice a bit shaky. “Let’s just focus on today. I want to enjoy this moment with him.”

Aditi smiled, her enthusiasm infectious. “That’s the spirit! Just think about how much you’ve transformed. You’re beautiful, and Vikram will see that. Let’s make this lunch unforgettable!”

I took a moment to collect myself, adjusting the pallu of my saree and running my fingers along the bangles that adorned my wrists, reminding myself of the femininity I had embraced.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I saw Vikram approaching. He looked handsome as ever, wearing a casual shirt and jeans, his smile brightening the entire patio. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a rush of emotions flooding through me. This was the moment I had been waiting for.

Aditi elbowed me playfully, whispering, “Get ready! Here he comes!”

As Vikram reached our table, Aditi and Shruthi stood up to greet him, their faces lighting up with smiles. “Hey, Vikram!” Aditi exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. “We’ve been waiting for you".

“Sorry for being late,” Vikram said, flashing a charming smile as he took a seat across from me. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he looked at me, and I felt a flutter in my chest. “So, where’s the shy little girl I know? She must be hiding behind all that makeup and jewelry!” He chuckled lightly, his tone teasing but affectionate.

A wave of heat rushed to my cheeks, and I could barely meet his gaze. Shruthi quickly chimed in, “Oh, don’t let her fool you! This shy little girl has grown up and wants to talk to you about something important.”

"Hey there, shy little girl," he greeted, and that familiar nickname sent a flutter through my heart.

"Hi, Vikram," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper. The warmth of his gaze made my cheeks flush, and I felt both nervous and excited.

Aditi and Shruthi soon excused themselves, leaving us alone. I fidgeted with my bangles, the soft clinking sound providing some comfort. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I knew I had to speak.

"Um, I wanted to talk to you about something," I started, my voice trembling slightly. "I've been thinking a lot lately... about us."

He leaned in closer, his expression encouraging me to continue. "What’s on your mind, Suhasini?"

I felt butterflies in my stomach, and I bit my lip, trying to find the right words. "You know, every moment we spend together makes me realize how special you are to me. I cherish our time together, and it feels so comforting to know I have someone like you in my life."

His eyes sparkled with interest. "I feel the same way. You've brought so much joy into my life, and I love being with you."

That made me blush even more. "And I like how you treat me... like I'm someone important. It feels nice to be cared for, to be seen."

He nodded, his gaze softening. "You deserve to be treated like the amazing person you are."

Encouraged by his response, I continued, "Sometimes, I find myself daydreaming about a future with someone who understands me completely. Someone I can look up to and share my life with." I glanced down, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement. "You know, someone who could be my partner, my love."

Vikram leaned closer, his attention fully on me. "A partner? That sounds wonderful. Do you have someone in mind?"

I took a deep breath, my cheeks heating up. "Well, I think about what it would be like to have a relationship filled with love, support, and understanding. To find someone who I can share my dreams with, someone who could stand by my side as we build a life together."

His expression turned serious, and he searched my eyes. "That does sound beautiful. I think everyone deserves that kind of love in their life."

Feeling bold, I added, "And to be in a relationship where you can truly be yourself... to grow together and create a future. It’s such a comforting thought, don’t you think?"

He smiled gently, and I felt my heart swell. "It is a beautiful dream, Suhasini. And I would love to support you in anything that makes you happy. You deserve that."

I felt a warmth spread through me as I looked at him. "I just want someone who will cherish me, someone who will see me for who I am and embrace that. I hope to find a love that feels like home."

Vikram’s gaze intensified, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "You deserve someone who will do just that, Suhasini. And I want you to know that I care for you deeply."

His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace. "You do?" I whispered, my heart racing.

"Absolutely," he replied, his voice low and filled with emotion. "I’ve had feelings for you since the first moment I saw you. You are more than just a shy girl; you are someone incredibly special, and I would love nothing more than to explore what we could be together."

A teasing smile crept onto my face, and I leaned in closer, lowering my voice playfully. "So, you’ve been crushing on me, huh? You better not be one of those boys who only likes me for my sarees."

He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Oh, no, not at all! I was smitten long before I ever saw you in that beautiful red saree. But I must admit, you wear it very well."

I laughed, feeling a rush of warmth at his compliment. "Well, if I can impress you in a saree, I must be doing something right. Maybe I should wear it more often... just for you."

Vikram raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "I wouldn’t complain. In fact, I think you’d look stunning in any outfit. But it’s not just the clothes; it’s the way you carry yourself. You have this grace that captivates everyone around you."

His words sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. "You're making me blush, Vikram," I replied shyly. "But I guess I just want to feel like I belong with someone who sees me for who I truly am."

He leaned in even closer, and I could feel the warmth radiating between us. "Suhasini, you belong with someone who adores every little thing about you. I want to be that person."

Feeling bold again, I decided to tease him. "So, what if I told you I wanted to be someone’s wife someday? You think I’d make a good one?"

He smirked playfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I can definitely see that. I think you’d be the best wife ever! But, just to be clear, you’d have to do all the cooking, right?"

I feigned shock, placing my hand on my chest. "Excuse me? Who do you think I am? A kitchen slave? You better be ready to whip up some delicious meals yourself!"

He laughed heartily, the sound echoing warmly in my ears. "Fair enough! We’ll make it a partnership. I’ll do the cooking, and you can do the grocery shopping. Deal?"

"Deal," I said with a giggle, our playful banter easing the tension.

As our laughter faded, I took a deep breath, focusing back on my feelings. "Vikram, I want to be someone who shares all of that with you. I want to be by your side, as your partner."

Vikram’s expression brightened, and I could see the warmth radiating from him. "Then let’s take that step together. I would love to have you as my wife, Suhasini. You have my heart."

In that moment, everything felt right. The air between us shimmered with unspoken possibilities, and I knew that whatever happened next, I had taken a brave step toward my dreams.

As the soft music played in the background of the restaurant, the atmosphere felt intimate, and I could feel my heart racing as Vikram leaned closer to me, a playful smile lighting up his face.

“You know, Suhasini,” he began, a teasing glint in his eyes, “ever since the first time I saw you in the temple, I couldn’t help but think that you looked like a goddess. I mean, who wouldn’t fall for that shy little girl with the twinkling eyes?”

I felt my cheeks warm at his compliment, a smile breaking across my face. “Goddess? Now you’re really making me blush, Vikram! I’m just a simple girl.”

“Simple? With the way you carry yourself, I doubt anyone could ever see you as just ‘simple.’ You have this grace, like a classic heroine from one of those beautiful old movies.” He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “I must admit, I have a huge crush on you.”

His words made my heart flutter. “A crush? On me? Why do I feel like the luckiest girl right now?” I giggled nervously, trying to mask my excitement.

“Because you are,” he replied, his gaze never leaving mine. “I can imagine a life where I come home to see you dressed beautifully, maybe in a saree with flowers in your hair. You’d be the perfect wife, waiting for me with a plate of hot, crispy dosas and a smile that could light up my world.”

“Oh, is that so? You expect me to be the one cooking for you?” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “What if I burn the food? You might end up starving.”

He chuckled, leaning back slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll take cooking lessons just for you. But in return, you have to promise to keep me on my toes, with your charm and beauty.”

I felt butterflies in my stomach. “What if I take you up on that? I could have you as my devoted husband, and I might even let you take me out for those romantic dinners you always talk about.”

He leaned closer again, our foreheads almost touching. “Now you’re talking! Imagine us, strolling hand in hand in the park, sharing ice cream, and laughing together. I would love to make you feel special every day.”

I bit my lip, feeling shy yet exhilarated. “You really think I could be that special to you?”

“Not just special, Suhasini. You would be my everything. Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat. And when you blush like that, I can’t help but feel drawn to you even more. It’s like you cast a spell on me.”

“Vikram, you’re just trying to charm me,” I replied playfully, trying to keep my composure. “What if I’m not the perfect wife?”

He shook his head, a serious look in his eyes. “You are perfect just as you are. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I want to cherish you and build a beautiful life together. I can already see us celebrating festivals, dressed up in traditional attire, with laughter and joy surrounding us.”

His words made my heart swell with hope. “You really mean that?”

“Absolutely,” he said, his voice steady and sincere. “So, Suhasini, what do you think? Would you do me the honor of being my wife someday?”

I felt my cheeks heat up again, but this time, there was no holding back the smile that spread across my face. “I would love that, Vikram. More than anything.”

Just then, Aditi and Shruthi returned, breaking the moment. They exchanged knowing glances and grins, clearly having overheard part of our conversation. Aditi nudged me playfully, “Looks like our little Suhasini is all grown up now, isn’t she?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, my heart still racing from Vikram’s words. “Looks like I am,” I replied, sharing a shy smile with Vikram, both of us caught in the sweet, innocent thrill of newfound affection.

They both were grinning from ear to ear, clearly having enjoyed their little eavesdropping session.

Aditi teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I can’t believe you’ve got a boyfriend now! When did that happen?”

I felt my cheeks flush as I looked at Vikram, who was trying to suppress a smile. “It’s not like that!” I protested playfully, though I could hardly hide my happiness.

“Oh, please,” Shruthi chimed in, feigning innocence. “We heard everything! Vikram has been smitten with you since the day he laid eyes on you at the temple. It’s like a Bollywood movie come to life!”

Vikram chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. “I can’t help it if I have a weakness for shy girls who look like they belong in a fairy tale.”

Aditi leaned closer, placing her hand dramatically on her heart. “And here I thought I was going to have to fight for Suhasini’s attention. But it looks like she’s found her Prince Charming!”

“Oh, stop it!” I exclaimed, laughing but feeling a warm glow at their words. “You guys are embarrassing me!”

Shruthi winked at me. “Don’t be shy! Embrace it! You’re going to be the envy of all our friends. Just imagine the looks on their faces when they find out you have such a handsome boyfriend.”

Vikram smiled, clearly enjoying the attention. “I have to say, I’m quite lucky to have Suhasini as my girlfriend. She brings so much light into my life.”

I looked at him, my heart fluttering at the compliment. “You’re not too bad yourself,” I managed to say, my voice a bit shy but playful.

As we finished our meal, Aditi and Shruthi kept up the teasing, making up silly scenarios about our future together, complete with dramatic love stories and romantic gestures. It felt light-hearted and fun, and I couldn’t help but get swept up in their enthusiasm.

Eventually, we made our way out of the restaurant, and as we stepped into the cool evening air, I felt a sense of joy and contentment wash over me. We walked side by side, Vikram’s hand occasionally brushing against mine, sending sparks of warmth through me. Each moment felt special, and I realized how much I enjoyed being with him, filling me with a sense of belonging and joy.

“I had a wonderful time today,” I said, smiling up at him.

“Me too,” he replied, his eyes shining. “We should do this more often.”

After bidding Vikram goodbye, who headed to his place, Aditi, Shruthi, and I made our way to Shruthi’s home. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and laughter as we entered her cozy living room.

“Oh my god, can you believe it? Suhasini has a boyfriend!” Aditi exclaimed, collapsing onto the couch dramatically. “We have to celebrate!”

I giggled, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and happiness. “It’s not like that!”

“Oh, it totally is!” Shruthi chimed in, plopping down beside Aditi. “You have to tell us everything. What was going through your mind when you talked to him? Did you feel butterflies?”

I sank into the chair across from them, trying to collect my thoughts. “I was just so nervous but happy. I mean, Vikram is so charming and sweet.”

They exchanged knowing looks and burst into laughter. “You’re blushing!” Aditi teased, leaning forward. “Admit it; you like him a lot!”

“Okay, fine! I do!” I said, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. “But it’s all so new and overwhelming.”

“Exactly! That’s what makes it exciting,” Shruthi said with a wink. “You’re on the brink of something amazing.”

As the evening wore on, we chatted about everything under the sun—fashion, dreams, and relationships. I felt a wave of comfort wash over me, being in the company of my friends, sharing this new chapter of my life. The teasing continued, but it was all in good fun, and I found myself laughing along, feeling grateful for the support of my friends.

Eventually, we settled down to watch a movie, the three of us huddled together on the couch. I leaned back, my heart full, knowing that I had taken a step toward embracing my feelings for Vikram—and I couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take me.