And so I was roped into playing the role of the Heroine. The dialogues and the acting skill required were difficult enough to master, but the ultimate challenge came during the first costume rehearsal.
My character was supposed to be in a saree and decked head to toe in jewellery as the traditional daughter in law of family.
The summer vacations had started and all of us had to stay back to ensure we had enough practice. Priya Aunty then suggested that we all stay at her home since there were many extra bedrooms. So me and Miss Shalini both ended up moving in. We were also accompanied by Shruti, a bubbly and bold girl who was the last member of the cast.
Aa soon as I moved in, Priya Aunty took charge of me and came into my room.
Priya aunty: beta, I'm so glad you are helping Anjana out. I know we asked a lot out of you.
Anil: make no mention of it aunty. I'm happy to help Anju in any way i can
Priya Aunty: I'm so happy she has friends like you - she said gleefully.
'Now' she continued - 'You are making great progress with the dialogues and scenes. I am sure we will win if we all perform like this, but there is one problem.
Anil: What's that?
Priya Aunty: as you know, this role requires the costume of a very traditional woman. I'm afraid that if you wear the saree during the performance, it will be very unnatural to you and the performance may suffer. Hence, we need to make sure that you are well used to sarees by then.
It slowly dawned on me what she was hunting at.
Anil: you can't be serious aunty??
Priya Aunty: please do it for our sake Anil. Or atleast for Anjus sake - she pleaded.
I didnt have the will to say no : I'll look ridiculous. What will the others think?
Priya Aunty: They will think you are a dedicated performer and an even greater friend - she proclaimed confidently.
With that being said she threw open my wardrobe and showed me a huge collection of sarees. All of different colours and materials. I would imagine even a small saree shop wouldn't have this many.
She then took out a black blouse, petticoat and a dark green semi transparent saree - Come here I will help you wear it. First go into the bathroom and wear this blouse and petticoat and come out.
I silently followed her orders while also blushing furiously.
After a few minutes I managed to wear the petticoat, but the blouse defeated me - aunty I'm not able to wear this blouse.
Priya Aunty: Here, let me help you
She came over and tugged and positioned the blouse and then hooked it from behind. She then tied a knot using the blouse strings. She even stuffed a few cloths into the cups of the blouse.
I could see my reflection in the mirror and was shocked. I never had any facial hair, and since it was a women's college, they were liberal on hairstyles and I had actually tried growing my hair out. With advice from Anjana, my hair was looking long and silky. All this meant that I was already looking like a petite and demure lady.
Priya Aunty slowly draped the saree around me and stuck it in place with a few safety pins and then finally placed the pallu over my shoulder.
You look so lovely - she exclaimed - It looks like we won't have to worry about our costumes either.
Priya Aunty - Come out and we can show the others as well
I was not mentally prepared and gave a small gasp - Now??
Priya Aunty: Don't worry they all know and eagerly waiting to see you. - saying so she opened the doors of the bedroom to reveal 3 curious faces.
Anjana: OMG
Shruti: I thought you'd look good as a girl, but i wasnt expecting to be jealous like this - she said with an expression of shock
Miss Shalini: I knew we picked the right person for the job ( with a wide grin on her face)
Priya Aunty: Yes, Ananya came out looking very pretty and graceful didn't she?
Anil: Ananya??
Miss Shalini: Yes that's the name of the character isn't it.
She turned to the others: Girls, when Ananya is in costume, always refer to her like that. It will help her stay in character for the play as well.
Looks like I was going to have to be Ananya for the entire month!!
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