Mohit sat in front of the full-length mirror, staring at his reflection, struggling to recognize himself. The maroon silk lehenga he wore clung to his newly smooth skin, the fabric heavy and foreign. His hands, now adorned with intricate mehndi, rested awkwardly on his lap, the henna patterns giving them a delicate, feminine grace. His soft hands, freshly waxed and supple, felt alien to him, no longer resembling his old hands.
Sunita and Priya worked carefully, ensuring every detail was perfect. His stomach, padded with a soft cushion beneath the choli, had been carefully rounded to give the appearance of pregnancy. Priya adjusted the fabric gently, pulling the pallu over his belly and draping it across his shoulder. The way the fabric fell over his body made the transformation look perfect. No one would suspect a thing.
He shifted slightly, feeling the weight of the lehenga's press against his thighs, its fabric brushing against his freshly waxed legs with an unfamiliar sensation. Each movement reminded him of his transformation. His skin, soft and tender after the waxing, felt sensitive under the heavy silk. The bangles clinked lightly on his wrists, and he winced as his mother, Sunita, gently lifted his chin to apply a final layer of makeup.
"Hold still, Mohit," Sunita said softly, sitting beside him, helping Priya as they carefully applied lipstick, eye-shadow, and eyeliner, enhancing his already softened features. Mohit's heart raced with embarrassment. He could feel their eyes on him, silently appraising their work, turning him from a brother and son into someone he barely recognized-someone who, for a day, had to become Mona.
His mother and Priya moved with focused precision, transforming him with each brushstroke, yet he couldn't ignore the rising heat of humiliation in his chest. Raj stood in the corner, silent but watching with an expression Mohit couldn't decipher. The presence of all three-Sunita, Priya, and Raj-made it worse. Mohit had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable.
"Perfect," Priya murmured, stepping back with a satisfied nod. "No one will suspect a thing."
"How did I get here?" he thought, feeling the weight of the moment settle on him. His mind drifted to their childhood, back to the days when he and Mona had switched places for fun, for necessity. But never like this. Never with so much at stake.
How did things come to this? How was he sitting here, in front of his own family, dressed like a woman, about to play the part of his sister?
Mona and Mohit had always shared a bond that was deeper than the usual sibling connection. Growing up in a busy household in Bhopal, people often mistook them for twins. They had the same facial features and were almost the same height. Mona, though older by 18 months, grew slowly, while Mohit quickly caught up, making them look identical.
When they started school together, even their parents would get confused because of their similar uniforms. Their father often laughed and said, "This confusion will only end when both of you hit puberty."
Despite so many similarities, their personalities were completely different. Mona was a lively and mischievous girl. She loved sports and was always up for an adventure, even if it got her into trouble. Mohit, on the other hand, was quiet and shy. He enjoyed reading books and solving problems. Despite these differences, the two were inseparable.
Their world changed when they lost their father at a young age. Their mother, Sunita, got a job in place of their father due to a government scheme, but this loss brought the siblings even closer. With their mother busy managing work and home, Mona and Mohit leaned on each other for everything.
During their school years, Mona always had trouble with her studies. Exams were her biggest fear, and she often worried about failing. It was Mohit who helped her every time. He became her personal tutor, but even then, there were some subjects she just couldn't grasp. Seeing her struggle, Mohit came up with a daring plan: he would take her exams for her.
Because they looked so much alike, with a bit of makeup, a wig, and some minor adjustments, Mohit could easily pass for Mona. He dressed in her uniform, took her place in the exams, and even managed to fool her teachers and closest friends. His talent for mimicking Mona's voice and posture was impressive.
As they grew older, their bond only became stronger. The secret of their identity-swapping adventures remained between them, creating a unique bond of trust and love. Whether it was saving each other from academic failure or any other trouble, Mona and Mohit always had each other's backs. Their connection was not just about being siblings but about being each other's saviours in times of need.
Mona completed her Bachelor's degree and decided to start her own startup with her friend Riya. While Mohit was still busy with his CA coaching.
Mona was excited about this new chapter in her life. She had a longtime boyfriend, Raj, from her school days. Raj was an understanding man who loved her deeply and supported her dreams. Raj was the only son in his family but lived in a joint household with his mother, father, uncle, aunt, and their daughter, Priya, Raj's cousin sister. His family held traditional values and believed strongly in rituals. They had certain expectations for their future daughter-in-law, particularly regarding her role in the family. This was a constant worry for Mona, as her startup was her passion, and she couldn't imagine giving it up.
Despite this, Mona and Raj decided to move forward with their wedding plans, hoping they could find a way to balance the expectations of Raj's family with Mona's dreams. However, because of Raj's love for Mona, his family eventually agreed to let her pursue her career. But there was one condition: her work couldn't interfere with the family's rituals and values.
When Mona married Raj, she found his family quite conservative. However, Raj reassured her, saying, "Just because they believe in traditions doesn't mean they're stuck in the past. If they were truly conservative, they would never have let you work after marriage. They treat you and Priya the same."
Their life took a joyful turn when Mona found out she was pregnant. Raj's family was overjoyed and celebrated the news. They insisted that Mona should quit her job. They believed that a pregnant woman should focus only on her health and the baby.
Mona, however, didn't want to leave her work. She was passionate about her startup and thought she could manage both her work and pregnancy for a few more months. She believed she could do it all.
To ease the tension, Raj and Priya came up with a clever plan. Raj suggested that Mona take one week off from work. He told everyone in the family that Mona had left her job. Then, Priya convinced her family to let Mona stay at her mother's house. She said it would be good for Mona to live with her mother and stay happy during the pregnancy.
Raj's family agreed, thinking it was best for both Mona and the baby. After reaching her mother's home, Mona could start working again. This way, she could continue her work from her mother's place without her in-laws knowing. It was a smart solution that made everyone happy. Mona felt relieved and grateful for Raj and Priya's support.
Mona settled into her mother's house comfortably. She felt relaxed and supported there. Her mother was happy to have her back and took care of her every need. Mona soon starts working from her mothers place.
Every morning, she woke up early and went to the office and worked on her startup. She was determined to keep her business running. Mona also kept in touch with Raj. They talked daily, sharing updates and laughing together. Raj often checked on her, asking if she needed anything. Mona felt thankful for Raj's understanding of nature. She missed him but knew they were doing what was best for everyone.
Everything was going fine until Raj's family decided to throw a grand baby shower for Mona at her mother’s place. When Raj called Mona to tell her the news, he found out that she was out of the city and couldn’t return before evening for the ceremony. He was worried and wanted to avoid any trouble.
Raj and Priya quickly reached Mona’s house a few hours before the rest of their family. They needed to come up with a plan. In the hall, Raj, Priya, and Sunita sat together, discussing how to save Mona by cancelling the function.
Raj was anxious because he knew his parents would scold Mona for not being there. They would be upset that she was working and travelling for her job during her pregnancy. He didn’t want her to face any more stress. Priya and Sunita agreed that they needed to find a way to help her. They planned to save her from the baby shower at any cost.
Raj suggested a bold plan: someone else could dress as Mona and complete the baby shower ceremony. Sunita was initially hesitant. She worried about the risk of being caught. But then she remembered how Mohit used to impersonate Mona during their school days.
She called Mohit and explained the situation. When Mohit heard her plan, he was shocked. “You want me to dress up as a bride and attend the baby shower?” he asked, not believing it.
Sunita replied, “You already did it so many times before.”
He shook his head. “That was in childhood and this is too much.”
Sunita insisted, “Mohit, we have no one who could do this better than you. You even copy her voice with ease, please use your talent to save your sister.”
Raj joined in, pleading with him. “Please, Mohit. Do it for Mona. I can’t see her getting scolded, especially now. It could affect our baby too. What if my parents ask her to leave her work forever?”
Mohit loved his sister deeply. He thought of all the times they had helped each other and the strong bond they shared. After a moment of hesitation, he reluctantly agreed. “Alright, I’ll do it. For Mona.”
Mohit felt nervous about the plan but knew he couldn't back out now. He arrived at Mona’s room, ready to transform into his sister. Sunita and Priya quickly arranged everything for the transformation: clothes, makeup, jewellery, and accessories. Mohit took a deep breath and began to change.
Sunita and Priya started the meticulous process of transforming Mohit into Mona. They began with waxing his body, a painful but necessary step for smooth skin. Mohit winced as they worked, but he didn't complain. He knew how important this task was.
Next, they applied henna to his hands and feet, creating intricate patterns that felt strange yet beautiful. “You need to move with grace,” Priya instructed, demonstrating the fluid movements of a traditional Indian woman. Mohit watched her and smiled, then surprised her by mimicking Mona’s elegant gestures and voice. Priya smiled, shaking her head in amusement. “You don’t need suggestions for that,” she teased. Mohit had always been good at imitating Mona and her movements.
As he slipped into the maroon silk wedding lehenga, a mix of excitement and fear washed over him. The fabric felt soft against his newly waxed skin. When he looked in the mirror, he saw a different person staring back at him. “Remember, you are Mona now,” Sunita said, her voice filled with both reassurance and urgency.
They carefully applied makeup, blending it to highlight Mohit’s naturally soft features. “Close your eyes,” Priya said gently as she applied eyeliner. When he opened them again, he hardly recognized himself. The transformation was astonishing. Finally, they adorned him with jewellery—bangles, earrings, a necklace, and a nose ring. Each piece felt heavy and foreign, but it added to the illusion. Mohit gazed at his reflection, a mixture of disbelief and acceptance in his eyes. His naturally soft features made the transformation surprisingly effective.
Sunita and Priya made him look like a pregnant woman, adjusting the saree to cover it properly. “You look great, Mohit!” Priya exclaimed, adjusting the saree. “Even Raj bhai won’t recognize you.”
The embarrassment inside him grew. The cold metal of the nose ring pressed against his upper lip, constantly reminding him of the role he had to play. Priya smiled gently at him as she adjusted his dupatta, making a perfect vail and covering till her lips.
While Sunita and Priya were busy transforming Mohit, Raj went to take care of the preparations for the function. He arranged the decorations, ensuring the hall was beautifully set up, with flowers and lights giving it a festive feel. The food was being prepared, and the puja setup was complete. Everything was ready by the time Mohit would be.
When Raj returned to the room, he stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened as he looked at Mohit, now completely transformed into Mona. There wasn’t a single trace of Mohit left. The lehenga fit perfectly, the makeup was flawless, and the henna on his hands and feet made them look like a woman’s. Raj couldn’t believe his eyes—Mohit looked exactly like Mona.
Raj's expression showed pure admiration, and there was even a hint of lust in his eyes. "Mohit, trust me," Raj said, his voice filled with surprise. "No one will think you’re not Mona. You don’t even need to cover your face with a veil."
Hearing that, Mohit felt a bit more confident. Looking at himself in the mirror, he could see what Raj meant. For the first time, he didn’t just feel embarrassed. He could see that he truly resembled Mona.
Priya noticed Raj staring at Mohit, his eyes moving from head to toe. She couldn’t help but tease him. "Bhai, control your feelings," she said with a grin. "Don’t fall for him—remember, he’s not your Mona bhabhi."
That comment made both Raj and Mohit blush. Raj quickly looked away, feeling awkward, while Mohit felt a mix of embarrassment and strange pride. It was an odd moment, but it eased the tension between them just a little.
After transforming Mohit, Raj, Priya, and Sunita also dressed up for the function, ready to support him in this daring plan.
Soon guests began to arrive, the house buzzed with excitement. Raj, in a traditional kurta-pyjama, welcomed guests warmly. The house was filled with the aromas of delicious food and the sweet scent of jasmine.
Priya was dressed in a beautiful lehenga, her excitement bubbling over as she twirled around, unable to contain her joy. Sunita, wearing a simple yet elegant saree, looked proud of her son, her eyes shining with pride and tenderness. “It’s time to bring Mona for the function and puja,” Sunita said, and with that, both she and Priya stepped out of the room, leaving Mohit alone for a brief moment.
Mohit understood what came next. He took a deep breath, feeling the nerves flutter in his stomach. His heart raced with anxiety, his pulse quickening with every passing second. The weight of the lehenga felt heavier now, and the makeup on his face made him acutely aware of every little movement. But this was for Mona, his sister. She couldn’t make it, and he had to do this for her. That thought, above all, gave him the strength to go on.
“Just think of yourself as Mona,” Priya’s voice echoed in his mind as she adjusted his lehenga one last time. “You can do this!”
They stepped out together, heading towards the stage where the rituals would take place. Mohit could feel every gaze on him. The weight of the attention was overwhelming, but he kept his eyes lowered under the veil, trying to avoid the stares.
Once on the stage, Priya and Sunita gently guided him to his decorated seat. Mohit sat quietly, trying his best to act like Mona, feeling awkward in the role but knowing it was necessary. Raj sat beside him, his presence a quiet comfort.
“Mona! You look beautiful!” one of the aunts exclaimed, coming over to him.
“Thank you!” Mohit replied, mimicking Mona’s sweet voice. He felt a rush of confidence. Maybe he could pull this off after all.
The ceremony began with a priest chanting sacred mantras. Raj’s mother and aunt took charge of the rituals, placing a coconut in Mona's lap, symbolising prosperity, and offering her a tray of fruits and sweets. The elder women applied kumkum on Mona’s forehead, blessing her and the unborn child. Mohit, now convincingly portraying Mona, participated in the rituals. Priya stayed by his side to help him. His hands moved gracefully through the steps, but inside, he was still Mohit—doing his best to keep up the act for the sake of his sister. Soon his initial discomfort faded, and he began to enjoy the attention and admiration he received.
Traditional songs filled the air as the women sang, celebrating motherhood. The dining area boasted an array of dishes, from paneer butter masala to gulab jamun, reflecting the family's rich culinary heritage.
As the ceremony ended, Raj helped Mona (Mohit) to her feet. The couple accepted blessings from the guests, their hearts full of mixed emotions. Raj’s mother and aunt stood beside them, smiling proudly, happy with this new chapter for the family.
Suddenly, someone from the crowd called out, “Raj should kiss Mona!” The guests started chanting, encouraging the idea.
Mohit’s heart raced, realising this would be his biggest test yet He felt embarrassed and trapped, but he couldn’t say no with everyone watching. Priya, shocked, knew how difficult this moment was for Mohit, but she could only watch in silence. Sunita looked a little worried too.
Raj, sensing Mohit’s nervousness, stepped forward with confidence. He took Mohit's hand, his eyes offering comfort. The room fell silent, all eyes on them. Mohit felt a wave of panic.
As Raj leaned in, Mohit closed his eyes, Mohit’s eyes shut tightly. "Oh no, here it comes!" He was scared, but then felt a gentle kiss on his cheek instead. Surprised, Mohit opened his eyes. "He kissed my cheek? That was smart," Mohit thought, feeling a bit shy but also impressed. The room erupted in applause, and he felt a mix of relief and nervous excitement.
But before the applause could fully die down, one of Raj’s aunts spoke up with a teasing tone, “A kiss on the cheek is too easy! We want to see a real kiss, like a proper couple!”
The crowd agreed, and Mohit’s heart sank. Raj looked surprised, his face going pale. Mohit quickly thought and, mimicking Mona’s voice, said, “How can we be in front of so many guests?”
The aunt laughed and replied, “We’re all close family here! Don’t pretend. We saw how you kissed at your wedding. What’s the problem now?”
Mohit felt a wave of anger towards Mona, that if she had not kissed Raj at the wedding, he would have been saved from this situation. But now, there was no escape.
Finding no way out, Raj stepped closer to Mohit, who was dressed as Mona. Mohit’s heart was echoing in his chest. "Stay calm, Mohit. It’s just acting," he told himself. His nerves buzzed, but he tried to relax. "If Raj can do it, so can I." He took a deep breath and prepared himself. Raj slowly reached for the veil. Raj gently lifted the veil, revealing Mohit’s face. His delicate makeup shimmered in the light—his lips a soft, glossy pink. Mohit’s cheeks flushed, and their eyes met. Raj’s gaze seemed to ask for permission, a silent question hanging between them. Mohit knew they had come too far to turn back now, and with a small, almost imperceptible nod, he gave his consent.
Without warning, Raj wrapped his arm around Mona’s (Mohit’s) waist, pulling him closer until their bodies pressed together. Mohit’s eyes widened in surprise just as their lips met. He felt Raj’s warm breath mixing with his own, a strange and intimate sensation that sent a shiver through his body. Raj deepened the kiss, gently sucking on Mohit’s lower lip. A surge of electricity shot down Mohit’s spine, making his entire body tense up before he finally surrendered, closing his eyes and melting into Raj’s arms.
Mohit hadn’t expected it to feel like this. He had expected coldness, discomfort, perhaps feel yuck—but instead, there was...Softness. It didn’t feel wrong, or forced. It felt...surprisingly natural. It lasted just a few heartbeats longer than it should have, but in those moment, it was enough to make their act convincing.
Priya closed her eyes, choosing not to watch, while Sunita smiled, relieved that Mohit—now fully Mona—had passed the ultimate test. And their plan had worked.
When they pulled apart, the room erupted into applause, but Mohit barely heard it. His breath hitched slightly. What was this? He was supposed to feel nothing—or at worst, feel repelled—but instead, there was a flicker of pleasure, of...contentment?
The taste of the kiss lingered faintly on his lips, and Mohit found himself unsettled by the realization that he didn’t want to wipe it away.
The room filled with cheers and laughter, the family none the wiser to the truth. Raj pulled back, his face a mix of relief and lingering discomfort. Mohit’s eyes were downcast, but he managed a small smile, hoping it appeared convincing. Raj’s family seemed pleased, as they didn't get a hint of the switch.
The ceremony concluded smoothly, and the guests gradually left the house, their cheerful chatter and laughter fading into the evening air. Only Raj, Mohit (still in Mona's attire) and Sunita remained. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful as they settled in the living room, discussing the day’s events.
“Thank you, Mohit,” Raj whispered, his eyes filled with gratitude. “You saved us today.”
Sunita smiled warmly at Mohit, “You were amazing today, Mohit. You handled everything perfectly.”
Then mona arrived
Mona, sitting beside Raj, was visibly touched. “Yes, Mohit, I can’t express how grateful I am. I never imagined you would go to such lengths for me.”
As they continued chatting, Raj suddenly remembered something and, with a playful grin, said, “But you know, Mona, because of you, I had to kiss another man today. I’m still feeling like a gay from inside, it was....strange.
Mona chuckled and patted Raj’s knee. “Oh, don’t worry, Raj. Just one kiss doesn’t make you gay. By the way it's not your first time, you’ve done it once before without realising it.”
Sunita and Raj exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?” Raj asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Mona leaned back, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Do you remember after our 12th class final exams, Raj? There was that one day when you kissed me in an empty classroom.”
Raj’s eyes widened as he slowly started piecing it together. “Yes, I remember that... but wait... you mean that wasn’t you?”
Mona nodded, her smile growing wider. “Exactly. That day, it was Mohit dressed as me, and that’s how he discovered that I had a boyfriend in a very unexpected way, But anyhow I convinced him not to tell anyone."
Raj looked at Mohit, his mouth agape. “No way... you mean I kissed Mohit thinking he was you?”
Mohit, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red, waved his hands dismissively. “Can we please stop talking about this? It’s too embarrassing!”
Everyone burst into laughter, the room filled with a warm, familial sense of camaraderie.
Mona added, “Yes, not only he found out about my relationship, but also got the first kiss of his life.”
Raj laughed harder, clutching his sides. “Well, that’s a story to remember! I can’t believe I never knew.”
Mohit finally joined in the laughter, shaking his head. “Alright, alright, enough about that. Let’s just agree that today went well, and we’re all closer because of it.”
Sunita, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, nodded. “Indeed. Today was a success, and we have a wonderful story to tell. Thank you, Mohit. You truly are a gem.”
As the evening turned into night, the family sat together, relishing their newfound bond and the memories they had created. The mix-up from years ago had turned into a treasured anecdote, further strengthening the ties between them.
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