Man Mohini | {ON HOLD}

Chapter 2

The brothers returned from their day’s work and sat inside, resting their tired bodies. That day, I wasn’t doing any house chores because, well, it was my very first period. Mata had firmly told me to rest for five to seven days and also instructed that I shouldn’t participate in prayers either, as it was said to disturb one’s energy or something like that.

So there I was, curled up miserably as the cramps were absolute murder.

Yudhishthir glanced at me. “Mohini, why are you not helping Mother today?”

In my broken Sanskrit, I muttered, “I… not feel… um… uhh… nice.”

Arjun leaned forward, concern clear in his eyes. “Why? What happened?”

Before I could stumble through an answer, Mata came forward with their food. “It’s nothing,” she said firmly, “she is only a little unwell. Nothing for you to worry about. Eat.” Her tone left no room for argument.

I sighed, relieved, and continued observing quietly until I felt a piercing gaze on me, like a laser beam burning into my soul. Turning, I caught Nakul staring at me intently.

What is he doing?

Confused, I did the only logical thing.

I STARED RIGHT BACK.

The staring contest went on for a good twenty seconds, until out of nowhere he grabbed my hand.

“Wha—” I blurted, staring at him like he’d lost his mind. Everyone else turned toward him, equally baffled.

Nakul closed his eyes for a second, then announced oh-so-casually, “Oh. So you started your periods.”

………Was this man for real?

The room fell into utter silence.

Bheem choked dramatically on his food. Arjun spat out his water like some badly timed comedy skit. Yudhishthir froze, utterly scandalized. Sahadev buried his face in his hands, mortified by his twin.

And Nakul? He looked around awkwardly, then at me. I raised a brow and asked tiredly, “Was that necessary?”

Before he could answer, Mata Kunti seized him by the ear. “Did anyone ask you? Why must you always embarrass yourself and us in front of everyone?” The scolding went on for a good half-hour, poor Nakul squirming the whole time.

Honestly, I did feel a little bad for him. He had just been curious. But in the end, curiosity kills the cat.

The next morning, I woke up grumpy. My body ached, my head spun, and I felt like throwing up every second. The brothers left for work, Mata was busy praying, and I was left bored and restless. So, I grabbed a fresh pair of clothes and made my way to the lake.

After setting my clothes safely on a rock, I slipped into the cool water. Relief washed over me. For a while, I just floated, forgetting my cramps and misery. But when I climbed back out to change, I froze mid-motion.

My blouse my perfectly fine blouse was tighter than before.

“Oh…” I whispered, realization dawning. So these are the ‘changes’ Mata was talking about.

I looked down at myself in disbelief.

“I’M GROWING BOOBS! FINALLY!!”

Author’s POV:

Nearly four years had passed since that day. Mohini had blossomed into a stunning young maiden. Her hair now reached her waist, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her chocolate-brown skin glowed in the sunlight. She often joked she looked like an apsara come down to earth. (Well, that was her own opinion, anyway.)