The warm afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains of the living room, casting soft, golden patterns across the floor. Ravi sat cross-legged on the carpet, comfortably dressed in a casual skirt and a simple white top. The fabric felt familiar against his skin-almost too familiar. Months of wearing such outfits had transformed the initial awkwardness into something he barely noticed anymore. The skirt's loose flow and the top's lightness were now just part of his daily routine, though Ravi would never admit that out loud.
Behind him, Riya gently ran a wide-toothed comb through Ravi's long hair, which had grown significantly in the past four months. It now fell past his shoulders just above the hips thanks to the expensive hair growth products given by Mre. Kapoor and the permanent extension doesn't feel needed anymore, silky and dark, and Riya took her time parting and braiding it, her movements careful but practiced. The quiet rhythm of the comb sliding through his hair was oddly soothing.
"You know," Riya started, a smile playing on her lips, "you could've never convinced me four months ago that I'd be sitting here, braiding your hair. How does it feel having this much hair, huh?"
Ravi rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile. "Honestly? It's a lot more maintenance than I thought. But you seem to enjoy it."
Varun, lounging on the sofa across from them, chuckled. He had one leg propped up on the coffee table, casually flipping through a magazine but clearly listening to their conversation. "Admit it, Ravi, you've gotten used to all of this. Look at you-skirt, long hair, everything. It's becoming second nature."
Ravi shot him a mock glare. "Don't push it, Varun. It's just... clothes. And the hair? Part of the act." He shifted a little, feeling the familiar tug of the braid Riya was working on. "This doesn't mean I like it or anything."
Riya smirked, tying off the end of the braid with a small elastic. "You're such a bad liar. Remember when you first started? You couldn't even walk in a straight line in heels. Now look at you, lounging around like you've been doing this your whole life."
Ravi's cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, what's going on with you two? Enough about me."
Varun leaned back, stretching his arms. "Same old, same old. College assignments are killing me, but nothing exciting. Riya's been busy too."
Riya nodded, moving to sit beside Ravi. "Yeah, work's been crazy, but I've got a few projects wrapping up. What about you, though? Aryan keeping you busy?"
Ravi's expression softened, a hint of weariness crossing his face. "Yeah. He's... a lot. We've been spending so much time together, and it's... complicated."
Varun leaned forward, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Complicated how? Is he catching on?"
"No, nothing like that," Ravi replied quickly. "It's just... exhausting. Keeping up the act all the time, making sure he doesn't suspect anything. And his mom? She's always watching, always expecting me to be the perfect girlfriend." He paused, his voice quieter. "Sometimes, I feel like I can't breathe."
Riya reached out, squeezing Ravi's hand. "You're doing great, Ravi. I know it's tough, but you've held it together this long. Just remember why you're doing this."
Ravi nodded, his eyes distant. "I know. The money's... life-changing. My parents have never been this comfortable before. It's just strange. Sometimes, I look in the mirror, and I don't even recognize myself."
Varun's voice softened. "We've got your back. You know that, right? Whatever happens, we're here."
A silence settled over them, comfortable but heavy with unspoken thoughts. The three of them had shared so much over the past few months, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Ravi's situation had brought them closer in ways none of them had anticipated.
After a moment, Riya broke the silence, her tone lighter. "You know, if you ever decide to keep this look permanently, you'd make a pretty fierce girl."
Ravi groaned, tossing a cushion at her. "Don't even joke about that!"
Varun laughed, dodging the cushion. "She's got a point, though. You've mastered the art. You'd probably get more attention than any of us."
Ravi rolled his eyes, "Sorry boys I am always taken ð," but the tension in the room eased. For a moment, they were just friends, teasing each other, forgetting about the complex reality that loomed over them.
As the afternoon stretched on, the conversation drifted to lighter topics-old memories, inside jokes, and plans for the future. Ravi found himself laughing more than he had in days, the weight of his double life momentarily lifted.
Eventually, Varun glanced at the time and stood up, stretching. "I should head out. Got an early class tomorrow."
Riya followed suit, gathering her things. "Me too. Don't let Aryan run you ragged, okay?"
Ravi walked them to the door, his heart feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, guys. For everything."
Varun clapped him on the shoulder. "Anytime, girlð¹. Hang in there."
As they left, Ravi stood in the doorway, watching them disappear down the street. He closed the door and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. The room felt quieter, emptier without them.
Walking back to the living room, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror. The braid Riya had done hung over his shoulder, a stark reminder of the role he was playing. He touched it lightly, lost in thought.
"This is just an act," he whispered to himself. "It has to be."
But deep down, he wasn't sure anymore.