**10:26 AM:**
“Amma, Akira’s going to video call at 10:30 AM, right?” Sapphy asked her mother, Iffat.
“Yes, sweetie! Just try to be a little patient. Akira’s mum sent me a message saying they’d call around that time, but since they’re all the way in Australia, there might be a little wait,” Iffat replied, smiling.
Before Sapphy could respond, Iffat’s phone rang.
“Look, Sapphy! Your best friend is calling. Come on, brighten up!” Iffat encouraged Sapphy.
Sapphy grinned widely and answered the call from Akira.
“Hi, Akira. Happy Birthday!” Sapphy wished cheerfully.
“Thank you, Sapphy boo. This is my first birthday without you. It feels odd,” Akira said, sounding a bit down.
“It’s okay, bestie. We will make up for it when you visit us for the holidays,” Sapphy said.
“Sure. I look forward to visiting you for the school holidays,” Akira replied, though her tone still felt a bit heavy.
“Akira, is something wrong? Why do you seem sad?” Sapphy asked, genuinely concerned.
“Can you go to a quieter place? I need to share something important,” Akira said softly.
“Of course! I’ll head to my room,” Sapphy said, rushing to her cozy space.
Once inside, Sapphy closed the door and sat down on her bed. “Okay, I’m all ears! What’s up?”
“Well, things have been strange ever since we arrived in Australia. A few days ago, Mum and Dad took us to the Mardi Gras parade. Dad left us with Mum, and later we saw him walking in the parade dressed as a woman! He looked so different, wearing a flashy dress, heavy jewellery, and excessive makeup.” Akira explained, her voice filled with confusion.
“How did your mum react to this?” Sapphy questioned.
“She seemed calm. The next day, I asked her about it, and she said we must now get used to seeing Dad in female clothing. I asked if it’s a tradition like the one at the Kottankulangara Sree Devi temple near our hometown, where men dress as women to celebrate Chamayavilakku. She said it’s not that,” Akira paused.
“What did your mum say then?” Sapphy pressed gently.
“She said that Dad is not dressing up like a woman as part of any tradition. He is doing so because he likes to dress as a woman. He is a crossdresser. He’s still a man, just someone who likes to dress up. And she wants us to accept him wholeheartedly since he’s not doing anything wrong” Akira said, feeling a little overwhelmed. “But honestly, Sapphy, how am I supposed to accept this? Why can’t he just be like other dads?”
“Hey, don’t worry! Everything will be okay. In the past few months, I’ve learned a lot and realized that there’s no single way to be. Everyone is free to exist as they want, as long as they don’t harm others or themselves,” Sapphy said, her eyes shining confidently.
“You think this is okay?” Akira was puzzled.
“There is no such thing as normal or abnormal. Try to understand your dad. It must have been really difficult for him to share this part of himself with you and your family, but he wanted you to know the truth. He didn’t want to hide anymore. Our parents accept all our quirks with love, and I think it’s time we return the favour,” Sapphy replied, her voice bright.
“Even if I accept him, what will my friend think of this situation?” Akira asked, looking worried.
“Akira, we can’t control what others think. But if you accept your dad, it will help him feel so much better. Your mum figured it out, and if she can do it, so can you! You always say your mum is really wise!” Sapphy suggested.
“Yes, Mum usually knows what’s best, and she seems happier with Dad now. Maybe I should try to be more accepting,” Akira said, thinking aloud.
“That’s like my intelligent bestie! Everything will be fine in due time. Now, go out there and have the best birthday ever! Feel free to call me anytime. Sapphy, at your service, Ma’am!” Sapphy exclaimed, giving a playful salute.
“Thanks Sapphy! I feel so much better now. Love you to the moon and back, Sapphy boo!” Akira said with a smile before hanging up the call.
