The Couple Ticket

My name is Rahul Kulkarni. I am 25 years old, from Nashik.

My father runs a small medical store in Shalimar Chowk, Nashik. My mother is a housewife. I have one elder sister, Pooja, she is married and lives in Jalgaon. We are a simple middle-class family. We live in a small 2BHK in Deolali Camp area.

I did my BCom and MBA, and for the last one year I am working in Suyash Industries, Nashik - as Junior Executive in Client Relations. I am fair, slim, and people always say I have soft features - fair skin, long eyelashes, slim body.

Two months ago, a new sir joined our office - Col. Vikram Rathod, 60 years old, retired from the Army.

He doesn't look 60 at all. He is very fit - 6 feet tall, broad shoulders, salt-pepper hair, always in crisp formal shirts with sleeves folded. Every morning he runs 10 km near Pandav Leni. Everyone in office calls him "Handsome Sir" behind his back.

Me and Sir became good friends - because both of us come to office at 7:30 am. I have early client calls for Mumbai, and he has an army habit of waking up early. We used to have tea together in the canteen every morning.

He calls me "beta", I call him "Sir", but from inside we are like friends.

Then the Vietnam Trip problem happened.

Our company got a big order from Vietnam - textile machinery. Management told Sir - "You are best for Business Development, you go to Hanoi for 8 days, meet clients, expand business."

HR booked everything - Two business class tickets, 5-star hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, couple tour package. Their thinking was - "Sir is 60, how will he stay alone for 8 days in a new country? Let his wife go with him, company will sponsor it as a family tour."

Ticket cost - 2.8 lakhs, non-transferable, non-refundable. Hotel booking - couple suite, already paid for 2 people.

But what HR didn't know - Sir's wife Sunita Aunty has cancer - stage 2, chemo is going on in HCG Hospital, Nashik. She cannot travel, she cannot even walk properly for long.

Next day Sir called me to the conference room and closed the door. He showed me the tickets - Mr. Vikram Rathod and Mrs. Sunita Rathod.

Sir: Rahul, I have a personal problem. Can I talk to you?

Me: Yes sir, tell me.

Sir: See, company gave me couple tickets thinking Sunita will come. But she has cancer, you know, she can't travel. This ticket will be wasted, it will be a big loss for the company. And the hotel is also only for couples, single persons are not allowed for this cultural business meeting.

Me: Oh, so can't you cancel sir?

Sir: No, it's non-transferable. I told HR and they said - "Take some female colleague as your wife for namesake, otherwise ticket will be wasted." But which female colleague will go for 8 days with a senior sir?

Then Sir looked at me for 2 seconds.

Sir: Rahul, I am feeling very hesitant to ask you... Will you help me?

Me: Me? How sir?

Sir: See Rahul, you are fair, slim, you have soft features. In Vietnam nobody knows you. If you come as my wife... as Mrs. Rathod... then the ticket will be used. Company's work will also be done, and after meetings we can roam around Hanoi. It's just a matter of 8 days. I am asking you as a friend, not as a junior. If you are not comfortable, just say no, I will never mind.

I was shocked.

Me: Sir... wife means? Saree? I am a boy sir...

Sir: I know beta. That's why I am hesitating. But see practically - you will get a free Vietnam business tour, 5-star hotel, and company will give you extra 40k allowance for this help. And nobody in Nashik will know, who knows you in Vietnam?

Me: Sir give me some time to think. I have never done such a thing.

Sir: Of course, tell me by tomorrow. And this matter will remain only between us two.

That night I could not sleep. Whole night I was thinking - Vietnam, 8 days, as his wife?

Next morning, 7:30 am, canteen.

Me: Sir, I thought about it...

Sir: Yes?

Me: Sir, you are my best friend in office. When my presentation failed, you only saved me. And Sunita aunty's health... if ticket is wasted company will blame you. So... I will come. As your wife. For 8 days. But sir promise me - you will not make fun of me, and you will keep me comfortable?

Sir's face became very soft. He put his hand on my shoulder.

Sir: Thank you, Rahul beta. I promise, I will take care of you like my own. I will never make you feel uncomfortable. In Vietnam you are not my wife, you are my responsibility.

I smiled shyly.

Me: So sir, what will I have to wear?

Sir laughed - "So tonight evening let's go to City Centre, Nashik, we have to do shopping for Mrs. Rathod."

My cheeks became red, I looked down.

That same evening after office, Sir told me - "Rahul, come to parking at 6 pm, we will go to City Centre Mall."

I went at 6 pm, nervous in my normal shirt-pant. Sir was there in his car, but he was not alone.

With him was his wife - Sunita Madam.

I had seen her once before in office family day. She is around 55, very graceful, simple, always in cotton saree. She is going through chemo, so she has short hair now and wears a small scarf, but her face is very calm and smiling. She is a retired teacher.

I was shocked.

Me: Madam... you?

Sunita Madam smiled at me.

Sunita Madam: So you are Rahul? Vikram told me everything about you.

I looked at Sir - Sir looked a little guilty.

Sir: Rahul, I told Sunita yesterday night. I cannot hide such a big thing from my wife. I thought she would be angry, but...

Sunita Madam held my hand.

Sunita Madam: Rahul, why are you so scared? Vikram told me - ticket problem, Vietnam trip, my health. I am the one who said - take Rahul, he is perfect.

I was surprised.

Me: Madam, you are okay with it?

Sunita Madam laughed in a very motherly way.

Sunita Madam: Of course I am okay. I have cancer, I cannot travel for 8 days, I know that. Ticket will be wasted, company will lose money, and Vikram will be alone in a new country. And you are such a sweet boy, you agreed to help us. I am happy, not angry.

Then she said in a fun way, looking at Sir:

Sunita Madam: Chalo, let Sir enjoy young lady company for 8 days. For so many years he only saw me in cotton saree. Now for 8 days he will get a young, beautiful, fair wife. He is lucky.

Sir became red - "Sunita, what are you saying in front of the kid."

Sunita Madam: It's truth, no? Rahul, don't mind, I am saying it in a fun way. You are really beautiful, you know?

Because she said it in such a loving, motherly, fun way, my nervousness went away.

We three went to City Centre Mall in Sir's car. Sunita Madam sat in front with Sir, I sat at back.

Sunita Madam was fully in charge, like a mother dressing her daughter.

She took us to the saree section.

Salesgirl: Madam, what are you looking for?

Sunita Madam: For my daughter-in-law, she is going to Vietnam for honeymoon with my husband - I mean my son.

She handled it smartly.

She picked 3 sarees for me:

1. One red Paithani with green border - she said - "For first business dinner in Vietnam, you should look like a proper Marathi wife."

2. One light green chiffon saree with small golden dots - "For daily roaming, light weight, easy to handle in heat."

3. One dark blue georgette with golden work - "For party night or night cruise in Hanoi."

Me: Madam, three sarees are too much?

Sunita Madam: Rahul, 8 days is long, you need change. And my husband spends nothing on me, let him spend on his new young wife now.

She was teasing Sir and making me laugh.

Then blouse section - this was most awkward for me.

Sunita Madam asked for my size, she herself measured my chest over my shirt with tape, very professionally like a mother. Salesgirl helped.

We bought 3 ready-made blouses with padding inside, so shape will come properly, and back hook.

Then Sunita Madam whispered to me - "For proper shape we need inner support, I will explain, don't worry."

After sarees, she took me to Indo-Western section and said - "In Vietnam always saree will catch too much attention. You need some dresses also as a young wife."

There she bought:

• Two long kurtis with leggings - one pink, one white.

• One long black dress with small flowers - for evening walk.

• Two soft cotton nighties for hotel - one red, one light blue - she said - "In hotel you can't sleep in saree, you need this."

I was carrying all bags, face red. People were looking - a boy with so many ladies bags with an old couple.

Sir was just paying bills silently, smiling.

After that, beauty shop - Sunita Madam bought:

• A long black wig - very long, till waist, with thick braid and gajra - like a proper Maharashtrian wife.

• Artificial white gajra - mogra flowers.

• Red and green bangles - 2 dozen each.

• Simple mangalsutra - black beads with small gold pendant.

• Sindoor, red bindi packet, eyeliner, light pink lipstick, compact powder.

And one more bag - she put it quickly and said slowly to me - "This is for body shape support, for blouse fitting, you will understand later."

At last, footwear shop - two pairs of sandals with small heels - golden and brown - size 8.

By 9 pm, we had 10 big bags.

We sat in food court for coffee. Sunita Madam ordered coffee for all.

Sunita Madam: So Rahul, feeling like Mrs. Rathod?

Me: Madam, very nervous, I never wore all this.

Sunita Madam held my hand on the table.

Sunita Madam: Don't be nervous, beta. Tomorrow is Sunday, come to our house at 11 am. I will myself drape saree for you, do your makeup, fix your wig. I want to see how my husband's new wife looks.

Sir: Yes, tomorrow full trial before Tuesday flight.

Sunita Madam again teased: Chalo Vikram, 8 days you will be the most talked about couple in Hanoi - handsome army man with young beautiful wife.

We all laughed. Sir dropped me to my PG last.

That night in my PG room, I opened all bags - sarees, kurtis, bangles, wig, lipstick spread on my bed. I touched the red saree.

I thought - tomorrow I will see myself as a wife for the first time, and that too in front of Sir's real wife.

Sunday morning 10:30 am, I took all my luggage - one small trolley bag with my regular clothes, and the 10 shopping bags from yesterday - and went to Sir's house in Tidke Colony.

Sir's house is a small 2BHK, very clean, very army style - everything in line.

Sunita Madam opened the door. She was in her simple cotton saree, with her scarf on head. Sir was in his morning track pant.

Sunita Madam: Come in, Rahul beta. From today, for next two days, you are my responsibility.

I kept all bags in their hall.

Then Madam became very serious. Not angry serious, but teacher serious - like she used to be a teacher.

Sunita Madam: Rahul, Vikram told me your flight is Tuesday early morning - 5 am. Airport people, immigration, hotel - fooling them will not be easy. You are a boy - fair, slim, but still a boy. If you look like a boy dressed in saree or like a drag queen, they will catch in 2 minutes in Vietnam. We have to make you look like a real young woman - a real wife - not a boy in costume.

Me: Yes Madam.

Sunita Madam: So I told Vikram yesterday - you have to take leave on Monday. One day training is not enough. Too many things to do - walking, talking, sitting, eating, behaving like a couple. Airport is most difficult. I can make you look like a younger version of me, but you have to learn to be her.

Sir nodded.

Sir: I already told your manager you have some family emergency in Jalgaon for your sister, so you will not be available for 10 days. He approved.

Me: And I told my parents I am going on an office trip to Mumbai-Pune for 10 days for training, so they will not call much. I told my house owner also.

Sunita Madam: Good. So today Sunday and tomorrow Monday - full two days training. Tuesday morning flight.

She took me to their bedroom.

On the bed she had already kept everything - the sarees, blouses, wigs, bangles, makeup.

First she taught me how to wear the inner support for shape. She explained very respectfully, like a mother explains to a daughter - She said - "Rahul, for saree blouse to look proper, we need proper shape inside, otherwise blouse will look empty and people will doubt. These are padded supports, wear it like inner."

I went to bathroom and wore it. It was uncomfortable at first.

Then she came and helped me wear the pink kurti first - easy start.

Then she made me wear the red Paithani saree for the first time.

She draped it herself - tucking, pleats, pallu. She was expert. She said - "Saree is not just cloth, it's your walk. If you walk like a boy in saree, everyone will know."

She made me walk in the hall in saree with small heels.

Sunita Madam: No, no, Rahul. Don't walk with big steps. Small steps. And your hands - don't keep them in pockets, you don't have pockets now. One hand lightly holding pallu.

I tried again and again. I was falling with heels.

Sir was sitting in hall, watching and correcting - "Rahul, shoulders back, but soft."

Next - the wig. She fixed the long black wig with clips on my head, made a thick braid with gajra. After wig, I looked in the mirror - for first time I saw long hair on me.

Then makeup - very light, not too much. She said - "Young wife does not wear heavy makeup in day." She applied compact, small bindi, eyeliner, light pink lipstick.

Then bangles, mangalsutra, sindoor small dot.

When I saw mirror at 1 pm - I was shocked. I was not looking like Rahul the boy. I was looking like a young woman - maybe 24-25 year old, fair, slim, in red Paithani.

Sunita Madam smiled - "See, you are looking like my younger sister."

Sir came and saw. He was quiet for 2 seconds.

Sir: Sunita, he really looks like a woman... not like a boy dressed.

Sunita Madam: Because I made him, not just dressed him. But look is only 50% Rahul. Now main training is behaviour.

Afternoon Training - How to be a Wife

After lunch, she made me sit and taught me.

Sunita Madam: In Vietnam, you are not Rahul, you are my younger version - Ritu. Name will be Ritu Rathod, 27 years old, my cousin sister. If anyone asks, you are my cousin whom Vikram is taking as wife for this trip because I am ill. That's our story.

Me: Ritu Rathod?

Sunita Madam: Yes. Now wife training -

1. When Vikram walks, you walk slightly behind or beside him, not far.

2. In airport, hold his hand or his arm, like a wife who is dependent in a new country.

3. When we talk, look at him with soft eyes, not like junior looking at senior sir.

4. When you sit, keep knees together, saree pallu on lap.

5. When you eat, eat slowly, small bites.

6. When someone talks to Vikram, you smile and nod, don't talk too much like a boy.

7. Most important - when he calls you "Ritu", you respond instantly, not as Rahul.

She made me and Sir do couple practice in their hall.

Sir held my hand and we walked from bedroom to hall like a couple coming out of hotel. At first my hand was stiff.

Sunita Madam: Rahul, soft hand, not tight like office handshake. Wife's hand is soft.

Sir: It's okay, slowly you will learn.

We practiced sitting together on sofa - Sir's hand around my shoulder, my head slightly tilted towards him - for photos at immigration.

We practiced at dining table - Sir serving me water, I saying "Thank you" in soft voice.

She also corrected my voice - not fully girl voice, but soft, low, polite female voice - not my normal boy loud voice.

Evening 6 pm, she taught me how to remove saree, fold it properly, keep bangles safe, remove makeup without spoiling wig.

By 9 pm Sunday night, I was fully tired. My feet were paining due to heels, my head paining due to wig clips.

Sunita Madam made me wear the cotton nighty for sleeping - she said - "Tonight you sleep here itself in my house in nighty, so you get used to it. Tomorrow full day again training and packing."

I slept in their guest room - in a red cotton nighty, with long wig kept on table, but with bangles still on hands. I saw myself in nighty in mirror before sleeping - fair legs, slim body.

Sir came to guest room door and said - "Good night, Ritu. Sleep well. Tomorrow is your final exam before Vietnam."

I said in my new soft voice - "Good night, Sir."

Sunita Madam laughed from kitchen - "Sir nahi, good night Vikram bolo, wife ho tum."

We all laughed.

I closed the door, lay on bed, thinking - tomorrow is Monday - last day as boy in Nashik, Tuesday I will be Ritu Rathod flying to Vietnam as someone's wife.

Monday morning, I woke up in Sir's guest room - still in nighty. I came to hall for tea.

Sunita Madam was on phone with someone from travel agency. She cut the call and looked at us seriously.

Sunita Madam: Rahul, Vikram, yesterday we made a mistake with name Sunit and Ritu. I just now got to know from travel agent - ticket is non-transferable and also passport verification will happen in Mumbai. Vietnam Airlines will check passport name exactly as ticket - Mrs. Sunita Rathod. So you cannot travel as Sunit or Ritu. You have to travel with 

Me: Same name? But how?

Sunita Madam: Listen, my passport has my photo from 10 years ago - when I was 45, but I looked younger then. Now with chemo my face has changed. If you wear makeup properly and look like a young version of me, no one will notice much difference in passport - because they just see name Sunita Rathod and a lady in saree. In Vietnam, they see only loving couple, not details. So from today you are officially Mrs. Sunita Rathod.

Sir: That actually makes it easier. No need for cousin story. You are Sunita Rathod, my wife. Simple.

So final name was fixed - I am Sunita Rathod for next 8 days.

After that Sir went to office for last day formalities before Vietnam trip.

Sunita Madam: Rahul, today Sir is in office, so you and me - we have full day. We have to make you completely unrecognizable as a girl. Yesterday's saree trial was just 30%. Today is full transformation.

Madam took me to her known parlor in College Road - "Sakhi Beauty Parlour" - she knows the owner.

Inside, Madam told owner - "This is my younger sister Sunita, going to Vietnam for second honeymoon, need full makeover for 8 days trip - bridal type."

Owner locked the door for privacy.

First hour - Hair Removal:

Madam told - "Rahul, you have boy hair on arms, legs, face - if you wear saree or modern dress, it will be visible. We have to remove every trace."

So first they did full body waxing - arms, full legs, underarms. I had never done waxing in life - it was painful, I was holding Madam's hand. Then they did threading for my face - upper lip, chin, side face hair, eyebrows shaping - thin, arched like a woman. My eyes were watering but I stayed quiet.

Second hour - Wig Fixing:

My own hair is short - boy cut. For long wig to look real, they had to set my own hair flat. They put a wig cap, pinned my short hair inside, then fixed the long black wig permanently with clips and glue at front hairline, so that it looks like real hairline, not wig. They cut the wig a little to suit my face - front small layers, back long till waist. Then they made a thick braid with white gajra.

Third hour - Prosthesis Fitting:

This was the main part Madam said - "For you to look like complete girl, not boy dressed, we need proper body shape."

Parlor lady brought two things Madam had ordered from Nashik medical shop:

She first fixed the breast prosthesis - she applied glue on straps and edges so it sticks to skin properly under bra. It became tight, not moving. then adjusted so blouse fits perfectly - not too big, not too small, natural for my slim body. It felt heavy at first

Then bottom silicone shaper - she fixed it with glue on waist sides, so hip shape stays perfect under saree for 8 days. It gives round hips shape under saree or dress. Without it, saree falls flat like boy body. With it, saree pleats sit properly.

She made me wear both in trial room and then checked in mirror - now my body shape was not slim boy straight, but curved like a young woman - natural.

Fourth hour - Final Makeup Trial:

Full bridal type light makeup - foundation matching my fair skin, compact, thin eyeliner, kajal, light brown eyeshadow, small red bindi, light pink lipstick, blush.

When I saw mirror after 4 hours at 2 pm - I could not recognize myself.

In mirror was a young girl - fair, long black hair till waist with gajra, thin eyebrows, smooth arms and legs with no hair, proper blouse shape, proper hip shape in petticoat, red lipstick.

I was not Rahul. I was Sunita.

Parlor lady said - "Madam, your sister looks exactly like you when you were young."

Sunita Madam's eyes became wet - "Yes, same like me 25 years ago."

At 4 pm, Madam took me - still in that full girl look, wearing pink kurti - to City Centre again for modern dresses, because she said - "In Vietnam, you can't wear saree daily, you need modern dresses for evenings."

We went to Zudio and Westside.

She picked:

• One white one-piece long dress with small flowers - knee length.

• One black bodycon dress for night party - with small sleeves.

• One pair of blue skinny jeans and two tops - white and red.

Then she said - "Go try in trial room."

This was my first time going to ladies trial room as a girl.

I went inside with white dress. I locked the door. In trial room mirror - I saw myself - fair girl in bra and prosthesis, wearing white dress trial.

I wore the white dress - it fitted perfectly on my new shape. My legs were smooth after waxing, my chest shape was proper, long hair on shoulders.

For first time in life, I felt like a girl - not like a boy wearing girl clothes, but like a complete girl.

I came out and showed Madam.

Madam: Sunita, you are looking beautiful. Even I am confused if you are Rahul or my younger sister.

Sir had come from office directly to mall at 6 pm. He was waiting outside.

When Sir saw me in white dress coming out of trial room - long hair, dress, heels - he stopped for 2 seconds.

Sir: Sunita?

I said in soft voice - as practiced - "Vikram, how is this dress?"

Sir smiled - "You look completely unrecognizable. No one in Nashik will say you are Rahul."

We bought those dresses.

At 8 pm, we returned to Madam's house - I was still in girl look - carrying bags, walking in small steps in heels like Madam taught.

That night Madam made me sleep again in her house as Sunita - in nighty. Tomorrow is Tuesday 5 am flight from Mumbai - as Mr. and Mrs. Sunita Rathod.

We had to leave Nashik at 2 am to reach Mumbai Airport by 4 am for 5:10 am flight. So we woke up at 1:30 am.

I was sleeping in guest room in nighty. Sunita Madam knocked.

Sunita Madam: Sunita, wake up beta, time to become ready for flight.

I came to their bedroom. On bed, my green chiffon saree was already ironed, matching blouse, petticoat, and my new white dress for Vietnam evenings kept separately in trolley.

Sir was in hall, wearing formal shirt pant, ready, checking our boarding passes - Mr. Vikram Rathod and Mrs. Sunita Rathod.

Madam said - "Today no gajra. In flight gajra will get spoiled. Today we will make bun."

Madam took me to bathroom.

First she told me to remove nighty and wear the inner set.

Then she took medical-grade wig glue and body glue she had got from medical store.

She said - "Rahul, this is important. In Vietnam, you will not have parlor daily. Your wig and prosthesis should stay fixed for 8 days, even in sweat, in hotel, in sleep. You cannot remove it in airport or hotel, otherwise people will doubt. So today we will fix it with strong glue which can only be removed after 8 days with special remover I will give you."

She first fixed the breast prosthesis - she applied glue on straps and edges so it sticks to skin properly under bra. It became tight, not moving.

Then bottom silicone shaper - she fixed it with glue on waist sides, so hip shape stays perfect under saree for 8 days.

Then wig - she put wig cap, pinned my boy hair flat inside, then applied strong wig glue on my front hairline, sideburns, back neck. Then fixed the long black wig - today in bun style, not braid. She made a low round bun at back, neat, with small black net over it. Front she left small side partition, so it looks like real hair.

She said - "Now even if someone pulls your hair or saree, it will not come out. You are locked as Sunita for 8 days."

My heart was beating fast. I felt scared and excited together. Scared - because now I cannot go back to Rahul for 8 days, I am stuck as Sunita. Excited - because for first time I am going abroad, that too as someone's wife, in business class.

After fixing, Madam helped me wear green chiffon saree - perfect draping, pleats equal, pallu on left shoulder, pinned properly so it doesn't fall in airport.

Matching padded blouse, mangalsutra, red-green bangles, small golden jhumka earrings Madam gave me from her own collection, small red bindi, light pink lipstick, compact, eyeliner.

No gajra today - only neat bun with net.

I saw in mirror at 2 am - in bedroom light - I was looking like a proper young Maharashtrian wife - fair, slim, green saree, bun, bangles.

Sunita Madam hugged me - "You are looking exactly like me in my younger passport photo. That is our trick - my old passport photo is from 10 years ago when I had same bun, same green saree type. Immigration will see young Sunita in old photo and think it's you."

Sir came inside to see.

Sir: Sunita, ready?

I said in soft voice, as practiced for 2 days - "Yes Vikram, ready."

Sir smiled and said - "You look beautiful, Sunita. Don't be scared. I am with you."

He held my hand softly to make me comfortable - not tight, but caring like a husband holds wife who is nervous for first flight.

Madam gave me a small purse - with lipstick, compact, passport, boarding pass, and a company letter - letter from HR - "This is to certify that Mrs. Sunita Rathod, wife of Col. Vikram Rathod, is travelling with him for business tour to Hanoi.

We left at 2:15 am in Sir's car. Sir driving, me in back seat in saree, holding pallu properly like Madam taught - knees together.

At airport entry, I was very scared. My hands were shaking holding purse.

Sir noticed and held my hand at entry gate.

At CISF gate, officer asked tickets.

Sir showed - Mr. Vikram Rathod and Mrs. Sunita Rathod.

Officer looked at me - green saree, bun, mangalsutra - and said - "Couple?"

Sir: Yes, my wife.

I smiled lightly - "Good morning" - soft voice.

We passed.

At check-in, lady asked - "Mrs. Sunita Rathod? Passport please."

This was biggest fear - passport photo is Sunita Madam's old photo, but young. I gave passport.

She looked at photo - young Sunita with bun - and looked at me - young Sunita with bun. She said - "You have cut your hair? In photo hair is slightly different?"

I said softly, as Madam taught me - "Yes, I cut a little, Madam."

She smiled - "Okay, same face. Here is boarding pass."

Trick worked - old young photo helped. No one noticed difference because both are Sunitas - fair, bun, bindi.

At immigration, officer asked - "Purpose of travel?"

Sir answered - "Business meeting, she is my wife."

Officer stamped both passports without much question - because we were behaving like real loving couple - Sir's hand on my back while walking, me holding his arm while walking in heels.

At security, lady security checked me - she checked my saree pleats, but prosthesis and wig were fixed with glue, so she didn't doubt - she thought it's natural body.

We went to boarding gate and sat together - couple seats. Sir bought coffee for me, opened straw and gave me - like husband caring.

Sir whispered - "You are doing perfect, Sunita. No one is doubting. Just breathe."

I whispered back - "Vikram, I am very scared but also excited. For first time I am going as wife."

Sir smiled - "You are safe with me."

At 5:10 am, boarding started - "We invite Mr. Vikram Rathod and Mrs. Sunita Rathod."

We held hands and walked into flight - business class - air hostess said - "Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Rathod, window seats 2A and 2B for couple."

We sat, Sir helped me with seat belt over saree.

Flight took off at 5:40 am - Mumbai to Hanoi.

As flight took off, I looked out of window - Nashik lights going down - I thought - 2 days ago I was Rahul, today I am Sunita Rathod flying to Vietnam as someone's wife, fixed for 8 days, no going back.

Mixed feeling - fear of getting caught, excitement of new life.

After takeoff, the flight lights went dim. I was still very nervous, holding my purse tight, saree pallu tight.

Sir noticed.

Sir: Sunita, relax. Flight is 5 hours. You can sleep.

I said softly: I can't sleep, Vikram, I am scared.

Sir: Hold my hand.

He gave his hand. I held it - his hand was big, warm, army type. I held it like a wife holds husband's hand in flight - softly, not tight.

After 15 minutes, my eyes started closing - because we woke up at 1:30 am. I slowly rested my head on Sir's shoulder - as we had practiced at home - head tilted.

I slept - first time in life - as Sunita, in green saree, bun, holding a man's hand and resting head on his shoulder.

Sir did not disturb. After some time I woke up - I saw Sir was looking at me. he was looking like a husband looks at his young wife sleeping.

Sir softly touched my bun to fix it - "Your bun got a little loose, Sunita."

He touched my hair lightly, near bun net. I felt a little shy.

He said softly: You are smelling nice, like mogra - even without gajra.

It was just the shampoo Madam had applied yesterday.

I also felt - for first time - a man around me so close, protecting me. In Nashik I was always alone boy in PG. Here a senior, strong man was taking care of me like his wife. I felt safe, and I was enjoying that feeling - being cared for.

We talked a lot in flight - in low voice.

Sir: Sunita, after how many years I am traveling with my wife. Last time I traveled with original Sunita was 10 years ago, before her illness. After that she could not walk much. I missed this feeling - wife sitting beside me in flight, holding hand.

Me: Vikram, are you happy I came?

Sir: Very happy. You are making my trip less lonely.

At 8 am, air hostess brought breakfast - veg meal for couple.

Sir opened my food box for me, as husband does.

Air hostess smiled - "You both are cute couple."

I smiled and said - Thank you - in soft voice.

We ate together, Sir asked - "Is it okay? Need more?"

I said - "It's good, Vikram."

After breakfast, I needed to use washroom.

I went to ladies washroom in saree - first time in life.

Inside, 2-3 ladies were there. No one doubted me - green saree, bun, bangles. I went inside, locked door, managed saree as Madam taught me - lifting pleats a little.

When I came out and washed hands, a lady said - "Your saree is very nice."

I said - "Thank you" - and smiled.

I came back to Sir - Sir asked - "All okay?"

Me: Yes, no one doubted.

Flight landed at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. Vietnam is 1.5 hours ahead.

We got down holding hands - Sir holding trolley in one hand, my hand in other - like couple.

Immigration in Hanoi was easy - officer saw Mr. and Mrs. Sunita Rathod - couple - he just stamped and said - "Welcome to Vietnam, honeymoon?"

Sir laughed - "Second honeymoon."

I blushed - real blush.

Outside, company car was waiting - with board - "Mr. & Mrs. Rathod - Suyash Industries."

Driver took us to hotel in Old Quarter - Apricot Hotel - 5 star, luxury, lake view.

At reception, receptionist - "Mr. and Mrs. Rathod, welcome, we have booked couple suite, honeymoon type, for 8 days."

Sir: Thank you.

Receptionist gave us one key - one room - couple suite.

We went to 12th floor - suite - big bed with flower decoration, one big window facing Hoan Kiem Lake, couple bathrobes with Mr. and Mrs. written.

As soon as door closed, I started taking pics - in green saree, bun, near window - like a young wife on first trip abroad.

Sir was sitting on sofa, watching me, smiling.

After some time, Sir came near.

Sir: Sunita, thank you.

Me: For what, Vikram?

Sir hugged me - side hug, like husband hugs wife - not tight, but affectionate, caring - hand on my shoulder, my head near his chest.

Sir: Thank you for coming. You know, because of Sunita's health and old age, for last 5 years we never went out together. I missed this feeling - young wife taking pics in hotel room, excited for new country. You brought that feeling back for 8 days. I am enjoying being husband of young wife again.

I also felt emotional. I said softly:

Me: Vikram, I am also enjoying. No one ever took care of me like this. In Nashik I am alone. Here you are taking care of me like your wife. I feel safe.

We stayed like that for 2 minutes - husband and wife hug after long journey.

Then Sir left me and said - "Okay Sunita, you fresh up, change to that white dress you bought, we have to go for business meeting at 3 pm in hotel lobby - client will meet us - as couple."

After reaching hotel and fresh coffee, Sir was sitting on sofa, I was standing near window in green saree, taking photos.

Sir looked at me and said - "Sunita, come here, sit."

I sat beside him on sofa - knees together, pallu on lap - as Madam taught.

Sir: Sunita, I want to tell you something. In India it was okay you wore saree - because Madam likes saree, and airport needed saree look to match her old passport photo. But no more saree here in Vietnam.

Me: No saree? Then?

Sir: I didn't say anything in front of Madam because she loves saree, but I want my young wife in all modern dresses here for 8 days. White dress, black dress, jeans top - like young girl. I am 60 but I want to enjoy feeling of young wife for 8 days. Is that okay?

I blushed. I said softly - "Okay Vikram, if you want. I also feel comfortable in dress, saree is heavy."

Sir smiled.

Sir: Second thing - no more single long braid or bun with net. That is Madam's style. You are young Sunita - 27 years. Side braid is okay, open hair is okay, different hairstyles. I want to see my young wife in different hairstyles daily.

Me: Okay Vikram, I will do side braid tomorrow.

Sir then became a little shy, like husband asking wife.

Sir: Last thing - I want lot of cheek kisses. In front of clients, we have to look like real loving couple. Real couples kiss on cheek, hold close. So if I give you cheek kiss, you don't mind? And you also should give me?

My fair cheeks became fully red. I looked down.

Me: Okay Vikram - but only cheek, okay? Like couple.

Sir laughed - "Yes, only cheek, my young wife. You are blushing like new bride."

I said - "Okay" - in very soft voice.

Sir: Now go fresh up, wear your white dress with flowers, open your bun and make side braid. Client is coming with his wife at 3 pm in lobby - Mr. Nguyen and his wife Linh. We have to meet them as couples.

I went to bathroom - removed green saree carefully, kept prosthesis and wig as it is - fixed with glue, cannot remove for 8 days. I washed face, re-did light makeup, opened bun, made side braid - long braid on one side over shoulder.

Wore white one-piece dress with flowers - knee length - which we bought in Nashik. Small heels.

I came out - Sir saw me and said - "Wow, Sunita, now you are looking like my young girlfriend wife, not like Madam's age."

I blushed and said - "Thank you Vikram."

Sir came and gave a small kiss on my cheek - first time - soft, like husband to wife.

I also gave him a small cheek kiss back - very shy - as he asked.

We went down to lobby - holding hands.

Client Mr. Nguyen - around 55 years, Vietnamese, with his wife Linh - around 48, very modern, in dress.

We greeted.

Mr. Nguyen: Mr. Vikram and Mrs. Sunita, welcome to Hanoi.

Sir: Thank you, this is my wife Sunita.

Client's wife Linh looked at me - "Your wife is so young and beautiful, Vikram."

I smiled - "Thank you."

Then meeting started in lobby cafe. Two men were talking business - textile machinery order, delivery dates, payment.

We wives - me and Linh - were sitting beside our husbands, watching our men proudly.

Linh started ladies talk with me.

Linh: How long you both married?

Me: 2 years - second marriage - as per story Sir and Madam fixed.

Linh: You both look very loving couple. Your husband always holding your hand.

Me: Yes, he takes very good care of me.

We talked about Hanoi shopping, lake, food - ladies talk. I was talking in soft voice, as Sunita - 27 year old wife.

Linh said - "You have very good figure, dress suits you."

I said - "Thank you, your dress also nice."

After long meeting of 2 hours, Mr. Nguyen said - "Today no more business, we will take you both for dinner - Vietnamese special dinner - as welcome for couple."

We went to a rooftop restaurant near lake - 4 of us as two couples.

We sat - Sir and me on one side as couple, Nguyen and Linh on other side.

Sir's hand was on my back on chair, sometimes holding my hand on table - like real husband.

During dinner, Sir gave me cheek kiss in front of them - small - and said - "My wife is looking beautiful today."

I blushed and gave him cheek kiss back.

Linh and Nguyen smiled - "You both are really in love."

We enjoyed dinner - Vietnamese spring rolls, noodles.

We came back to hotel suite. I was tired.

Sir said - "Okay Sunita, sleep time, tomorrow again meeting."

I changed to silk nightwear - red silk nighty that Madam packed - in bathroom. Came out - long hair side braid, silk nighty.

Sir was already in his night dress - simple t-shirt and lower.

We slept on same big bed - couple suite has only one big bed.

Sir said - "Is it okay if I cuddle you like husband? You are my wife for 8 days, I want to sleep holding you, not far."

I said softly - "Okay Vikram, but only cuddling, okay? Like husband wife sleep."

We slept - Sir side hugging me, my head on his arm, his hand on my waist over silk nighty - like couple sleeps after dinner.

At 11 pm, video call came - from Nashik - Sunita Madam.

I picked - in red silk nighty, side braid, lying on bed with Sir beside me.

Madam saw us - in bedroom, as couple.

Madam smiled - on video.

Sunita Madam: Oh, you both are already sleeping as husband wife? I won't disturb. Enjoy, both of you. You both are looking like perfect couple. Rahul, I mean Sunita, take care of him.

Sir said - "Yes Sunita, don't worry."

Madam: Okay, you both enjoy, I will call tomorrow morning. Good night, my Sunitas.

She cut the call.

We both looked at each other and smiled - and slept as husband and wife, cuddling

Morning alarm rang. Sir woke up first - in his night dress. I was sleeping in red silk nighty, side braid open, head on his arm - as we slept cuddling yesterday.

Sir said - "Good morning, Sunita."

Me in soft sleepy voice - "Good morning, Vikram."

Sir: Today is factory visit in Bac Ninh - 1 hour from Hanoi. Company car will come at 9 am. You have to come also, as wife, client said they want both couples.

I said - "Vikram, please, I am very tired from flight and yesterday's saree and all day walking in heels. Can I rest half day today? You go for factory, I will rest here, then evening we both go out together?"

Sir thought and said - "Okay my young wife, you rest. You really worked hard for 2 days training in Nashik. Today you take rest, do pool, relax. I will go alone, finish meeting by 2 pm and come back."

He got ready - formal shirt pant.

Before leaving, he came near bed where I was sitting in nighty, side braid.

Sir: Bye, Sunita, take care.

He gave me a small cheek kiss - like husband gives wife before going to office - and patted my head.

I said - "Bye Vikram, come soon."

He left at 9 am. Door closed.

For first time in Hanoi, I was alone in luxury hotel suite as a woman.

I slept again till 10 am - peacefully, on big bed, silk nighty, AC on.

At 10:30 am, I ordered bed breakfast - toast, fruits, juice - as Mrs. Rathod.

Room service boy came - "Good morning, Madam Sunita."

I was sitting on bed in nighty, side braid - "Good morning, keep it here."

After breakfast, I went to our private balcony - there was a small swimming pool attached to suite.

I wore my black one-piece dress over nighty, went near pool.

I did face mask which I had brought from Nashik, applied on face, kept cucumber on eyes, and sat near pool with legs in water - pampering myself like women do on holiday.

I really started enjoying being a woman - no office tension, no one saying "Rahul do this file", just relaxing as Sunita.

I took some reels near pool - in white dress, side braid flying - for my personal memory, not to post.

I also chatted with my friends on phone - they were asking "Where are you Rahul?"

I said - "I am on office training in Mumbai, very busy, will talk later."

I didn't tell anyone I am in Hanoi as Sunita.

At 2:30 pm, door opened - Sir came back - happy, smiling, with some sweets box.

Sir: Sunita, factory visit successful. Order confirmed.

He came from back and gave me a tight side hug from back - like husband hugs wife after good news - "We got order of 2 crores."

Me: Wow, congratulations Vikram!

I was happy for him.

He said - "Because of you, I was feeling confident. Client said - your wife is lucky for you."

We both laughed.

Evening 5 pm, we got ready - I wore blue jeans and red top, open hair with side partition, light makeup - young look. Sir wore casual shirt.

We went near Hoan Kiem Lake - famous lake in Hanoi.

We walked hand in hand around lake - like young couple. Many people were looking at us - tall army man with young fair wife in jeans.

We sat near lake till 8 pm, talked a lot - Sir told me about his army days, I told him about my college days.

We had dinner near lake - Vietnamese veg noodles.

We came back to hotel at 10 pm.

We changed to nightwear - I in red silk nighty again, Sir in night dress.

We slept early - cuddling like last night - my head on his shoulder, his hand on my shoulder protectively - like husband wife sleep after long day.

At midnight I woke up for water - Sir was still holding me close, sleeping peacefully. I felt safe, like someone is there to protect me in a new country.

I drank water, kept my head again on his shoulder, and slept till morning.

Morning we woke up cuddling. Sir's phone rang - client Mr. Nguyen.

Mr. Nguyen: Vikram, sorry, today's meeting cancelled, factory closed for local festival. Free day for you both.

Sir cut call and smiled at me.

Sir: Sunita, today is free day. No business, only you and me.

Me: Really? Full day free?

Sir: Yes, my young wife. Today I want to take you for full day trip around Hanoi - like real honeymoon couple.

I was very happy - first full free day as Sunita.

Sir said - "Today I want you in your most beautiful look. Not saree, that white flower dress, open hair, not side braid."

I went to bathroom.

For last 3 days my wig and prosthesis were fixed with glue, but hair was getting messy in bun and side braid. Today I wanted to feel fully feminine.

I stood in front of big mirror in bathroom - in silk nighty.

First I combed it slowly with Madam's comb - from bottom to top, as Madam taught, so wig doesn't pull. Then I made centre partition, left hair open - long, straight, till waist, shining.

I washed my face, applied light makeup - foundation, compact, thin kajal, small eyeliner, pink lipstick, small red bindi. Madam had taught - "Young wife makeup should be light, fresh."

Then dress - I wore the white one-piece flower dress - knee length, with small frills. I checked prosthesis - still fixed properly, giving me proper shape under dress. I wore small golden jhumkas, red bangles.

I came out of bathroom - open hair, white dress, small heels, jhumkas tinkling.

Sir was sitting on bed waiting. He looked at me and stopped.

Sir: Sunita... you are looking like a real 25-year-old college girl. Not like someone's wife. Very fresh.

I blushed and said in soft voice - "Vikram, is my hair okay? Open hair is flying too much."

Sir stood up, came close - like husband helps wife.

Sir fixed my open hair - with his hands, softly taking hair behind my ears, fixing my centre partition.

Sir: Your hair is very beautiful, Sunita. Long, soft. Don't tie it today, keep open only.

His touch was very gentle - like he was touching his wife's hair with love,

Me: But in auto it will fly, Vikram.

Sir: Then let it fly. Young girls' hair should fly.

He held my hand - "Come, my wife."

We went down - hand in hand. Hotel staff said - "Mr. & Mrs. Rathod, you both looking lovely couple today."

We took a cyclo - open cycle rickshaw for two people in Hanoi Old Quarter.

I sat beside Sir - in white dress, open hair flying in wind. Sir held my waist lightly so I don't fall from cyclo - husband holding wife.

We went to Temple of Literature - old temple.

There, Sir took many photos of me - in white dress, open hair, standing near temple walls.

Sir: Sunita, give one smile, one side pose.

I was posing like a girl - hand on hair, fixing my open hair that was flying, holding my dress from flying in wind with other hand - fully feminine feeling.

One foreign lady came - "You are so beautiful, can I take photo with you?"

I said - "Thank you" - in soft voice.

We went to Hoan Kiem Lake again - for shopping street.

Sir bought me small things - a small silver anklet - he himself sat down and fixed it on my ankle - his hands touching my ankle gently to lock it.

Sir: Now you are complete young wife, with anklet sound.

I walked - anklet sound - chin chin - in white dress - I felt very feminine - every step with anklet, open hair, dress.

Sir also bought me a small white hair clip with pearl - he clipped it on one side of my open hair - fixing it lovingly.

Sir: Now your hair will not fly too much on one side.

I looked in shop mirror - white dress, open long hair with pearl clip, bangles, anklet, small bindi - I was not looking like Rahul at all. I was looking like Sunita - young, feminine, soft.

I told Sir - "Vikram, I never felt like this before. In Nashik I always wore boy shirt pant, walked fast. Here in dress, open hair, anklet, I am walking slowly, managing my hair, managing my dress from wind, holding your hand - I am feeling fully like a girl. It's very different and very nice."

Sir smiled and held my hand tighter.

Sir: You are enjoying being my young wife?

Me: Yes Vikram, very much. For first time someone is focusing only on me - my hair, my dress, my walk. No one ever did that.

We had lunch in a cafe - Sir ordered for me, cut my cake and fed me first bite - like husband feeds wife.

Afternoon we went for boat ride in lake - small boat for couple. Sir sat behind me, holding me from back so I don't fall, his hands around my waist over dress - protective, not tight.

I was sitting in front - open hair flying, holding my dress, laughing when water splashed on my dress - fully like a girl enjoying.

We came back at 6 pm, tired. I went to freshen up, came out in red silk nighty, open hair combed, light lipstick still on.

Sir was sitting on bed, watching lake view.

He called me - "Sunita, come here."

I sat beside him. He looked at me for a long time - like husband looks at young wife after full day.

Sir said softly - "Sunita, these 3 days I really felt like I have a young wife again. You made me feel young again. Can I... can I kiss you properly today? Not just cheek?"

I was quiet, my heart beating fast. I looked down, blushing. After 3 days of him taking care of me - fixing my hair, holding me, protecting me in new country - I also started feeling like his wife, not just acting.

I said softly - "Okay Vikram..."

He leaned and gave me a soft kiss on my lips - first lip kiss - very gentle, very brief, like a husband kisses wife lovingly after a long day. No rush.

I closed my eyes, and kissed him back softly.

After kiss, I rested my head on his chest. He was holding me - one hand on my back, one hand gently stroking my open hair.

Sir: I missed this, Sunita.

Me: I also felt nice, Vikram. No one ever held me like this before.

We stayed like that, hugging on bed, talking playfully.

We had a small pillow fight like young couple - I threw pillow on him, he threw back, we both laughed on big bed, open hair spread everywhere.

Then we lay down - facing each other - holding hands, talking about tomorrow's return packing.

He was touching my face, my arms, my hands - caressing my hair, fixing my bindi - all gentle, romantic touches, like a husband touches his young wife with affection.

We ordered dinner in room that night - ate together on bed as couple.

Then we slept - cuddling close.

Next two days were very busy for Vikram, conference from 9 am to 6 pm downstairs in the banquet hall. I mostly stayed at hotel alone.

First morning he left early after breakfast. I wore my yellow one piece dress, open hair with pearl clip, pink nails from yesterday. I went down alone for breakfast and the reception boy said Mrs. Rathod your husband left for conference, shall I serve your table near window. I sat there alone like a wife waiting.

Afternoon I booked the hotel ladies spa. Two Vietnamese ladies took me in, they applied warm oil to my long hair, washed it very softly, they thought it was real because the wig was glued so neatly. Then they did foot massage and painted my nails light pink. I was lying in a soft bathrobe, eyes closed, feeling completely relaxed and taken care of.

Evening Vikram returned tired. He saw me in yellow dress near window taking photos and smiled. He came close, brushed my open hair behind my ear with his fingers and said you are glowing today Sunita. I blushed and said you look tired, sit I will make tea. I made tea from the electric kettle and gave him.

Then he said my tie is tight, help me. I stood close to him, my bangles near his face, and slowly loosened his tie. He held my hands gently while I was doing it and thanked me. He kissed my forehead and said thank you for waiting for me all day.

Second day also conference. In afternoon I went alone to Dong Xuan market in blue jeans and red top, open hair, sling bag, anklet making sound with each step. I bargained with shopkeepers, bought a silk stole and bangles for original Sunita madam in Nashik, and a small perfume for myself. I felt independent, walking alone as a young woman in a new country while my husband was working.

Evening he came early with a gift bag. Inside was a new night dress, light blue silk with soft lace on sleeves, knee length, not the old red one. He said wear this tonight, I want to see you in blue.

I went to bathroom and changed into it, came out with open hair combed. He was sitting on bed and his eyes lit up seeing me in blue.

He stood up, came near, adjusted the little strap on my shoulder that had slipped, then hugged me warmly, holding me close. I hugged him back, my head resting on his chest.

We played soft music on phone and danced slowly in the room, his one hand on my waist, my hands on his shoulders, my blue dress swirling a little, my anklet ringing. He twirled me once and I laughed.

Then we sat on the bed, talking face to face. He leaned and gave me a soft, loving kiss on my lips, unhurried and tender. I kissed him back the same way, my heart beating fast, feeling shy and happy together.

We ordered room dinner, fed each other small bites and teased each other, laughing. Night we slept cuddled, my head on his arm, his arm around me over the soft blue silk, holding me through the night till morning.

Last two days were client closing party, unofficial, not formal meeting. Mr. Nguyen invited all clients with wives for a fun evening at a rooftop lounge near the lake.

In the afternoon Vikram told me Sunita today wear your most beautiful party dress, that black one we bought, I want my wife to look the most stunning tonight. I went to bathroom and got ready slowly, I wanted to look perfect for him.

I wore the black bodycon dress, knee length with small sleeves, it hugged my shape nicely because the prosthesis was still fixed perfectly, open long hair straightened with a small straightener from hotel, dark kajal, deep red lipstick, small silver jhumkas, black heels. When I came out Vikram looked at me for a long time and said wow Sunita you are looking gorgeous, tonight everyone will look at my wife only.

We went to the party hand in hand. There were 5 other couples, all Vietnamese clients with their wives, all modern. Music was playing, lights were dim. Everyone said Mr. Vikram your wife is so beautiful.

After dinner they started couple games. First game was paper dance, husband and wife have to dance on one paper and paper folds small each time. We played, Vikram held my waist tightly to balance me on the small paper, I was holding his shoulders, my black dress slightly swaying, my open hair falling on his face, we both were laughing, trying not to fall. We won that game because we balanced till the smallest paper, everyone clapped for us.

Second game was couple quiz, how well you know your partner, we answered all questions about each other because in last 7 days we had talked so much, we won that also and got a small couple gift, a small wooden couple statue.

Then open dance floor, everyone dancing with their partners. Vikram picked me up once playfully while dancing, twirling me around in the air in my black dress, everyone cheered, I was laughing loudly holding his shoulders, feeling like the happiest wife on the floor. We danced close, his hand on my back, my head near his shoulder, swaying slowly.

Party ended at 11 pm, we came back to hotel in car, both a little tired and very happy, still holding hands. In lift Vikram was holding me from waist.

As soon as we entered our suite and locked the door, he pulled me close, looked at me in that black dress and open hair and said you made me so proud tonight Sunita, you were the best.

Then he gave me a passionate kiss, long and deep, full of love and excitement from the party win, holding my face in both his hands. I kissed him back the same way, holding his shirt, my heels still on, my open hair pressed between us. We stood there near the door kissing for a long time after the fun night, feeling like a real couple who had won the evening together.

Then we changed and slept cuddled, keeping that wooden couple statue on side table, talking about tomorrow's return flight and how much we will miss this 8 days as husband and wife.

This was our last morning in Hanoi, day 8. Our flight was at 11 am to Mumbai. We woke up early, both quiet, because both of us knew today Sunita has to go back and Rahul has to come back.

I was still in my blue silk night dress, open hair spread on pillow, Vikram was awake and looking at me. He said Sunita today is last day of our 8 days husband wife life. I felt a little emotional and said yes Vikram, I will miss this.

We got ready together for last time. I wore the same green chiffon saree with neat bun which Madam had fixed with glue on first day, because airport look had to be same as arrival, Mrs. Sunita Rathod in saree. Vikram wore formal shirt pant.

We packed everything, the black dress, white dress, yellow dress, blue night dress, gifts for original Madam, the wooden couple statue we won. We kept the hotel key card as memory.

At reception everyone said bye to Mr. and Mrs. Rathod, happy couple. In car to airport Vikram held my hand throughout, not saying much.

In flight back to Mumbai, same seats 2A and 2B. This time I was not scared like first day. I rested my head on his shoulder naturally, held his hand, slept for some time in saree, bun slightly loose now after 8 days. Mid flight he fed me lunch with his hands, we talked about how in 8 days we went from office staff to feeling like a real couple.

We landed Mumbai at 4 pm, took car to Nashik, reached Sir's house at 8 pm.

Original Sunita Madam opened the door. She saw us standing as couple, me in green saree, bun, holding Vikram's hand, tired from travel. She smiled with tears and said both my Sunitas are back.

Inside she hugged me and said thank you Rahul, you took care of my husband and you made him happy after many years, I saw in video calls how happy you both were.

Then she took me to bathroom with the special glue remover bottle she had given me. She applied remover slowly on my hairline, on prosthesis edges, on waist. After 20 minutes the glue which was fixed for 8 days started loosening. She removed my long wig first, then breast prosthesis, then hip shaper. For first time after 8 days I saw my short boy hair in mirror, flat chest again.

I felt strange, empty, cold. For 8 days I had long hair, soft shape, bangles sound, anklet sound, dress swirling. Now again Rahul in petticoat.

Madam gave me my boy clothes, shirt pant. I changed and came out, short hair, no bindi, no bangles.

Vikram was sitting on sofa and when he saw me as Rahul again he became quiet. He stood up and said thank you Sunita for 8 days, you will always be my young wife in my memory. He hugged me once as Rahul, patted my back.

Madam gave me extra salary for 8 days and said you can go to your PG now, rest tomorrow.

I took my bag and left their house at 9 pm. In auto I was touching my short hair again and again, missing my long open hair flying in Hanoi wind, missing the blue night dress, missing being called Mrs. Rathod.

Next day I went to office as Rahul, in shirt pant, but my walk was still slow, managing invisible dress, fixing invisible hair, and Vikram Sir from his cabin smiled at me and said good morning Rahul, and softly whispered good morning Sunita also.

Our 8 days story ended there but that feeling stayed.

The End