My name is Anil and I had just recently joined a college in the neighbouring big city. My college had in fact earlier been a women's college and had just opened up for male students this year. This meant that there were very few guys in the whole place and nobody in the senior years. My own course of media and communication had no other guys at all other than me. While it was weird to be surrounded by so many beautiful women, I soon got used to it and so did the other girls. They were all friendly with me especially one of them named Anjana. She was bubbly and outgoing and very into co-curriculars. She also stayed within walking distance of the college with her mom so she was a day scholar. I would often get bored in the hostel as I barely knew any of the other boys. Anjana on learning this would often hang back with me in the college till dinner time, with us either chilling or sometimes studying. That was when she told me of her great love for acting and of her dreams to eventually become an actress. And a serious not just one who played flowerpot roles.
It was due to these dreams that my troubles began. There was a regional stage drama competition which she and the college Cultural head, Miss Shalini, both wanted to participate in. They were only looking for original screenplay and Miss Shalini wanted to win to improve her CV while Anjana figured it would be very valuable experience.
Of course I supported my friend while heartedly, but I was also slightly upset since the drama practice now took up a lot of her time which meant less time to hang out.
All that changed, when one day I was relaxing on a bench near the college ground and I saw Anjana running towards me, looking very upset.
Anjana: Anil, it's a disaster - she exclaimed.
I found out on enquiring that she and Miss Shalini had written what they thought was an amazing play on the struggle of women. It was a small cast featuring Anjana, Miss Shalini herself, Anjana's mom (a fairly wealthy heiress who didn't really work all the time from what I knew) and two other girls.
But now one of the leading girls had fractured her foot and withdrawn from the whole thing with the final round before the judges a mere 2 months away.
Anjana: Can you help me please? - she pleaded with a puppy eyed face
Anil: Anjana, even if I join, I've never acted before. I'll just end up sticking out like a sore thumb.
Anjana: Never you mind all that. We will ensure you are ready before the date of the contest. All I need from you is your promise that you will try your best and not back out no matter what.
I reluctantly agreed hoping that maybe my role would be a minor one.
Jumping with joy she took me to her house, which was apparently the chosen practice spot. It was palatial bungalow with a grand hall and atleast 6 bedrooms. One of the siderooms had been cleared of everything as a stage for us to practice upon.
While i was admiring the house, the door opened and two women stepped in both dressed in Sarees.
One was my teacher Miss Shalini dressed in dark green. She was a slim and confident woman with rather large breasts. Even in this mostly ladies college she stood out for her beauty and grace. She was also an outspoken and slightly domineering woman.
The other was Anjanas mom. She was a tall woman decked in jewellery, with her hair in a single long braid and dressed in a regal purple saree. Once she came close to me she towered over me on her 3 inch heels. (So this is where Anju gets her height from I thought to myself. For even anjana was also a good 2-3 inches taller than my rather short 5 5' height.
Both of the ladies looked at me intently before Miss Shalini remarked: Why yes. You will do wonderfully well Anil
Priya Aunty (Anjanas mom): Thank you beta for doing this. You have saved my daughter's dream. Not many would have agreed to this.
I was a little puzzled as I felt she was praising me a bit too much
Miss Shalini: Yes not many boys are secure enough to play the part of a married woman in public.
Married Woman!!!
I turned to Anjana in anger but she cut me off before I could say anything
Anjana: I'm sorry I didn't mention that but remember you promised to not back off and try your best.
I was dumbfounded.
Anjana continued: I'm sorry Anil. I didn't mean to trick you, but you were my last hope and only you know how important this is to me. I would have offered you the male role but I have taken that up myself to test my acting skills. Besides the male role has a lot many more lines and scenes as well so it will be difficult for you to learn and perfect in these two months. The role of the wife and daughter in law is much shorter but also crucial to the story.
Miss Shalini: Don't worry Anil, the dialogues for your role are easy. You'll pick it up in no time.
Priya aunty continued without letting me interrupt: and with all our help I'm sure you will start wearing a saree like it's your everyday outfit - she exclaimed with sincerity
I could only silently curse my bad luck since i didn't want to anger my only close friend in college
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