Unforseen Arrangement - 1

“There is a lump in your breast.”, the doctor warned him at a routine appointment.

The good news was that they had detected the tumor early, thus treatable. But the doctor advised Sampath to immediately retire to let his body recuperate.

As husband and wife were pondering their future, Sulochana interjected “Sampath, let Rekha take over the business. She is ready!”

“No. Sulo. You know that I have always wanted Prashanth to take over.”

“Sampath you need to stop this Patriarchy bullshit, this is 2023 after all. Prashanth has no clue about the business. And I don't think he will ever have a sound business mind like his sister. Moreover, he hates it too.” replied an enraged Sulochana.

“I know that Prashanth isn’t ready. I thought I would have time to bring him into the fold.”

To the onlooker, Sulochana looked like a quiet and demure Indian Housewife. But, Sulochana being the smart progressive feminist she was; always operated in stealth mode. She understood that she had to stay patient for her Rekha’s Elizabethian ascension. She quickly pivoted to Plan B.

“Well, there is no time for that now.” started Sulochana.

“You know what. I have an idea.”

“Go on.” encouraged Sampath.

“What do you think about Ritesh?” appealed Sulochana.

“Ritesh? Our Operation’s Director? He is a capable boy. But you know that my desire has always been to keep the CEO position within the family.” stated Sampath.

“What if we make him family?” interjected Sulochana.

“What? No.. No.. Rekha will never go for that; isn’t Rekha dating Arjun?” indicated an unimpressed Sampath.

“I have also heard rumors that Ritesh is gay.” he added.

“Well, he is more bisexual than gay. I was thinking more about pairing him with our Prashanth. I have even spoken with Ritesh’s mom and she is on board with this proposal.” surprised an emphatic Sulochana.

“What the…” blurted a flabbergasted Sampath

“Samyukta!” started Sulochana, “Prashanth has shown interest in girl’s clothes in the past.” lied Sulochana.

Surprised that Sulochana addressed his alter ego, “What? How? questioned a perplexed Samyukta.

“I discovered his hidden stash last year and confronted him. After a lot of questioning, he finally agreed.” replied Sulochana, adding to the lie.

“Prashanth has been a disappointment all his life as a son, but as a daughter she will finally pull her weight. I am confident that under my tutelage she will turn out pretty as her sister.” piled on an eager Sulochana.