Sitara

One sunny afternoon, Mr. Ramesh arrived at Pooja’s house with his measuring tape and sewing kit. He was an elderly man with decades of experience but had been sidelined by the industry’s obsession with new, fast trends. His eyes lit up when he saw Harish after so long. “Ah, my boy! It’s been years,” Mr. Ramesh exclaimed with a smile, though his eyes showed confusion as he looked at Harish’s newly transformed appearance.

Pooja quickly explained, “Mr. Ramesh, we’re working on something special. Harish is going to play the role of a woman in an upcoming project, and I need you to help us with the costumes. We’ll need everything—from elegant gowns to sarees, from bridal wear to formal office outfits. This role will require a full transformation, and we trust your expertise.”

Mr. Ramesh’s face brightened. “A challenge indeed, but I’m honored, Madam Pooja. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to work on such intricate designs. I’ll make sure Harish looks perfect for the role.”

Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Mr. Ramesh got straight to work, starting with Harish’s basic measurements. The process was methodical, and every inch was noted with precision.

1. Chest and Bust:
The first step was to measure Harish’s chest, but this time it wasn’t just about a typical male measurement. Mr. Ramesh took out his tape measure and wrapped it around Harish’s chest, just beneath his arms. “We’ll need to add padding here,” he said thoughtfully. “To give you the appearance of a feminine bust, I’ll craft padded innerwear that will blend seamlessly with your gowns and sarees.”

He made a note of the measurement and added, “You’ll need dresses that are snug in the bust area to highlight your figure.”

2. Waist:
Next, Mr. Ramesh moved to Harish’s waist. He wrapped the measuring tape around the narrowest part of his torso, noting how flat and undefined it was compared to a woman’s natural curves. “We’ll need to create a cinched waist effect for your gowns and formal outfits. I’ll design some pieces with corseting to give you that feminine hourglass shape,” he explained as he jotted down the numbers.

3. Hips:
Mr. Ramesh then moved down to Harish’s hips. He gently measured around the widest part of Harish’s lower body. “The hips are critical for a feminine silhouette,” Mr. Ramesh said, glancing at Pooja. “I can create padding here as well, to give the illusion of fuller hips and curves.”

Pooja nodded in approval. “That’s exactly what we need. We want the audience to believe in the character, to see Sitara, not Harish.”

4. Arms and Shoulders:
Harish stood still as Mr. Ramesh measured his arms and shoulders. For a woman’s wardrobe, the shoulders needed to appear more delicate, and the sleeves of dresses and blouses should fit accordingly. “I’ll design the sleeves to hide the bulk of your shoulders and give a softer appearance,” Mr. Ramesh said, mentally picturing how each costume would fall gracefully over Harish’s frame.

5. Legs and Length:
Finally, Mr. Ramesh measured the length of Harish’s legs for the sarees, gowns, and other costumes. “We’ll need long, flowing gowns that enhance the feminine grace,” he mused, making notes for the designs. “For the formal office wear, I’ll keep the skirts just above the knee for a professional, yet elegant look.”

Once the basic measurements were complete, Pooja and Mr. Ramesh sat down to discuss the variety of outfits Harish would need.

“We’ll need bridal gowns for the wedding scenes, something grand and ethereal,” Pooja said, her eyes glimmering with excitement. “And for the formal scenes, I want crisp, tailored office wear—sharp blouses and skirts that will give Sitara a professional edge.”

Mr. Ramesh nodded as he jotted down notes. “And for the traditional scenes? Silk sarees, I assume?”

“Yes, of course,” Pooja replied. “I also want beautiful blouses to go with those sarees, but they should be intricate—embroidered, with delicate patterns. We want to make sure every detail screams elegance.”

Mr. Ramesh smiled. “It will be my pleasure. And for the old dancer's costume?”

Pooja leaned in with excitement. “Yes! This is going to be a highlight—vintage dancer attire, complete with jewelry and accessories. It needs to be vibrant and full of life, with flowing skirts and ornate designs.”

As Mr. Ramesh finished jotting down his notes, he paused and hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Madam Pooja, with your permission, I would like to suggest something. For Harish to fully embody the female character, I can create padded innerwear—something subtle but effective. It will enhance his bust and hips and make him look more feminine on screen.”

Pooja’s face lit up. “That’s an excellent idea, Mr. Ramesh. Please go ahead with that. We need to make sure that every aspect of his transformation is flawless.”

Mr. Ramesh grinned, happy with the approval. “Consider it done. I’ll make sure Harish is unrecognizable in his new role.”

As Pooja handed him an advance payment, she smiled warmly. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Ramesh. This project means everything to us.”

Mr. Ramesh bowed respectfully. “I’ll give this project everything I have, Madam. You can trust me.”

With the tailor's keen attention to detail and Pooja's unwavering vision, the transformation of Harish into Sitara was underway. The costumes, much like the character, would be vital in completing the metamorphosis. The next steps were in motion, and the excitement was building. The countdown to Harish’s reveal as Sitara had truly begun.

It was a warm afternoon when Pooja decided to invite Bhushan and Savitri, an old makeup artist and hairstylist duo who had once worked with her father in the film industry. Bhushan and Savitri had retired long ago, but their legacy was well-known to anyone who remembered the golden days of Tollywood. The couple had not been in touch with the fast-paced industry for years, and Pooja knew that if she wanted to keep Harish’s secret transformation under wraps, they were the perfect people to trust.

The Arrival of Bhushan and Savitri

The doorbell rang, and Pooja opened it to see Bhushan and Savitri standing with warm smiles on their faces. Their eyes lit up when they saw her.

“Pooja! It’s been years,” Savitri said, pulling Pooja into a warm embrace.

Bhushan, with his gentle but firm voice, added, “You’ve grown into such a fine woman. And Harish—oh, how long has it been since we worked together?”

Pooja ushered them in, offering seats in the cozy living room. “It’s been too long, Bhushan uncle, Savitri aunty. I’m so glad you both could make it.”

As they settled into their seats, Bhushan looked around. “It feels like old times, doesn’t it? This house reminds me of your father’s sets. We’ve had so many memories working on his films.”

The Secret Plan is Revealed

Pooja leaned forward, her voice lowered conspiratorially. “Uncle, aunty, I’ve called you here for a special reason. I need your help with a new project, but it’s not just any project—it’s a secret. We need to keep this between us.”

Savitri raised an eyebrow. “A secret project? Now you’ve got me curious.”

Pooja smiled and motioned to Harish, who was sitting quietly on the other side of the room. “It’s Harish. He’s taking on a new role—one that’s going to shock the industry. He’s going to play the lead role of Sitara, a woman.”

The couple exchanged surprised glances. Bhushan was the first to speak. “Harish? Playing a woman? That’s... bold. But you know, Pooja, I love bold ideas. If anyone can pull it off, it’s Harish.”

Savitri’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “And you want us to help with the transformation, right?”

Pooja nodded. “Yes, but we need to keep it completely secret. We’re not using anyone from the current industry because we don’t want word to get out.”

The couple sat back, smiling with nostalgia. “You know,” Savitri began, “we remember the days when you two used to visit your father’s sets. Harish was always so quiet, but you, Pooja, you were everywhere! Running around, getting into trouble.”

Bhushan laughed. “Yes, and Harish would just watch, shaking his head.”

Harish, who had been mostly silent, chuckled. “Those were good times. Dad was always so serious on set, but it was like a playground for us.”

The couple nodded fondly. “It’s been years since we worked with your father, but the memories are still so fresh in our minds,” Bhushan said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Savitri turned her attention to Harish, noticing his mid-length hair, just a couple of inches shy of reaching his lower back. “My, my, Harish,” she said with a grin, “I can’t believe how long and thick your hair has grown. You’ve been hiding this beauty all these years?”

Before Harish could respond, Savitri stood up and walked over to him. She gently touched his hair, running her fingers through the silky strands. “This is perfect for the role. It’s so soft and smooth. You won’t even need a wig.”

As she began massaging his scalp lightly, Harish closed his eyes, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him. It reminded him of how his mother used to soothe him when he was a child. His eyes became misty, and Savitri, sensing his emotion, whispered, “You’re doing something brave, Harish. Your mother would be proud.”

Bhushan noticed the moment and spoke softly, “You’ve got our full support, Harish. We’ll help you every step of the way.”

Pooja excused herself to bring tea and biscuits for everyone. Meanwhile, Savitri, ever the professional, grabbed a comb from the nearby dressing table. She gently parted Harish’s hair in the middle and began combing it with care. “Let’s see how this looks when it’s styled,” she said, her eyes focused.

With a few expert movements, she braided Harish’s hair into a two plaits by parting the hair to the middle. The newly straightened hair glided through her fingers as she worked, giving it a glossy finish. Just as she finished, Pooja entered the room with the tea tray.

She stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise. “Wow, Harish, you look... different.”

Bhushan grinned, “Doesn’t he? Aunty here barely had to do anything. He’s already halfway there!”

Pooja set down the tea, her excitement bubbling up. “This is perfect! Harish, you’re really starting to look the part of Sitara.”

As they sat down to enjoy the tea and biscuits, Bhushan handed Pooja a small list of items they would need for the transformation. “We’ll need some special makeup products and hair accessories, but it’s nothing too complicated. And don’t worry about heavy makeup—Harish already has such delicate features. We just need to highlight them.”

Savitri added, “Yes, a light touch here and there, and he’ll look every bit the elegant woman on screen. His natural beauty is doing half the work for us.”

Pooja smiled gratefully, feeling a deep sense of relief and excitement. “Thank you both. I knew I could count on you.”

As they finished their tea and stood to leave, Bhushan turned to Harish with a grin. “Get ready, Harish. You’re going to surprise everyone. You’ll be unrecognizable, but in the best way possible.”

Harish, still processing the whole situation, gave a small smile. “I trust you, Bhushan uncle. Let’s make this happen.”

As Bhushan and Savitri left Pooja’s house, Pooja looked at Harish, her eyes filled with excitement and determination. “This is it, Harish. The next step is yours. You’re going to become Sitara, and together, we’re going to take the industry by storm.”

Harish nodded, feeling the weight of the transformation ahead of him. His journey had just begun, but with Pooja by his side, he knew there was no turning back now.

And so, the preparation for Harish’s role as Sitara continued, with each step bringing him closer to the ultimate reveal that would shock the entire industry.

It had been a week since Pooja called Sneha to discuss the progress on the movie, and today was the day they would finally do a full trial transformation of Harish into the character of Sitara. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Ramesh, the tailor, arrived with a bundle of carefully stitched outfits, while Bhushan and Savitri, the trusted makeup artist and hairstylist duo, made their way to Pooja’s home.

The living room was buzzing with activity as everyone gathered to begin the makeover that would transform Harish into an elegant, radiant village girl. Harish, though still nervous, had resigned himself to his sister’s grand plan.

Ramesh’s Costumes: The Half Saree Selection

Ramesh, an old-school tailor who had worked with Harish in his prime, greeted everyone warmly and set down his bag of garments with a proud smile. “Madam, I’ve brought everything as per your instructions—different dresses for different occasions, but for today’s trial, we’ll start with the half saree.”

He pulled out a soft, pastel-colored half saree with intricate embroidery along the borders. The fabric shimmered gently under the living room light, evoking a sense of elegance and simplicity. The blouse was perfectly tailored, and a matching petticoat completed the outfit.

Pooja smiled as she saw the saree. “It’s perfect, Ramesh uncle. This is exactly the look we want for Sitara—an innocent village girl with grace and charm.”

Ramesh nodded, turning toward Harish. “Alright, sir—oh wait, I should start calling you ma’am soon,” he chuckled. “Let’s get these measurements just right. Come, let me adjust the saree for you.”

Harish, still feeling slightly awkward, allowed Ramesh to drape the half saree around him. As Ramesh wrapped the saree’s fabric around Harish’s waist and pinned the pallu over his shoulder, he worked with the precision of a craftsman who had done this countless times.

“There, done! You see, Harish sir, this half saree is designed to make you look youthful yet graceful,” Ramesh said, taking a step back to admire his work.

Bhushan’s Makeup: Enhancing the Feminine Elegance

Next, it was Bhushan’s turn. He approached Harish with a gentle smile, holding his makeup kit. “Alright, Harish, let’s start with something light and natural. We want you to look like a village girl—nothing too bold, just enhancing your natural beauty.”

Bhushan began with a light base, carefully applying foundation that matched Harish’s complexion. “Your skin is already so smooth and radiant from all the treatments Savitri gave you last week,” Bhushan said with a grin as he applied a touch of concealer to even out the skin tone.

He then moved to the eyes. “This is the part that really brings out the feminine look,” Bhushan explained as he delicately applied eyeliner and mascara to Harish’s eyes, giving them a soft, wide-eyed effect. “You don’t need much here. We want your eyes to have an innocent glow.”

Next came the cheeks, where Bhushan brushed a light blush to add a soft rosiness to Harish’s face. “A little blush goes a long way to give that youthful, fresh look,” he commented.

Finally, he applied a soft pink lipstick, which added just the right amount of color to Harish’s lips. “Perfect. You look radiant, Harish—or should I say, Sitara?”

Pooja, watching the transformation, couldn’t help but beam with pride. “He looks beautiful, Bhushan uncle. You’ve captured exactly what I had in mind.”

Savitri’s Hairstyling: The Perfect Village Girl Look

While Bhushan packed away his makeup brushes, Savitri stepped in, already eager to work with Harish’s long, silky hair. “I’ve been waiting for this moment,” she said with a playful grin, taking out her comb and hairpins.

She parted Harish’s hair neatly down the middle and began sectioning it into two parts. “For today’s look, we’ll go with two pigtails—very traditional for a young village girl,” Savitri explained as she worked.

Savitri expertly braided Harish’s hair into two neat, symmetrical pigtails, tying them off with bright ribbons that matched the half saree. She brushed the stray hairs back and added a few delicate hair accessories to complete the look.

“Harish, you’ve got such beautiful hair—it makes my job so easy,” she teased, patting his shoulder. “These pigtails will give you that youthful, innocent look we’re going for. You’ll be the picture of elegance.”

The Final Reveal: An Elegant Transformation

Once the hair and makeup were complete, Pooja called everyone to gather around for the final reveal. Harish, now dressed in the pastel half saree with his hair styled in neat pigtails, stood before the group.

Pooja’s eyes lit up as she saw her brother. “Harish, you look stunning. You’ve truly transformed into Sitara.”

Ramesh, Bhushan, and Savitri stood back, admiring their collective work. “He doesn’t even need much else—he’s already become Sitara,” Bhushan said, nodding in approval.

Savitri added, “With just a few more finishing touches on the set, he’ll be perfect for the role.”

Harish looked at himself in the mirror, feeling both amazed and slightly surreal. The person staring back at him wasn’t Harish, the once chocolate-boy actor, but Sitara, the innocent village girl.

“Are you ready for this, Harish?” Pooja asked, stepping forward to adjust the pallu on his saree.

Harish gave a small smile, still processing the transformation. “I think I am. Let’s make this happen.”

As the tension in the room eased, Bhushan chuckled, breaking the silence. “You know, Harish, I’ve worked on so many actors over the years, but I’ve never seen a transformation quite like this.”

Ramesh grinned. “And here I thought I’d never get to work with you again, Harish sir. Now look at you—you’re about to make a comeback, but as a different person altogether.”

Savitri playfully tugged at one of Harish’s pigtails. “I told you this look would suit you! Just wait until you see how everyone reacts.”

Pooja joined in with a laugh. “Everyone’s going to be in for a surprise when they see Sitara’s debut. No one will expect it.”

Harish, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness, nodded. “I guess it’s time to show the world what we’ve been working on.”

And so, with the half saree perfectly draped, makeup enhancing his natural features, and hair styled in the playful pigtails of an innocent village girl, Harish was ready to embrace his new role as Sitara. The team had done their part, and now, it was up to him to bring this character to life on screen.

The transformation was complete, but the journey of Sitara had just begun.

As the doorbell rang, Pooja’s heart raced with excitement. She glanced out from the balcony and saw Sneha standing at the door. A playful smile crept across her face—this was the perfect moment to surprise Sneha. Harish, now completely transformed into Haritha, stood nearby, nervously adjusting the pallu of his half saree.

“Everyone, stay here,” Pooja whispered to the group. “Let’s give Sneha a surprise she’ll never forget.”

Turning to Haritha (Harish), Pooja said, “You’re my cousin from the village now. When I call you to bring coffee, just act natural, alright?”

Haritha nodded, still adjusting to the unfamiliar feeling of moving with grace in a saree, her long braids swaying with every movement. Pooja took a deep breath and opened the door with her usual warm smile.

“Hey, Sneha! Come in!” she greeted, ushering Sneha into the living room.

Sneha looked tired but determined. As she sank into the sofa, her frustration spilled out. “Pooja, I feel so stuck. I’ve been trying to come up with a story for Harsha, but all I can think about is my dream project, *Sitara*. It’s all-consuming. I just can’t seem to focus on anything else.”

Pooja listened patiently, nodding as Sneha vented. She had expected this. Sneha was deeply invested in the character of Sitara, and it was all part of Pooja’s plan. She glanced toward the kitchen and said, “Sneha, it’s okay. Don’t stress. You can work on *Sitara*—forget about Harsha’s movie for now. How about we relax with some coffee?”

She turned toward the kitchen and called, “Haritha, can you bring us some coffee, please?”

Moments later, Haritha entered the room with a tray in hand. Dressed in her elegant half saree, her posture refined, and her movements graceful, Haritha looked every bit the part of a demure young village girl. Sneha, distracted by her own thoughts, barely glanced at her as she took the coffee cup and a cookie.

“Thanks,” Sneha muttered, sipping her coffee. “By the way, where’s Harish? I wanted to catch up with him.”

Pooja casually replied, “Oh, he’s out meeting some friends. By the way, I forgot to introduce you to my cousin Haritha. She’s visiting from our village.”

Sneha finally looked up at Haritha. There was a moment of silence as Sneha studied the young woman sitting so elegantly beside her on the sofa, completely unaware of the secret unfolding before her.

“Oh! Nice to meet you, Haritha,” Sneha said warmly, gesturing for her to sit closer. “You look so graceful. I’m curious, would you mind showing me how you walk across the room?”

Haritha hesitated but nodded, standing up and walking across the room with a quiet, ladylike elegance. Every step was poised, her long braid swaying gently as she moved. Sneha watched intently, nodding in approval.

“Haritha, you have such a graceful presence. Pooja, I think you’re right about casting a fresh face for *Sitara*. I’ve been thinking the same thing—it needs someone who can embody that innocent village girl who dreams of becoming a star,” Sneha said, her mind whirring with excitement.

Pooja seized the moment. “What about Haritha? She’s a perfect fit for Sitara, don’t you think?”

Sneha’s eyes lit up as she turned to Haritha. “You’re right! Haritha, you’re perfect for the role. Would you mind showing me some dance moves? I’d love to see how you carry yourself on screen.”

Pooja grinned as she quickly played a dance number on her phone. Haritha, despite the nervous flutter in her chest, stepped forward and began to move with surprising fluidity. Her steps were light, her movements perfectly synchronized to the rhythm. The grace she had learned from childhood dance lessons resurfaced, and soon, Haritha was twirling across the floor, her saree flowing around her like a second skin.

Sneha was awestruck. “Haritha, you’re amazing! You *are* Sitara. I can already see it.”

The atmosphere was electric with excitement. Sneha stood up and hugged Haritha, overjoyed at her newfound discovery. “Thank you, Pooja. I’ve found my Sitara!”

Just then, the door to the adjoining room swung open, and Ramesh, Bhushan, and Savitri entered, their faces glowing with pride and amusement.

“Surprise!” Bhushan exclaimed. “Congratulations, Harish sir! You did it!”

Sneha froze, her eyes wide with confusion. “Wait... Harish? What are you talking about?”

Pooja laughed, stepping forward to reveal the truth. “Sneha, meet your leading lady, Harish—or should I say, Haritha.”

Sneha’s jaw dropped, and for a moment, she was speechless. She looked at Haritha—Harish—and then back at Pooja, tears welling up in her eyes. “Oh my God... I can’t believe it. You... you’re Harish? I’ve been fooled this whole time! This is incredible!”

Overcome with emotion, Sneha hugged Haritha tightly, her tears flowing freely. “You’re amazing, Harish. I’m so happy... I’ve finally found my *Sitara*!”

Everyone in the room burst into laughter and applause, the tension replaced by a sense of joyful accomplishment. Harish, still in his character as Haritha, blushed slightly, feeling both proud and overwhelmed by the praise.

Sneha pulled away from the hug, wiping her tears and smiling brightly. “I can’t believe it. You’ve embodied Sitara perfectly. This is going to be the start of something incredible.”

Pooja grinned at her brother, her heart swelling with pride. “This is just the beginning, Sneha. Now that we’ve accomplished this first step, there’s no turning back. Haritha—Harish—is ready for the role of a lifetime.”

As the laughter and joy filled the room, Harish realized that he had crossed a major threshold. The transformation from Harish to Haritha was not just about appearances—it was about embracing a new identity, stepping into an entirely new world. The excitement in the air was palpable, and everyone knew that this was the first step of something big.

But the real journey had only just begun...

The next morning, Pooja woke up early, her mind racing with anticipation. Today was the day they would test whether their grand transformation had been successful. She glanced at Haritha—who was still Harish at heart—sleeping soundly in the padded nightgown. The real world was about to collide with their carefully crafted illusion.

She gently nudged Haritha awake. "Haritha, today’s the big day. Are you ready?"

Haritha blinked sleepily, slowly sitting up. Her movements were more delicate now, more feminine, as she adjusted to the padded gown that clung to her form. "I guess I am... but, Pooja, what if someone recognizes me? What if this doesn’t work?"

Pooja smiled, a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling beneath the surface. "That’s exactly what today is for. We’re going to test everything—your look, your movements, your ability to blend in. You’ve come so far, Harish... or should I say Haritha? This is your chance to prove you can become Sitara, not just in front of us, but in front of the world."

Sneha, who had been listening from the adjoining room, entered, wearing the nightgown Pooja had given her. "She’s right, Haritha. You’ve already fooled me, and I know Harish better than anyone. If I can’t tell, no one will. But... I understand your fear. The thought of being recognized is terrifying."

Haritha sat on the edge of the bed, wringing her hands nervously. "It’s just... the thought of someone seeing through this—through me—it’s scary. I’ve been Harish all my life, and now suddenly, I’m supposed to walk into a public space as Haritha? What if someone notices? What if I mess up?"

Pooja kneeled in front of her brother, her tone soft but firm. "We’ve prepared for this. Bhushan and Savitri did an amazing job on your makeup and hair. Ramesh has crafted beautiful outfits that enhance your figure. And you’ve practiced. Today is just the final step. Trust yourself. You’re not Harish today. You’re Haritha. Remember that."

Sneha sat beside Haritha, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You’ve got this. I can already see *Sitara* in you. Just let go of the fear. We’ll be with you every step of the way."

Taking a deep breath, Haritha nodded. "Okay. I’m ready."

The Transformation Begins

Pooja handed Haritha the padded gown that Ramesh had made specifically for this moment. The material was soft, the padding giving Haritha a more feminine silhouette that would stand out in the crowd but in the most natural way possible. It was a simple outfit—perfect for blending in, yet highlighting her new form.

"Here, change into this," Pooja said, handing Haritha the gown. "It’ll be comfortable but still give you the shape we need."

Haritha stepped into the adjoining room to change, the gown sliding over her body effortlessly. When she emerged, the transformation was complete. Her long, dark hair flowed in loose waves, framing her soft features, and the gown clung to her in just the right way.

Sneha’s eyes widened. "Wow, Haritha... you look stunning. I can’t believe this is the same person who was doubting themselves just moments ago."

Haritha blushed slightly, adjusting the fabric over her chest. "It feels strange, but... also, somehow, it feels right?"

Pooja grinned. "Exactly. You’re not Harish anymore. You’re Haritha. And tonight, you’re going to show the world that *Sitara* has arrived."

The Plan

As they sat together in the living room, sipping tea and nibbling on biscuits, Pooja laid out the plan for the evening.

"Okay, so here’s the deal," Pooja began. "We’re going to the local movie theater to see that new blockbuster film. It’s going to be crowded, which is exactly what we want. We need to see if Haritha can blend in with everyone else. If no one bats an eye, we’ll know we’re ready."

Sneha nodded, excitement bubbling in her voice. "I think this is perfect. Haritha’s transformation is flawless, but the real test is how she carries herself in public. We need to make sure her movements, her voice, her expressions—all of it—match the feminine persona we’ve created."

Pooja leaned forward, locking eyes with Haritha. "You’ll need to be confident. Move gracefully, don’t fidget. Speak softly but clearly. And most importantly, don’t let fear show. If you act like you belong, people will believe you do."

Haritha swallowed, her heart racing. "And what if someone... I don’t know... looks too closely?"

"Just smile," Pooja said, her tone reassuring. "If someone does notice, just give them a sweet smile. People rarely question what they believe is true. Trust me. Confidence is key."

Sneha added, "And we’ll be with you. If anything goes wrong, we’ll handle it. But nothing’s going to go wrong. I can feel it."

They spent the next few hours preparing, going over every detail. Haritha practiced walking in the living room, taking long, graceful steps, her movements fluid and feminine. Sneha coached her on body language—how to keep her posture relaxed but poised, how to subtly adjust her clothes or hair without drawing attention.

Pooja, ever the meticulous planner, made sure everything was in place. She helped Haritha apply a final layer of makeup, softening her already delicate features. A light pink lipstick, a bit of blush, and some eyeliner were all that was needed to complete the look.

The Final Test

As the sun set, the trio left the house, heading for the movie theater. Haritha walked between Pooja and Sneha, her heart pounding in her chest. The streets were bustling with people, and every face they passed felt like a potential threat. But no one gave her a second glance. It was working.

Sneha, sensing Haritha’s tension, leaned over and whispered, "Relax. You’re doing great."

When they arrived at the theater, the crowd was larger than they expected. It was a Friday night, and people were excited to see the latest film. Pooja smiled, knowing this was the perfect environment for their test.

They bought tickets and made their way inside, finding seats near the middle of the auditorium. Haritha sat between Pooja and Sneha, her hands folded neatly in her lap, trying to calm the nervous energy bubbling up inside her.

As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Haritha allowed herself to relax slightly. No one had noticed her. No one had even glanced in her direction. It was as if she really was Haritha, just another young woman enjoying a night out with friends.

The First Public Appearance

During the intermission, Pooja turned to Haritha, a gleam of pride in her eyes. "You’re doing it. You’re really doing it."

Sneha grinned. "You’re a natural. I can already see *Sitara* in you."

Haritha smiled, a wave of relief washing over her. For the first time, she truly believed it. She wasn’t Harish tonight. She was Haritha. And soon, she would be Sitara.

But as they left the theater, weaving through the crowd, Haritha caught sight of someone—someone familiar. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Was she recognized?

Pooja noticed her hesitation and followed her gaze. It was a face they both knew, a distant acquaintance from their school days. Pooja’s breath caught in her throat, but she quickly regained her composure. She whispered, "Stay calm. Smile. Remember, confidence."

Haritha’s heart raced, but she took Pooja’s advice. She smiled, gave a small nod, and continued walking. The acquaintance smiled back, oblivious to the truth.

As they walked away, Pooja squeezed Haritha’s hand. "See? You did it. We did it. *Sitara* is ready."

Haritha smiled, her confidence growing with every step. They had passed the test. The world wasn’t ready for Sitara—but soon, it would be.