The Hidden Chapters - 4

 

I didn't know how to respond. The words felt like an invitation into a role I didn’t fully understand, and yet, they stirred something inside me, something I couldn’t quite name. As I opened my mouth to ask, she grasped my hands more firmly and simply said, "Go get some water."

There was no anger in her tone, no harshness—just an expectation. And somehow, in that moment, I understood. It wasn’t just about the task itself, but about something far more personal—a silent test of my own willingness, my own vulnerability, and the connection between us that had only just begun to take shape.

I carefully tucked the saree pallu around my waist, making sure to adjust it so that it draped modestly, ensuring I am not exposing my right breast. With a glass of water in hand, I approached Sindhu, but she gave me a sharp look, her voice firm as she reminded me to always bring the water on a tray. I nodded quietly in acknowledgment.

Without missing a beat, she instructed me to assist the cook in preparing dinner. As she spoke, she handed me a set of six bangles and told me to wear them on both wrists. Her gaze was unwavering as she led me to the kitchen, where she directed the cook to teach me how to make roti and curry. She settled herself at the dining table, her eyes observing my every move.

After a while, Sindhu spoke again, this time instructing me to lift the pleats of my saree and tuck them into my petticoat to make it easier to move around. This makes petticoat very much visible and but it was very convenient to move. The heat from the kitchen was intense, and soon I felt beads of sweat forming under my arms, visibly staining my blouse. The rhythmic sound of the bangles echoed as I worked.

With the cook guiding me every step of the way, I finally managed to prepare the meal. It felt like an eternity—though it was only about thirty minutes. Despite the heat of the kitchen and the pressure, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of accomplishment. The food was finally ready.

I removed the pallu of my saree from around my waist and adjusted the pleats, enjoying the small moment of relief as I loosened the fabric. I adjusted the blouse beneath the saree pallu. I was about to serve the food to Sindhu, but she had other plans. She instructed me to freshen up by taking a bath.

With a sigh of relief, I headed to the washroom. Meanwhile, Sindhu came into the room and laid out a couple of sarees for me to choose from.

I wrapped a towel around my chest and stepped out. Sindhu asked me to select a saree, and I chose an off-white cotton one with a pink floral print and a subtle silver border. As I searched for the necessary undergarments—petticoat, blouse, bra, and panty—she ordered me to get them from the cupboard. With no choice, I began dressing in front of her, one item at a time. First, I put on the panty, followed by the bra, the blouse, the petticoat, and finally the saree.

This time, she gave me a satisfied nod. "Good job," she said, "you’ve worn it properly."

Though saree has big border, but its very light in weight and easy to carry. Hence, left the pallu open instead of folding it.  She winked at me and mentioned that you are managing saree better than any  lady. This made me blush and gave me bit confidence as I felt that I have been accepted as a lady. Sindhu then instructed me to set the dining table, mentioning she’d be back in five minutes. I quickly moved to arrange everything, eager to get the task done. It felt like a small escape from her watchful gaze. The cook had already left the house, so I had some freedom to move about and get everything in order.