THE BIRTH OF PRIYA
Saturday morning arrived.
Neha brought a large shopping bag into the bedroom.
Prem stared at it.
"What is that?"
"Your transformation kit."
Inside were a lavender salwar suit, a matching dupatta, silver earrings, bangles, a bracelet, makeup brushes, foundation, kajal, and lipstick.
Prem looked horrified.
"Did you buy the entire shopping mall?"
Neha laughed.
"Sit down."
She began brushing his long hair. It was already shoulder-length, and when she loosened it, the dark strands fell around his face.
Neha admired it.
"Your hair is beautiful."
Prem replied, "You say that every day."
"Because it's true."
She tied his hair into a soft, feminine hairstyle.
Then came the makeup.
Prem closed his eyes as Neha applied foundation.
"Don't move."
"How long will this take?"
"Ten minutes."
Twenty minutes later, he opened his eyes.
Neha had finished the makeup.
A delicate bindi rested on his forehead. His eyes were defined with kajal, and a soft lipstick completed the look.
She handed him the lavender salwar suit.
Prem changed and returned to the mirror.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Neha adjusted his dupatta and placed matching earrings in his ears.
"Meet Priya."
Prem slowly turned toward her.
"Priya?"
"That's the name your friends will know."
He gave a nervous laugh.
"Fine. But if they ask me to dance, I'm blaming you."
Neha smiled.
The doorbell rang.
Prem's eyes widened.
"They're here!"
Neha whispered:
"Remember, you're Priya."
The door opened.
Four women entered.
Prem stood near the dining table, his heart beating faster than it had during his college examinations.
Neha smiled confidently.
"Everyone, meet Priya. She helps me around the house."
The four friends greeted him.
And the most unusual evening of Prem's life began.
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