The bell above the tailor shop door jingled as Rudra stepped inside, followed by Sammy, Talia, and Amanda. The shop smelled faintly of starch and lavender, with bolts of fabric stacked like towers around them. Rudra already looked nervous, tugging at the hem of his shirt as though it might protect him from what was about to happen.
"Relax," Sammy said with a grin, slapping Rudra on the back. "It's just a suit. Not a guillotine."
Rudra shot him a glare. "Easy for you to say. You're not about to be poked and prodded like a science experiment."
The tailor, a thin man with spectacles perched precariously on his nose, approached with a measuring tape. "Stand straight, young sir," he said, voice clipped and professional.
Rudra stiffened like a soldier at inspection. Sammy immediately burst out laughing. "Oh wow, look at him! He's standing like he's about to be knighted. 'Sir Rudra of Awkwardness.'"
Amanda giggled softly. "He does look like he's bracing for battle."
Talia tilted her head, smirking. "More like bracing for disaster."
The tailor began wrapping the tape around Rudra's chest. Rudra sucked in his stomach instinctively.
"Don't hold your breath," the tailor scolded. "I need accurate measurements."
Sammy leaned against a rack of jackets, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Accurate measurements? Good luck with that. Rudra's body changes shape every time he panics. He's like a balloon—inflate, deflate, inflate again."
Rudra groaned. "Sammy, shut up."
"Can't," Sammy replied cheerfully. "This is too much fun."
The tailor moved to measure Rudra's arms. Rudra raised them stiffly, elbows locked.
"Relax your arms," the tailor instructed.
Sammy snorted. "Relax? Rudra doesn't know the meaning of the word. He's like a malfunctioning robot. Look at those arms—straight as iron rods. If he stays like that, we can use him as a coat hanger."
Amanda covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "He really does look like one."
Talia added, "A very nervous coat hanger."
Rudra muttered under his breath, "Why did I even bring you people?"
"Because you love us," Sammy said, grinning. "And because you knew we'd make this ten times more entertaining."
The tailor crouched to measure Rudra's inseam. Rudra's eyes widened in horror. "Wait—what are you—oh no, no, no!"
Sammy practically doubled over. "Oh, this is gold. Rudra, don't look so scandalized. It's just measurements, not a crime scene."
Rudra's face turned crimson. "Sammy, if you say one more word—"
Sammy raised his hands innocently. "What? I was just going to say, make sure they measure carefully. We wouldn't want your pants to end up too short. Imagine you at the ball, trousers halfway up your calves, looking like you borrowed clothes from a twelve-year-old."
Amanda chuckled. "That would be… memorable."
Talia smirked. "Memorable in the worst way."
Rudra groaned again, wishing the floor would swallow him whole. The tailor, unfazed, continued his work.
Sammy leaned closer, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear. "You know, Rudra, suits are supposed to make you look elegant. But with the way you're squirming, I'm pretty sure you'll look like a penguin trying to escape a tuxedo."
Rudra snapped, "At least I won't look like a clown, which is what you'll look like when you try to dance at the ball."
Sammy gasped dramatically. "Oh, shots fired! But let's be real—you'll trip over your own shoes before I even step onto the dance floor."
Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Honestly, both of you will probably embarrass yourselves."
Talia nodded. "Agreed. Rudra will trip, Sammy will make a fool of himself, and we'll just sit back and enjoy the show."
Sammy grinned. "See, even they agree. Rudra, you're doomed."
Rudra sighed, shoulders slumping as the tailor finished measuring. "I hate all of you."
Sammy clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, buddy. When you're strutting around in that suit, looking like a nervous penguin, we'll be right there to cheer you on."
Amanda smiled. "Or laugh at you. Depends on how it goes."
Talia smirked. "Mostly laugh."
Rudra groaned again, but despite himself, a small smile tugged at his lips. His friends were insufferable, but maybe—just maybe—the ball wouldn't be so bad with them around.
The tailor finally snapped his notebook shut, satisfied with Rudra's measurements. Rudra exhaled like he'd just survived a battlefield.
"See? You lived," Sammy said, smirking. "Barely, but you lived."
Rudra muttered, "I feel violated."
Amanda rolled her eyes. "It was just a measuring tape, Rudra. Not medieval torture."
Talia added dryly, "Though you did make it look like torture."
They all walked toward the billing counter, where a polished wooden desk stood with a small brass bell. The cashier, a plump woman with kind eyes, greeted them warmly.
"Alright, young gentlemen and ladies," she said, tapping at her register. "That will be the deposit for the suit."
Rudra reached for his wallet, fumbling as Sammy leaned over his shoulder. "Careful, Rudra. Don't faint when you see the numbers. It's not a ransom note, just a bill."
Rudra groaned. "Sammy, do you ever stop?"
"Not when you're this entertaining," Sammy replied cheerfully.
Amanda nudged Talia. "I think Rudra's wallet is trembling."
Talia smirked. "It's probably trying to escape."
The cashier chuckled as Rudra handed over the money. "You have very lively friends," she said.
"Lively is one word for it," Rudra muttered. "Annoying is another."
Sammy grinned. "Annoying but lovable. Admit it."
Rudra shot him a look. "I'll admit nothing."
The receipt printed with a soft whir, and the cashier slid it across the counter. "All set. You can pick up the suit in three days."
"Perfect," Amanda said brightly. "Just in time for the ball."
Sammy leaned closer to Rudra, whispering, "Three days to practice walking without tripping. Think you can manage?"
Rudra stuffed the receipt into his pocket. "I'll manage not to trip over you, at least."
"Promises, promises," Sammy said with a wink.
They pushed open the shop door, the bell jingling again as they stepped out into the street. Rudra inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air like a man freed from captivity.
"Finally," he said. "Freedom."
Sammy laughed. "Freedom until the ball. Then you're back in the penguin suit."
Amanda smiled. "We'll make sure you survive that too."
Talia added, "Or at least laugh while you don't."
Rudra groaned, but despite himself, he couldn't help grinning as they walked away together
----
"" Hey why did I get charged 1000 units for ?""
"".....""
"".....""
"" Rudra... Come here darling where do you think you are going ? ""
"" I am a little busy so I will take my leave now .... Bye "" saying that I ran for my life
"" Rudra you fucker stop right now or I will kill you ""saying that he also started towards me.
Seeing the scene in front of them Amanda and talia could only shake their heads