Sarees for life

Anush and Anjali are happily married couple. After one and half year of their marriage, Anush and Anjali are going to visit Anjali's mom, Rekha.

It's a long journey of 12 hours. Both Anush and Anjali are software engineers. They both generally live along with his mom, Rupa and his sister Neha.

After a long journey, they reached their destination.

As soon as they got out of the car, Rekha was there to greet them with a big smile. Anush took out Anjali's bag from the back seat and he kept his bag in the trunk.

He opened the trunk and was shocked to see a can of oil spilled all over his bag. He opened his bag and saw all of his clothes were drenched in the oil.

Why did you keep your bag in the truck? Anjali asked Anush with disappointment.

Rekha intervened and told them not to take this seriously. They can buy clothes in their town.

Both Anush and Anjali knows there no clothes shops near here.

Rekha told Anush to take out the bag from truck and she will take care of the rest.

Anush hoped Rekha would wash these clothes for him, so he placed the bag on the floor and walked inside the home along with Anjali.

They were already tired, so after having dinner and Anusha and Anjali went to their room.

After the bath Anjali changed into a saree, she forgot to bring her nighties and Anush slept his clothes.

Next day early in the morning,

Anjali, I am smelling bad. Can you please arrange some clothes for me, while I take a bath? Requested Anush

Just then Rekha also came to their room.

Anush take a bath. I will arrange some clothes for you, said Rekha

After a while Anush came out of the bathroom.

Anjali, did you arrange some clothes for me? Asked Anush

Almost. I am waiting for my mom, said Anjali nervously

Just then Rekha entered the room with some blouses and gave them to Anjali and left the room.

Anush stood silently waiting for some clothes.

Anjali walked over to him and

Anush, there are no male clothes in the house and I didn't bring any nighties and mom also doesn't have any nighties. So for you only sarees are available for you to wear, said Anjali

Anush was stunned by what he just heard. Anjali was walking to him with a blouse. Anush was saying no but Anjali requested him and kissed him multiple times.

Please Anush, I came here after a year. Let me enjoy the stay here. You will be wear this saree only in the home, requested Anjali

Anush doesn't want to wear it but he has no other clothes, so he agreed to wear a saree a today.

Anjali felt happy and she helped him with the blouse and the petticoat.

They she took out a saree and started to drape it. She took her time and neatly draped the saree on Anush.

She took a step back and looked at him from top to bottom.

Saree doesn't look bad on his him. Actually saree really suits his physic, thought Anjali

Anush was really embarrassed to stand before Anjali in a saree.

There is nothing to be embarrassed about, said Anjali and walked him out of the room to have breakfast.

He walked slowly making sure not to step on the saree.

In the living room, he saw Rekha and he was embarrassed a little. Rekha didn't laugh or smile sarcastically. She just smiled at them and told Anjali to bring the dishes from kitchen.

Both Rekha and Anush sat on the chair.

Anush take your saree and place it on your lap like this. Otherwise it will become dirty, said Rekha and showed him how to do it.

Anush placed his saree pallu on his lap like Rekha told him.

Anjali brought all the dishes from kitchen and they started to chit chat while having breakfast. Anusha felt little easy as both Rekha and Anjali didn't talking about him being in the saree.

After the breakfast, he went to the living room to watch TV. While sitting he remembered what Rekha had said. So he placed his pallu on his lap while sitting on the sofa.

While watching cricket, he forgot he was in a saree.

By the end of the day he was feeling normal. At night he slept in the saree.

Next day after the bath Anjali took out another saree for him.

Anjali I was hoping to wear my pants and shirt, said Anush

Your pant and shirt are washed but if you wear them now. You might have to wear a saree to home. You know it's raining as well so your clothes might not be dry, said Anjali

With no choice, he allowed Anjali to drape a saree on him again.

This color really suits you, said Anjali after she draped the saree.

He walked out of the room and Rekha gave him a pleasant smile.

This color really suits you, said Rekha also

Come let's have breakfast, said Rekha by holding his shoulder.

For the next 4 days, Anush wore only sarees.

In the evening they all are watching TV. In the news they heard about a virus called Covid and the entire country is under lock down.

So for the next 10 days with no choice Anush wore sarees and Anjali also taught him how to drape it.

He learnt it but he couldn't drape it perfectly like Anjali.

He got information from his company to do work from home. Thankfully he brought the laptop with him.

Next day he wore a saree which was picked out by Anjali.

Just then Rekha entered the room and Sat beside him.

Anush you are looking good in the saree but whenever I see you, I feel few things are missing and I feel really odd, said Rekha

Anush was confused and asked her what was she talking about.

I think the virus issue will be resolved in few more days until then can you wear anklets, bangles and earrings when you are in a saree? asked Rekha

Anush was stunned. He said no but Rekha continued to request.

Anush was not good at saying no. Rekha kept on saying it's only for few days and she already fixed a anklet to his left leg.

Anush was still saying no but Rekha didn't mind. She fixed another anklet to his right legs and put two bangles in each of his hands.

He stopped saying no with no hope and was still whining when Rekha was inserting earrings to his ears. She placed a bindi between his eye brows.

She ran her fingers through his shoulder length hair and said he is looking complete.

He was still not OK. Rekha took his hand and walked him out of the room.

With his each anklets are making a lot of noise. His was wearing a medium size earrings and he can feel their presence. His ear were pierced when he was a kid, to his bad luck the holes are not yet closed.

In the kitchen, Rekha was cooking his favorite dishes. She was asking his opinion on the food. Even though Anush was not OK wearing all these, he decided not make it as a big issue.

Just then Anjali entered kitchen. She just took a bath and got ready. Anush doesn't know how Anjali would react to his new accessories.

At first Anjali didn't see his new accessories, he was facing the other side. Then she noticed bangles to his hand.

She was shocked and surprised at the same time. When he turned around, she saw the bindi on his forehead, earring, bangles. When he moved, she heard sound of the anklets as well.

Just a few days ago, Rekha told Anjali about Anush looking weird without accessories. Now he is wearing them.

He is looking well now, thought Anjali and decided not ask him about it.

She was speaking to him like nothing as changed.

Next day after the bath he noticed a blouse, petticoat, a saree, matching bangles and a bindi packet on the bed.

Without any problem he wore the saree and matching bangles. He brushed his hair and placed a bindi on his forehead by looking in the mirror.

He opened his laptop to start his work. Just then Anjali also entered the room to start her work as well. She sat next to Anush and opened her laptop.

Just then she saw Anush's face. With a smile she removed the bindi and placed it correctly.

Anush you have to place the bindi correctly between your eye brows. Just look at mine, said Anjali with a smile

Anush can't believe he is getting tips from his wife on how to wear a bindi correctly.

While typing his bangles were disturbing him a lot. Anjali again told him to pull his bangles back little while typing.

Anush did as Anjali said and it was little helpful to him.

It's been nearly one and half mom since lock down. At first he was wearing 2 bangles in each hand but now he is wearing 4 bangles to each hand just like his wife and a chain around his neck, so his neck wouldn't look empty.

Rupa and Neha were happy knowing Anush and Anjali are doing well. But they don't about Anush wearing sarees yet.

At night,

Anjali, why is Anush not answering video calls? It's been almost 2 months since we have seen him, asked Rupa

So aunt what happened with Anush is, said Anjali with hesitation

Did something bad happened to him? Asked Rupa nervous

No no not like that. All his clothes were spiled because of oil and in the house apart from sarees nothing is available. So , said Anjali with hesitation

Immediately Neha understood, what Anjali was saying.

Are you saying Anush is wearing sarees? Asked Neha with excitement.

Rupa widened her eyes.

Is that true? Asked Rupa

Yes, said Anjali

There was silent for a few seconds and Rekha and Neha started laughing.

So that's why he is not answering video calls, said Rupa with a smile

So how is he looking in the saree? Asked Neha with excitement

Actually he is looking really good in the saree. It's been almost 2 months since he started to wear sarees. He is comfortable in sarees now and he can drape it on his own, said Anjali

Really! Exclaimed Rupa.

Even Neha doesn't know how to drape a saree till now, said Rupa

Can you please show us how is he looking? Asked Neha

I don't know, he might get angry. I don't know how long we have to say here. If he finds out I have shared his saree pics, he would stop wearing sarees and try to come home in this serious situation, said Anjali

That's true. You said he is working. So turn your back camera and show him without him knowing, said Neha

Anjali also agreed and went to his room. He was seriously working. She sat opposite to him and acted like he was using Instagram but actually he was clearly visible to Rupa and Neha.

Both Rupa and Neha couldn't believe their eyes. Whatever Anjali said is true. He is looking really good in a saree.

After 10 min, Anjali left the room.

So how is he looking? Asked Anjali with a smile

He is looking beautiful, said Rupa

I wish I was there, said Rupa

So how long is he going to wear sarees? Asked Neha

As long as we are here, said Anjali

Did he complain? Asked Rupa

No, me and mom made sure to make him feel comfortable. And not make a big deal out of it, said Anjali

.......

After a month, came a festival. So early in the morning Anjali wore a silk saree and she took out another silk and a blouse for Anush.

Anush said he doesn't want to wear silk saree but Anjali didn't care.

After the bath call me. You might find it little difficult to wear it, said Anjali and left the room to do some preparations for a prayer.

After the bath he wore his blouse and a petticoat. He called Anjali but she didn't respond. Just then the Rekha entered the room with few things in her hand.

Anjali is busy in kitchen. I will help you to get ready, said Rekha and took the silk saree and started to drape it.

She carefully did his pleats and tucked into his petticoat. She pinned his pallu on his shoulder and secured his saree in multiple places with safety pins.

Anush sit before the dressing table. Today is festival so I bought few things for you, said Rekha

He sat on the chair and placed the saree pallu on his lap neatly.

Rekha started to brush his hair. She middle parted his hair and made a bun. She secured his hair with few hair pins.

They she took out the jewelry set she brought with him. She replaced his earrings with big jhumkas. Then she took a simple necklace and placed it around his neck.

Anush didn't say anything. He just sat like a doll.

Rekha filled his hands with a mix of glass and golden bangles. She placed a matching bindi on his forehead.

In the mirror he saw Rekha holding Jasmin flowers and a hair pin.

He is already in a silk saree and jewelry. So a strand of flowers not going to make much difference, thought Anush

Rekha decorated his bun with the flowers and secured it with hair pins.

When he saw himself in the mirror he couldn't believe his eyes he is looking as womanly as possible.

Anjali did the arrangement for a prayer. When she saw Anush coming toward her along with her mom she was surprised his looks.

No one will believe Anush is actually a man and her husband.

Three of them did the prayers together.

After that Anush received a video call from his mom.

He disabled video and enabled audio only.

He placed his phone on a bed. Just then he got a mail. So he opened his laptop to check it.

He was distracted and without him knowing Anjali enabled the video call.

When Rekha and Neha saw Anush. They were surprised to see him in a silk saree and all the jewelry.

They understood he might have switched the video call by accident.

Rekha and Neha looked at his sarees and jewelry but didn't say anything to him.

After 15 min,

Anush, you are looking really good in this silk saree and jewelry, said Rupa

Anusha was stunned listening to it. He turned around and was shocked by knowing the camera is on.

Immediately he took his phone to turn it off but Rupa warned him not to do it.

She asked him to show himself from top to bottom.

Rupa was impressed by his looks. She asked him to turn around. Once he did, both Rupa and Neha saw his hair bun and flowers in it.

Anush explained them why he is wearing sarees. Even though they know the reason, they acted like they doesn't know.

Anush, you are looking really good. You don't have to hide it from us, said Rupa kindly

....

Since then everyday Rekha made sure he is wearing flowers and every now and then Rupa would video call him and she would complement him on his sarees and jewelry.

As the months passed he still stuck in the sarees and Rekha slowly indulged him in household chores.

On every festival he is wearing silk sarees and all the jewelry.

There is a change in the way his mom and sister spoke to him.

ow almost an year is completed since he has went to his in law's home.

Now his hair has grown till his armpits. He was limited to only sarees and he became very comfortable in sarees.

Rupa always complements his hair and sarees. Now his hair is longer than Neha's.

After Anush spoke to Rupa in a video call. She requested him to send her a photo of him in his current saree.

So Anjali took a photo and sent to Rupa.

Rupa couldn't believe it's her son in the photo. She went to Neha and showed her the photo as well.

Just look at his hair. It has grown long, said Neha

Yeah it is. He is looking really good in sarees better than he ever looked in pant and shirts, said Rupa

I agree, said Neha

I hope this lock down ends and he can come home, said Rupa

It's almost over mom. Since it's take time to travel they have to be careful. They shouldn't get stuck in the middle of their journey, said Neha

Yes, I agree, said Rupa

....

Next day,

Anush can you go to kitchen and make sure the curry is not burnt, while i wash the clothes, said Rekha

Anush went to kitchen and just then he received a call from his mom.

Anush what are you doing? Asked Rupa

Cooking mom, said Anush

Rupa asked him about the dishes and everything.

Lately Rupa and Anush are chit chatting a lot.

In the pic, I saw you have no pimples now, said Rupa.

Yes, mom. After I started using turmeric paste as you suggested. They slowly got reduced, said Anush

See. When I suggested the idea. You are very adamant to use turmeric paste. Now you can see the result for yourself, said Rupa

Now I am using it every friday, said Anush

That's good to hear, said Rupa

I heard Rekha is applying some special kind of oil to your hair, asked Rupa

Yes mom. It's increasing my hair volume, said Anush

Yes, I noticed. Continue using it and you will have hip length hair in no time, said Rupa happily

It's not his goal to grow his hair that length but he just agreed with his mom.

So did you watch the serial I told you about? Asked Rupa excitingly

Yes mom. Anjali and aunt also generally watch it. So I also started to watch it, said Anush

I wish you are here. We can watch it here. I was all alone to watch it, complained Rupa

What about Neha? Doesn't she watch serials? Asked Anush

She is not like us, said Rupa

Anush didn't understand what does she mean but decided not to ask his mom about it.

OK darling. Continue your work. I will call you later, said Rupa and cut the call.

After 6 more months,

You could wear a silk saree while going home, said Rekha

Anush wanted to wear his pant and shirt but they are not available. So he wore a saree.

Rekha packed lot of her sarees for both Anush and Anjali.

After they packed everything. They kept everything in the car.

Anush can't believe how much as changed since he came here.

Rekha gave a big hug to Anjali and Anush.

Anush started the car.

They started the journey early in the morning, after traveling for 4 hours, they stopped the car for breakfast.

Anush was reluctant to go out of the car. He has been wearing sarees for almost 2 years but he never went out.

A lady was cooking and the place was very crowded, mostly men. Being a man Anush hesitated go past men. He is thinking like a women.

The cooking lady noticed both Anush and Anjali and called inside the hotel, where no men are there.

She served them food and she casually asked few things.

She looked at Anush's saree and complemented it. Anusha just smiled.

They paid the bill and was about to leave.

Wait a minute madam, said the lady and went inside.

She came back holding lot of flowers in her hand and gave them to Anush.

They are a lot, said Anush

His voice is not feminine but it's not manly either. Because of his looks, it won't create any problem for him as a women.

I don't have a hair pin, said Anush thinking he can avoid these flowers. But the lady immediately took a hair pin.

She took the flowers from his hands and pinned it in his braid.

Anush never worn these many flowers. He doesn't want to be rude, so he thanked the lady and went to his car.

Anjali was surprised to see the flowers in his hair.

As they were driving,

You could have shared some flowers with me, said Anjali

Hey, if you want you can have them, said Anush

He stopped the car aside and Anjali removed the flowers from his hair. She cut it in half and wore a half strand in her hair.

You can wear everything, said Anush

It won't be fair to you, said Anjali and pinned the flowers in his hair.

As they were driving, Anjali noticed few people on the side walk asking for lift. On closer inspection. She realized they are her college friends Radha and Ramya.

Anjali asked Anush to stop the car for them.

Anjali got down and met them. They immediately recognized Anjali. They all are roommates in college.

Seeing Anjali not getting into the car, Anush got out as well.

Anjali has to introduce Anush to them. But she can't say Anush is her husband. She doesn't have any problem of him being in a saree but others might judge.

Radha and Ramya. This is my sister in law, Anusha, said Anjali. Anush understood why Anjali said it.

So where are you both going? Asked Anjali

Tomorrow is Kavya's marriage. So we are going there. Actually she tried to contact you but she might not have your contact number, said Radha

Ramya was already on a call with Kavya.

Ramya gave the phone to Anjali after speaking for a while.

Anjali took Anush aside.

Anush my friend is inviting us to her marriage. Tomorrow after marriage we can continue our journey, requested Anjali.

Anush doesn't want to go.

Please Anush, requested Anjali again and he have gave in.

As Anush was driving,

Anjali and Anusha, we can have lot of fun tonight in the mehindi function. It's just us girls, no boys, said Radha happily

Anush was embarrassed, he couldn't even tell them that he is a man not a girl.

They reached marriage hall in a hour. Few girls were waiting for them at the entrance. Once he parked his car, the girls took them to ladies rooms.

Anjali was happy to see her friends and she introduced Anush as Anusha, her sister in law.

Everyone thought Anush is a women and they started to mingle with him.

In the evening Kavya's mom entered the room with a lady.

Kavya, sit here. Your nose will be pierced, said her mom.

Mom, I don't to, said Kavya

Kavya's mom looked around and said

Apart from you and that girl, everyone here has nose piercing, said Kavya's mom pointing her finger towards Anush.

Anush was scared after everyone starred at him.

Kavya's mom convinced Kavya to a nose piercing. Once her nose is pierced.

Anusha, you can also have your nose pierced here, said a girl.

Immediately all girl requested Anush to have a nose piercing.

Anush was saying no very calmly but the girls are persistent. Anjali tried to convince the girls but she couldn't. Anush couldn't rise his voice, if he did, they would know he is a man. With no choice he agreed to have a nose piercing to silence them. Anjali was shocked by his decision and she understood his decision as well. Just like that left side of his nose is pierced.

Anjali couldn't get alone time with him.

At night mehindi function is started. The girls were dancing and having fun. By the end of the night all girl's have mehindi to their hands and legs including Anush.

Next day early in the morning, Both Anush and Anjali took a separate room to get ready.

They both got ready quickly in silk sarees. He felt his hands are really girly because of the mehindi.

I am really sorry for your nose piercing, said Anjali.

You did nothing wrong. So don't worry about it, said Anush

Once they got all ready, they joined other ladies.

Once wedding is over Anjali and Anush said byes to everyone and left.

By afternoon they reached their home.

Anush was very nervous to meet his mom and sister. Even though they have seen him in sarees in video call, it's the first time they see him in flesh.

Anjali pressed the door bell. Before she can press it again. The door was opened.

Immediately Rupa and Neha hugged them tightly.

Rupa ran her fingers in his hair and by closer inspection she noticed his nose piercing.

Anush you got a nose piercing? Asked Rupa

Yes, it's along story. I will tell you later, said Anjali

Neha was starring at her brother. He is looking just like any other women.

They all had a long chat and Anjali explained the reason for his nose piercing.

Neha helped Anush to carry their bags to his room.

When they entered the room both Anjali and Anush noticed their room is remodeled.

In the middle wardrobe both of you can keep your sarees and in the left wardrobe Anush can keep his blouses, nighties and his jewelry. In the right wardrobe, Anjali can keep her blouses, nighties and her jewelry, said Neha excitingly

Anush was stunned. He was hoping to start wearing pants and shirts again in the home but here all his male clothes were gone and his wardrobe is also modeled to keep HIS sarees, blouses and jewelry.

Before he can say anything Rupa caught his hand and took him out of his room.

They both sat on the sofa. Rupa with so much happiness looked at him. Looking at her face Anusha also smiled.

What mom? Why are you starring at me? Asked Anush

You are looking really good in sarees, said Rupa holding his bangled hands.

He wanted to say, he doesn't want to continue wearing sarees but looking at his mom's face he decided to continue wearing sarees for few more days.

Later when he went to his room, he noticed all the wardrobes are filled.

Anush we need to shop lot of bangles for you. You don't even have basic bangles collection, said Rupa

And Anush nodded his head.

The very next day,

Rupa took Anush for bangles shopping. Anush sat beside Rupa and she started to put different sizes of bangles to his hand and finally decided a size for him.

Anush complained the bangles are loose but Rupa told him that's how bangles should be, they should move freely in your hands. After selecting 10 dozen bangles of different colors, Rupa selected bindi packets and hair accessories as well.

At home, Rupa helped him to arrange all his accessories properly.

For the next few days he continued to wear sarees and based on the insists of Rupa he started wear 6 bangles to each hand.

After a week,

Anush is your nose still painful? Asked Rupa

No mom, the wound is heeled now, said Anush

Good. Now wear this nose stub, said Rupa showing a nose stub.

Mom I don't want to wear a nose, said Anush immediately

Please try it for few days. If it doesn't suit you, we can remove it, said Rupa trying to convince him.

After a lot of requests, he agreed and Rupa helped him to wear it.

The nose stub really suits you, said Rupa with a smile.

When Anjali and Neha saw Anusha with a nose stub, they were surprised and they complemented him saying nose stub really suits him.

After few days Anush was trying to braid his hair. Braids are new to him, so he doesn't know how to braid his hair properly.

Rupa smiled looking at the struggles of Anush to braid his hair.

Anush cut your hair a little, so it will be easy to handle, said Neha.

Before he can say anything

Neha, if you want you can cut your hair short but don't try to convince him to have a hair cut, shouted Rupa at Neha

Both Neha and Anush were shocked by Rupa's anger.

Rupa took the comb and started to brush his hair.

Anush it's important you learn how to braid your hair. It's OK if you want try different hair styles like Anjali but when your hair grows as long as mine, it's good to keep your hair braided when we go out, said Rupa while brushing his hair.

Rupa's hair is till her hips, so is Anjali's. Now Rupa is expecting him to grow his hair at least till his hips, thought Anush

It's done, said Rupa and placed his braid on his shoulder.

It's beautiful right!, asked Rupa with a smile

Anush just smiled at Rupa.

Isomehow have to stop this. I expected I can start wearing pant and shirts at home but here I am in sarees for the last 5 month at home as well, thought Anush while braiding his long hair.

He walked out of the room. Anjali, Rupa and Neha also wore sarees.

Turn around, heard Anush. It was Rupa. She was holding Jasmin flowers.

He did and she pinned the flowers in his braid.

Come we have to go to the temple quickly otherwise it will be crowded, said Rupa
He agreed and started to walk towards the door with his braid on his shoulder.

They all went to the temple. As expected it's already a bit crowded. They prayed for all the gods in the temple and decided to sit on the floor before leaving.

Anjali, Neha and Rupa wore the flowers in their hair and applied the turmeric paste to their cheeks.

At first he hesitated but later he pinned the flowers in his hair and applied turmeric paste to his cheeks.

For the next 2 months nothing as changed.

One day he decided enough is enough and went to his mom. He wanted to say, he will stop wearing sarees.

What is it Anush? Asked Rupa with so much love in her voice.

When he was dressed as a man, she never spoke to him this way. It's not like she didn't love him, it's just mother - daughter relationship is very different, thought Anush

What is it? Asked Rupa again

Anush couldn't say it.

Mom, can you teach me, how to draw rangoli? Lied Anush

Rupa was little surprised. She pulled Anush closer.

Of course, I will teach you all kinds of rangoli's to you and from tomorrow onwards you are the in charge to draw rangoli before our home , said Rupa with a big smile

Anush understood, he could never say, "I don't don't want to wear sarees anymore" to his mom. She will be really disappointed.

He understood sarees for life.