Chapter 29: A strange dream

As the night enveloped me in its embrace, I drifted into a dream that felt so vivid and enchanting. In this dream, I found myself in a beautiful traditional home, decorated with vibrant flowers and warm, inviting colors. To my surprise, I was dressed as the daughter-in-law of the family, happily married to Vikram.

I looked down to see myself adorned in a gorgeous saree, the fabric a deep shade of crimson with intricate golden borders that shimmered under the light. The saree was draped elegantly, showcasing my curves and femininity. My blouse, a fitted piece with delicate embroidery, accentuated my figure perfectly. My hair was adorned with fresh jasmine flowers, their sweet scent filling the air. My forehead was embellished with a bindi, and I wore a mangalsutra around my neck, symbolizing my marital status. Bangles jingled on my wrists, a beautiful melody of gold and glass, and my feet were adorned with toe rings that sparkled with each movement.

Every morning, I woke up before the sun, slipping into my role as a devoted housewife. My day began with prayers, kneeling before a small altar decorated with vibrant flowers and flickering lamps. As I offered my prayers, I felt a deep sense of peace, my heart swelling with gratitude for the life I was living.

Once done, I moved to the kitchen, where I prepared breakfast for the family. I cooked traditional dishes, my hands expertly blending spices and flavors. Vikram would come in, smiling as he watched me work, his admiration evident. “You’ve become quite the chef, Suhasini,” he would tease, wrapping his arms around me from behind, making my heart flutter.

After breakfast, I took on the household chores with diligence. I cleaned the house, arranged the flowers, and made sure everything was in order. Each task filled me with a sense of purpose, as I embraced my role fully. The family members, including Vikram’s mother and sister, often complemented me on how I handled the household. “You are truly a blessing to this home,” Vikram’s mother would say, her eyes warm with approval.

Throughout the day, I interacted with Vikram’s family, learning their traditions and customs. They welcomed me with open arms, and I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. One afternoon, while helping Vikram’s sister with a special ritual, a relative arrived. She eyed me suspiciously, a frown on her face as she questioned my presence and role as Vikram’s wife. “Are you sure she’s the right fit for this family?” she remarked, casting doubt on my womanhood.

In that moment, I felt a surge of uncertainty wash over me, the words striking like a sharp blade. But before I could respond, Vikram stepped in, his voice steady and firm. “Suhasini is perfect for this family. She embodies everything we cherish—love, dedication, and strength. She has made our home brighter.” His support reassured me, grounding me in the reality of my identity. The relative huffed, but the supportive glances from Vikram’s mother and sister filled me with renewed confidence.

The days flowed into nights, filled with laughter and love. Vikram and I shared quiet moments together, where he would gently hold my hand, his fingers brushing against the bangles that adorned my wrists. “You look beautiful today,” he would whisper, making me blush. I would smile, feeling the warmth of his affection enveloping me.

One evening, after dinner, Vikram took me to the terrace. The stars sparkled above us, the cool breeze wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. He held my hand, his gaze intense. “You’ve brought so much joy into my life, Suhasini. I never knew love could feel this way.”

As he leaned in, my heart raced, the moment charged with unspoken feelings. I felt my cheeks flush as he brushed his lips against mine—a soft, tentative kiss that ignited something deep within me. I melted against him, feeling cherished and adored, my worries about being questioned forgotten in that beautiful moment.

Despite the occasional family drama, the love and support from Vikram and his family strengthened my resolve to embrace my role as a daughter-in-law. I continued to thrive in this dream, relishing the moments of joy and the little challenges that came my way.

As night fell and the dream began to fade, I held onto the feeling of belonging and acceptance. The dream was a tapestry woven with love, identity, and the delicate balance of tradition and modernity. With Vikram by my side, I felt empowered to navigate my path as Suhasini, embracing my femininity and the warmth of the family that had accepted me so wholeheartedly.

The morning sun streamed through the window, warming my face and nudging me awake. I sat up, still caught in the enchanting web of the dream I’d just experienced. My heart fluttered as I recalled every detail—the saree, the bangles, Vikram’s affectionate gaze, and the overwhelming sense of belonging. I couldn’t help but smile shyly, a blush creeping up my cheeks as the memories danced in my mind.

Aditi and Shruthi, noticing my dreamy expression, exchanged curious glances. “What’s got you all starry-eyed this morning?” Aditi asked, her voice playful.

“I had the most incredible dream last night,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. As I recounted the dream—how I had transformed into Vikram's wife, embracing the life of a devoted daughter-in-law—they listened intently, their eyes sparkling with interest.

“Wow, Suhasini, that sounds magical!” Shruthi exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. Aditi leaned in closer, nudging me playfully. “So, you’re telling me you’re already imagining yourself as part of Vikram’s family? Should we be worried?”

Just then, Vikram’s sister, Radha, walked in, her ears piqued by our conversation. A mischievous smile spread across her face as she caught on to the context. “What’s this about my brother?” she teased, her tone light but filled with mischief. “Are you saying Suhasini has her eye on Vikram?”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but Radha’s teasing only fueled the playful banter. “I—uh, it was just a dream! Nothing serious,” I stammered, trying to defend myself while my heart raced.

“Oh, I can see it now!” Radha laughed, clapping her hands in delight. “Don’t worry, Suhasini, I’ll help you look extra pretty for my brother today. He won’t be able to resist!”

Before I could protest, Radha was on a mission, rummaging through her collection of sarees and accessories. She pulled out a stunning peacock-colored saree, rich in vibrant hues of green and blue, with intricate golden and green borders that glimmered in the morning light. “This one is perfect for you,” she declared confidently, holding it up against me.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Are you sure it’s okay?” I asked, glancing at Aditi and Shruthi, who were both nodding enthusiastically.

“Of course! You’ll look gorgeous,” Aditi assured me, her excitement evident. “And don’t forget the jasmine flowers for your hair. They’ll add that extra touch of beauty.”

Radha guided me into her room, where she helped drape the saree around me, her hands deftly maneuvering the fabric to create the perfect look. As the soft material settled against my skin, I felt a rush of confidence and femininity. Radha expertly styled my hair, letting it flow down my back with loose waves, interspersed with delicate jasmine flowers that filled the air with a sweet fragrance.

“Now, you’re ready to steal my brother’s heart!” Radha said with a wink, her eyes gleaming with mischief. I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling both flattered and slightly apprehensive about the attention I might receive.

With my makeup done simply yet elegantly—just a touch of kohl around my eyes and a hint of gloss on my lips—I looked into the mirror and gasped. I barely recognized myself. The transformation was incredible, and I felt beautiful in a way I had never experienced before.

As I stepped out to join Aditi and Shruthi, I caught a glimpse of Vikram in the courtyard, talking to his family. My heart skipped a beat. Would he really notice me today? Would he see the girl I was becoming?

“Here goes nothing,” I whispered to myself, feeling both shy and excited as I walked toward him, my heart racing with anticipation.