Read Becoming Her - A New Life :: Chapter 15 Part 1

Kiran opened his eyes, his head pounding with the weight of a hangover. The events of the previous night came back to him in hazy fragments-too much whiskey, too many emotions finally given voice. He blinked against the morning light filtering through the curtains. He was on Roshni's bed, lying beside her.

She had asked him last night, with quiet concern, if he'd be comfortable sharing the bed after her confession of romantic feelings for the female Kiran.

He had laughed, easing the tension. "Of course I trust you, Roshni. Just like she did."

It had started awkwardly, the two of them lying side by side, uncertain of the boundaries. But then Roshni had begun peppering him with random questions-his favorite movie, favorite dish, favorite actor. She was curious, trying to see where he diverged from her Kiran.

Some answers matched. Some didn't. And they both smiled at the differences.

Kiran had asked his share of questions too-about Roshni's feelings, about her hidden truths. She had told him she was bisexual, leaning towards women, but not entirely closed off to men.

"Lucky you," Kiran had joked. "You get to enjoy both sides."

Roshni had laughed. "Like you are-living both worlds."

And somehow, by the end of it all, the tension had dissolved. They had fallen asleep as friends-strange friends, bonded by the impossible-comfortable and trusting, despite the strange complications.

---

Kiran walked to the kitchen, wrapped in the loose nightie Roshni had lent him. It was slightly oversized, soft and well-worn. He poured two mugs of strong coffee and took a slow, savoring sip.

Then he returned to the bedroom and nudged Roshni gently. "Hey, Rosh... you're going to be late for college."

"Mmm... five more minutes," she murmured, pulling the bedsheet over her head.

Kiran chuckled and shook her shoulder more firmly. "Get up, sleepyhead."

Roshni groaned, sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes. Kiran handed her the coffee. "Drink. Your energy booster."

"Let me brush first," she mumbled, shuffling to the bathroom.

After their coffee and a quick breakfast of omelette and toast, Roshni looked at Kiran over her mug. "So... what now? What are you going to do?"

Kiran sighed, wiping his mouth. "Go to college. Can't miss today. It's the last working day before the students go off for exams."

"And what about Principal Manek?" Roshni asked.

Kiran's jaw tightened. "Screw him. Legally. I'll confront him in college first maybe-ask him why he lied to Raj. And then in the evening, I am going to the police and filing a complaint."

"Good girl," Roshni said with a smirk. "Or... whatever you feel you are today."

Kiran gave a weak laugh. "Girl, woman... yeah. That's just what I feel. Just can't find the man I used to be anymore."

Roshni nodded, her expression softening. "Maybe you don't need to. Just be you."

She stood. "Go on, pick whatever you want from my wardrobe. I'll bathe and be out in ten."

Kiran opened the wardrobe. Most of Roshni's clothes were a size too big-she was slightly taller, sturdier-but he managed to find a slimmer-fit kurta in a pale lilac shade and a pair of dark slacks that fit decently. Just a little loose, but wearable.

He stood before the mirror, studying the reflection. The woman staring back at him was no longer unfamiliar. Her features were his. Her eyes held the weight of everything he'd been through, and yet-there was strength there too.

He picked a soft pink lipstick from Roshni's makeup tray, applied it with practiced ease, and let out a breath.

This was him. This was her.

He..She..was ready to face the world.

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Kiran stood outside Principal Manek's cabin, spine straight, heart pounding-but not with fear. With purpose.

Sameer and Roshni had both offered to accompany him, but he'd refused. This was something he had to do alone.

He took a breath and knocked.

"Come in!" came the too-familiar, greasy voice.

He opened the door and stepped inside.

Principal Manek rose from behind his desk, plastering on his usual oily smile. "Ah, dear Kiran. Come in, come in. I hope your confirmation letter has cleared all misunderstandings." His tone was syrupy sweet, his eyes calculating.

Kiran didn't sit. "You lying scoundrel," he snapped, cutting him off. "You think a letter erases what you tried to do?"

The smile faltered.

"I came here to tell you one thing, face to face." His voice was clear, cold, and controlled. "I'm filing a police complaint against you today. You tried to take advantage of your position. You tried to force yourself on me. And I won't let you get away with it."

Principal Manek's smile vanished completely. His face went pale.

"You... you dare?" he sputtered. "Think about what this will do to your reputation! People will talk. They'll make stories. You'll lose your standing-your face-"

"I don't care," Kiran said, voice rising. "Better to lose face than lose my self-respect. You're the one who should be scared. I won't let you pull this kind of stunt on any other woman."

Principal Manek stared at him, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Kiran turned and walked out, head high.

Outside, Roshni and Sameer were waiting just beyond the stairs. Both looked up anxiously as he emerged.

"Done?" Roshni asked.

Kiran nodded, lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah. I just wanted to see him squirm. He's probably sweating buckets right now."

"Good," Sameer said, grinning.

"He deserves worse. I want to see him in custody, shitting his pants," Roshni added.

Kiran looked at the two of them and smiled. He wasn't afraid anymore..of this life..or the future.

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That's the end of Chapter 15 Part 1. Do let me know your thoughts on the chapter. Comment freely.

Thankyou

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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