Ravi hesitated for a moment, then decided to broach the unusual topic with his parents. Sitting down with them in the living room, he took a deep breath before beginning the conversation.
Ravi: Mom, Dad, there's something important I need to discuss with you. It's a bit unconventional, but please hear me out.
Mom: (concerned) What is it, Ravi? You seem serious.
Ravi: Well, you remember that party I went to with Varun and Riya? There's this guy named Aryan there, and his mother made me an offer.
Dad: An offer? What kind of offer?
Ravi: (hesitant) Aryan has a terminal illness, and his mother is willing to pay me Rs. 10,000 for every day I act as his girlfriend. It's for a year, at most.
Mom: (surprised) Girlfriend? Ravi, what are you talking about?
Ravi: I know it sounds strange, but she wants me to bring joy to Aryan's last days. And in return, we'd receive a substantial amount of money.
Dad: (skeptical) Money for what, Ravi? And why does she want you to pretend to be Aryan's girlfriend?
Ravi: Well, you remember I told you I borrowed clothes from Varun for the party?
Mom: Yes.
Ravi: Umm.. I actually lied to you. It was Riya I borrowed the clothes from. She dared me to attend the party all dolled up as a girl and if I passed the night with no one noticing I am a boy, she will pay me 10,000. She gave me 5,000 extra for the ear piercing.
Dad: What?
Ravi: I am sorry dad. I really wanted to attend this party at any cost and this offer gave me the chance to earn my 2 months' salary in a single night."
Mom: How does it explains this offer Mrs. Kapoor gave you?"
Ravi: Looks like Aryan is in love with me, I mean, my female form of that day Reena. She believes it'll make Aryan happy, and she's offering this as a way to secure our future. Dad, Mom, think about it â Rs.10,000 a day for a year could mean Rs.3,650,000 give or take how long Aryan lives. It's more than I could earn in years with my current job.
Mom: (worried) But Ravi, this is so weird. What about your own happiness? Will you be able to live as a girl? It's not about a day or two, it's about a whole year.
Ravi: Mom, I've thought about it a lot, I'll be just acting. And it's just for a year. This could change our lives.
Mom: (worried) Ravi, it's not just about the money. What if Aryan finds out the truth? How will he feel?
Ravi: Mom, Mrs. Kapoor is desperate to see Aryan happy in his last days. If this can bring him some joy, I think it's worth considering. And the truth is, we need the money.
Dad: (thoughtful) Ravi, it's a big decision. We need time to process this. It's not just about the money; it's about the choices we make in life.
Ravi: I understand, Dad. I just wanted to be honest with you. Let's take a day to think it over. I have to tell my answer to Mrs. Kapoor tomorrow. But remember, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. It's about securing our future and making the most out of a difficult situation.
The living room fell into a contemplative silence as each family member processed the unexpected proposition. The weight of the decision hung in the air, as Ravi's parents grappled with the moral and practical implications of the path their son was considering.