The next day was a big deal for Shreya. She woke up earlier than usual. She was quite nervous and cannot take a loose end. She went to her washroom and coiled up her bosom with a long strip of cloth to hide her femaleness. She took a deep breath and wore a loose red t-shirt. She looked at herself and was satisfied to see herself more like a man. It was only her eyes that can tell her real story, however, she can do nothing about it.
She dressed herself properly and came back to the room. Kavya was still sleeping soundly and Shreya smiled lightly seeing her little sister. She was pleased to see the liveliness and happiness of her little sister but her mother always had her worry. The gloominess in which her mother lived in a big worry for her. She had to teach her mother to live. She sighed and went near the window. She leaned over the frame and closed her eyes. She had her own world in this house. Her mother, her sister, herself and the memories of her father. Amidst of all her thoughts, she found herself lost. She did not even realise her sister was up and came near her. Kavya hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek. Shreya gasped and looked at her with a jerk. Kavya found a real happiness missing from Shreya's fake smile.
Kavya (suspiciously): Kya huya di? Aap khush nhi ho?
Shreya (smiled lightly): Kavya, aisi baat nhi hai… main bus kucch soch rhi thi jab tumne mujhe peecche se hug kiya.
Kavya was satisfied with the answer. Kavya can never think that her sister still misses the person even whose name is intolerable for Shreya. Shreya forced her to go and get fresh. However, when she came back she was astonished. Her sister was sitting in front of the mirror with a scissor in her hand. Her eyes had tears, however, her expressions were strong. She was cutting her hairs and made her hairs as small as she had wig of.
Kavya (shocked): Didi!
Shreya did not say anything. She silently stared at her sister through the mirror. Both were looking at each other for some moments and after sometimes, Kavya covered her mouth with her hand.
Shreya (softly): Kavya, aaj main tumhe kucch paise de dungi… phir tum maa ke saath Delhi chale jana… wahan unka ilaaj karwa dena.
Kavya (confused): Par di…
Shreya (sighed): Mujhe yahan kucch kaam hai… toh main yahi rahungi… tu chali jaana.
In the afternoon, Shreya was inside the same café. She was waiting for Daya to come and he was late. She was cross about it and was fuming like anything. After a few minutes, she heard some whistles and turned. It was Daya carelessly coming towards her. He saw her and waved while she made a grumpy face and turned her face to the other side. Daya came to her and sat on the chair opposite to her.
Daya (chuckled): Kya huya? Tumhaara muh kyun latka hai?
Shreya (fake smile): Ab aap itni jaldi aayenge toh muh nhi latkega toh kya hoga.
Daya smiled sheepishly and she smilingly shook her head. His antics can easily make anyone's heart melt and Shreya was soon one of them.
Daya (suddenly): Accha, apne bank account no. dedo, main paise transfer kar deta hoon.
Shreya was astonished. She had not thought of such a fast transaction. She gave her account no. and the money was transferred. Shreya was very pleased and smiling pleasantly. He noticed her smile and smiled widely. He thought about something and held her hand. She looked up to him.
Daya (while standing up): Chalo… tumhaara huliya badalna hai.
Shreya stood up and nodding confusingly. She had no idea what he means and had never thought of something. They went inside his car and drove to a big showroom of men's clothing. Shreya was still confused about why they had been here.
Shreya (confused): Daya sir… hum yahan kyun aaye hai? Aapko kapde kharidne hai?
Daya turned to face her and smiled looking at her confused face.
Daya (smiled): Kapde kharidne toh hai… par apne liye nhi… tumhare liye Shreyansh…
Shreya (shocked): Par mere liye kyun? Mujhe koi kapdon ki zarurat nhi… mere paas kaafi kapde hai.
Daya (chuckled): Lekin main chahta hoon ki tum mere family ke samne mere pasand ke kapdon mein jao.
Shreya looked down and nodded hesitantly. She had no idea about it but she did not seem to mind. They went inside and started to look for clothes for Shreya. Shreya was very much pleased by Daya's gesture and was smiling all the while. Daya was pointing out some clothes to Shreya while she was confused what to choose. The clothes were much costly than Shreya was used to. She was very much hesitant. Soon, Daya noticed her hesitation and smiled lightly. He stopped and kept his hand on her shoulder.
Daya (softly): Shreyansh… paise ki chinta mat karo… tum bas btao ki tumhe kya khareedna hai.
Shreya (looked down): Par sir, yahan kapde bahut mehnge hai… hum apka paise kaise barbad karwa sakte hai… hum inhi kapdo mein thik hai.
Daya laughed and put his one had around her shoulder just like some 'yaar'. Her throat almost choked. He ruffled her hairs with other hand. She liked it and smiled.
Daya (smiled): Tumhaare liye kapde main select kar deta hoon.
After sometimes, they were done with the shopping and Shreya changed her clothes. She wore a black shirt with white tie. She had a black tuxedo with white strips, while Daya was wearing a full black tuxedo with white shirt. Daya turned to look at her and showed a perfect sign.
Shreya took a deep breath. The last thing to do was to go and meet Daya's family.
