{NOTE: Images and links are used only as the reference to the character in the story}
This section is longer than usual, but it's crucial for understanding the depth of Rohit's character and his motivations. It explores his heartfelt reasons behind his decision to grow his hair long.

The rain continued to patter against the windows, a soft rhythm that filled the room with a sense of calm. Neha watched Rohit, her curiosity and admiration growing with each passing moment. As he settled into the chair, his long hair flowing freely around him, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. This wasn't just a teacher-student interaction anymore; it was the beginning of something deeper.

Rohit took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "You know, Neha," he began, his voice gentle but firm, "there's a reason behind why I grew my hair this long. It's not just a style choice or a personal preference. It's a story that goes beyond the surface, one that's deeply personal to me."

Neha leaned in, her eyes fixed on him, ready to hear the story that had remained untold for so long. Rohit continued his fingers gently playing with the ends of his hair, a gesture that seemed almost second nature to him.
"And today, for the first time, I feel ready to share it."

It all began when I was 17, studying in the 12th standard. I lived with my mom, Anita, and my elder sister, Shruti, who was 1.5 years older than me. Our dad had died in an accident when I was 10, leaving Mom to support the family by working as a chef at a local restaurant. Both Shruti and I inherited Mom's striking looks, especially me, since I couldn't grow any facial hair. This androgynous appearance made me the target of frequent teasing. Despite that, I had always been a mischievous and active kid, often playing pranks and being the life of our small family.
Shruti, on the other hand, was the diligent and disciplined one. She spent countless hours studying, and I often teased her for it. But secretly, I admired her dedication. One evening, our sibling rivalry took a significant turn.

"WHAT? HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" I shouted, staring at Shruti's marks in disbelief.

"I never saw you study," I added, astonished.

"Stupid, I studied at the library because you never let me study at home," Shruti smirked, clearly enjoying my shock.

"Yeah, right. You must've bribed the librarian to do your assignments," I retorted, trying to cover up my growing sense of dread.

"We'll see about that," she said with a confident grin. "You remember our bet, don't you?"

My stomach churned. I had made a bet with Shruti: if she scored above 90%, I would accept any request she made. If she didn't, she would have to cut her long, beloved hair to shoulder length.

"Of course, I remember," I replied, trying to sound confident. "So, what do you want?"

She looked at me thoughtfully, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You wanted me to cut my hair, right? Then you grow yours long."

I blinked, taken aback. "Just grow my hair?" I repeated, thinking it sounded easy. Long hair was trendy among boys these days.
"But," Shruti continued with a sly smile, "it will be all according to my preferences. I will have complete control over your hairstyle, length, and everything."

My expression changed instantly. "What are you afraid of?" she teased. "Didn't you say during the bet, 'It's just hair, it will grow!'?"

Summoning my courage, I declared, "Boys don't back down from a challenge. I accept your request." We shook hands on the deal.

"Great! This is going to be fun," Shruti said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'll make sure you look fabulous."

I tried to shrug it off, but my mind was racing. "How will she trouble me?" I wondered aloud, anxiety gnawing at me.

"Don't worry, little brother," she said, patting my shoulder. "You'll look great. Just trust me."

"Easy for you to say," I muttered. "You don't have to walk around with hair like a girl's."

Shruti laughed. "Oh, come on, Rohit. It's just hair. Besides, you'll get to experience what it's like for us girls."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help feeling a bit curious. "Fine, let's get this over with. How long do I have to keep it?"

"Until I say so," she replied, her smile widening.

Shruti beamed and ran off to tell Mom about her results. I stood there, my mind racing. "How will she trouble me?" I wondered aloud, anxiety gnawing at me. My sister's enthusiasm for the bet's outcome made me increasingly nervous about what lay ahead.

Six Months Later

Days passed, turning into months. It had now been six months since the bet, and my hair had grown past my shoulders. I was surprised by how quickly it was growing, but my mom mentioned that it was probably due to our family genes. To manage it at college, I had to wear it in a ponytail. Whenever I let it down, people mistook me for a girl because it was naturally straight, smooth, and silky. I still couldn't figure out what my sister and mom did, but my hair had become very feminine.

One day, when I came home from college, my sister Shruti greeted me with a surprising announcement. "Let's go for a haircut," she said with a mischievous smile.

I stared at her, bewildered. "A haircut? Already? But my hair's grown so fast. Why now?"I asked, feeling a mix of relief and confusion

She grinned and shrugged. "Exactly, it's grown so fast. Plus, it's a part of the bet, remember? You have to maintain it properly."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fine, but just a trim. I kind of like it this way."

Shruti laughed. "Don't worry, we'll just make it look even better."

I changed into my casual clothes, and we headed to the salon. Shruti said it was a unisex salon, but most of the customers were female. She made a booking in my name and called for the stylist. "I'm not paying for this," I warned her.

"Don't worry, I've got it covered," she replied cheerfully.

At the Salon

A young female stylist guided us to a chair. "Hi, I'm Priya," she introduced herself. "Let's get started."

As Priya washed my hair, I began to relax. The warm water and gentle massage felt soothing after a long day at college. After drying my hair a bit, she started trimming it. The relaxation made me close my eyes, almost drifting off to sleep.

Priya chatted with me throughout the process, complimenting my hair. "Your hair is so smooth and silky. Do you use any special products?"

I blushed, embarrassed. "Not really, my mom and sister take care of it."

Shruti, standing nearby, couldn't resist teasing me. "He loves long hair and plans to grow it even longer."

My cheeks turned red as I mumbled, "It's just a bet."

Priya giggled. "Well, you're lucky to have such great hair. Most girls would be jealous."

I sighed internally. "Yeah, lucky me."

Shruti laughed, adding, "You should see him trying to manage it in the morning. It's like
watching a comedy show."

"Hey, that's not fair!" I protested. "It's not easy, you know."

Priya joined in the teasing. "Maybe you should get some tips from your sister."

"I already do," I admitted, feeling more embarrassed.

After the Trim

I woke up with Shruti standing next to me, grinning. "Your hair looks amazing!" she exclaimed.
"Thanks," I replied, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment.

Priya turned my chair towards the mirror. My jaw dropped. I now had a long shoulder-length bob resting on my shoulders.

Rohit's fresh haircut.

It made me look more feminine than usual. Panic set in. "How will I attend college with this hair?" I asked Shruti, my voice trembling.

"Just keep it in a ponytail," Shruti explained. "It'll be fine."

"But I look like a girl!" I protested, my anxiety growing.

Shruti placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, it looks great on you."

I sighed, still feeling uneasy. "I hope you're right."

Priya smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "You'll be the trendsetter at your college."

Shruti laughed. "See, even Priya agrees."

I couldn't help but smile a little. "Alright, alright. Let's get out of here."

On the Way Home

As we walked home, Shruti couldn't resist teasing me. "So, how does it feel to have salon-fresh hair?"

I rolled my eyes. "Feels... different. It's softer, I guess."

She laughed. "You looked so cute falling asleep in the chair."

"Yeah, yeah. I was just tired from college."

"You sure? I think you were just enjoying the pampering."

I sighed. "Maybe a little."

We reached home, and as soon as we stepped inside, Mom looked up from the kitchen. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she giggled. "Oh my, Rohit! You look so pretty with your new haircut."

"Mom!" I groaned, feeling my cheeks heat up.

She walked over and touched my hair. "Honestly, it suits you. Long hair really does look good on you."

I sighed, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Thanks, Mom."

Shruti grinned. "I told you, didn't I? Now everyone agrees."

Mom nodded, giving me a warm smile. "You've been handling this bet so well, Rohit. I'm proud of you."

"Yeah, well, it's not easy," I admitted. "But you and Shruti make it bearable."

Mom chuckled. "That's because we love you. And we love taking care of you."

Shruti added, "Besides, it's fun having a brother with such nice hair."

I laughed, feeling the warmth of their affection. "Okay, okay. I'll admit it. Having you both take care of my hair has made us closer."

Mom hugged me. "That's the spirit. Now, how about we have dinner and talk about your day?"

"Sure," I agreed, feeling grateful for my family. Despite the teasing and the challenges, their support made everything worthwhile.
It's been three days and maintaining my hair in a ponytail was turning into a nightmare. The strands were so smooth that the band kept slipping away. I tried my best to keep it under control, but on the fourth day, during lunchtime, something unexpected happened.

College Lunch Break

I was chatting with my friend, completely forgetting about the scrunchie that was barely holding my hair together. As I turned to hand him something, the scrunchie slipped off, and my hair fell loose, revealing my new bob haircut. My friend’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Whoa, did you get a haircut?" he asked, trying to stifle a laugh.

I stayed quiet, my face heating up as the boys at the back noticed and started teasing me. "Hey, nice haircut, princess!" one of them called out, making the others laugh.

I felt embarrassed, frantically looking around for the scrunchie. Just then, I saw a girl approaching me, holding the scrunchie. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it was the girl, I had a crush on.

"Hey, you dropped this," she said, handing me the scrunchie with a warm smile.

"Uh, thanks," I stammered, feeling my cheeks burn.

She gently tucked some stray strands behind my ear, making me even more flustered. "You look better like this," she said softly. "Just keep them tied up, okay?"

I nodded, too shy to speak. I heard a chorus of agreement from the other girls around, which only made me more self-conscious. I didn't tie my hair back immediately, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and excitement.

"See you around, Rohit," she added with a wink before walking away.

My friend nudged me playfully. "Man, you just talked to your crush and she complimented you! You're so lucky!"

"Shut up," I mumbled, but couldn't help the small smile on my face.

On the way home, I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. When I got home, Shruti was the first to notice my untied hair.

"Hey, what happened to your ponytail?" she asked, a smirk forming on her lips.

"Uh, nothing," I mumbled, heading to my room to freshen up.

Afterward, I went to Shruti's room to explain. She was all ears, grinning widely as I recounted the day's events.
"So, you’re getting popular with the girls now, huh?" she teased. "Looks like my plan is working better than I thought!"

"Stop it, Shruti," I groaned, but I couldn't help but smile.

"Come on, you have to admit it's kind of funny," she laughed. "I mean, you were always the one teasing me about my hair, and now look at you."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, rolling my eyes. "But seriously, I think it's because of you and Mom that my hair looks so... well, girly."

"You're welcome," she said, giving me a playful shove. "But you know, it suits you. And if it helps you get closer to your crush, then it's a win-win, right?"

"Maybe," I admitted, feeling my cheeks heat up again.

"Just don't forget to take care of it," Shruti said, patting my head. "And if you need any tips, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Sis," I said, genuinely appreciating her support.

From that day on, I decided to leave my hair down. Sure enough, the teasing from the boys continued, but I also noticed more and more girls complimenting my hair and striking up conversations with me. It was a strange new experience, and while it was a bit overwhelming, it also made me feel more confident.

After a year

It's now a year since I first started to grow my hair. I am now used to go for trims with my sister and became Priya's regular customer. My sister played a lot with my hair. My hair was now quite famous with the girls. It now reaches my back, which is quite long for a boy, but I kind of like it now.

Rohit with his back length hair.

It was silky, shiny, and felt incredibly soft to the touch. Whenever I walked through the college corridors, I could feel the gentle swish of my hair against my back. It made me feel unique, even if it drew some teasing from the boys. They called me "Rapunzel" or "Princess," but the girls admired it, often asking for hair care tips, which was both flattering and embarrassing.

One time, my sister tricked me into wearing girls' clothes and took me to the mall. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't talk properly to anyone, but no one found out I was a boy. That day was quite tiring and it was all because I lost a bet, AGAIN! But this story is for another time.

College Life

In college, things were different. My hair was long enough that I had to manage it carefully. Sometimes I was mistaken for a tomboy because of my style and demeanour. It was a weird mix of confusion and curiosity from my classmates. I started wearing my hair in a high ponytail because I liked how it swung when I walked, but it didn't always stay in place, causing moments of embarrassment.

One night, I came back home from college in a good mood. My sister saw me and asked about it.
"Why are you so happy?" she inquired.

"I'll tell you after dinner," I replied, keeping her in suspense.

After dinner, she took me to her room and asked me about it. "Okay, spill. What's going on?"
"I made a new friend today," I said, a bit shyly. "She's quite famous in class for her beauty, and she complimented my hair."

Shruti teased me, "Oh, look at you! Getting popular with the girls nowadays. Who's the lucky one?"

I blushed, "It's nothing like that. She just liked my hair."

Shruti grinned, "Well, you do have beautiful hair. Speaking of which, I want to try a new
hairstyle on you. You're in such a good mood, and it'll be fun!"

Feeling cheerful, I agreed. "Okay, sure. What do you have in mind?"

She took my hair out of its high ponytail. I had started wearing it a bit higher since it had gotten longer. I liked how it swung sometimes when I walked.

"Close your eyes," she instructed. "I want this to be a surprise."

I closed my eyes, feeling the gentle tug of the brush as she started brushing my hair.
It was relaxing, and I trusted her completely. After a while, I felt her parting my hair down the middle. It was a new sensation, and I couldn't help but wonder what she was up to.

"Shruti, what are you doing?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Just wait and see," she said, giggling. "You'll love it, I promise."

I felt the weight of my hair shift to one shoulder. I was about to touch it, but she stopped me.
"Not yet! Keep your eyes closed."

After a few more minutes, she finally said, "Okay, open your eyes."

When I saw myself in the mirror, I was surprised beyond belief.

Rohit had his hair done in braids for the first time

She had done twin braids, with a middle parting just like the schoolgirls. It looked so clean and sleek that it made me look like a girl. I had no words to say.

"Wow, Shruti... I don't even recognize myself," I finally managed, feeling my cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and astonishment.

She laughed, clearly amused by my reaction. "You look adorable! Do you like it?"

I was quiet, not sure how to respond. I didn't hate it, but it was such a drastic change. The braids felt snug and secure, but seeing myself in the mirror with such a feminine hairstyle was a shock. "It's... different," I said, trying to mask my true feelings.

Shruti noticed my hesitation. "I'm sorry if you don't like it. But, you know, I used to hate this hairstyle when I was a kid. Now, it's one of my favourites because it keeps the hair secure and gives a sleek look. That's why I keep my hair in single or twin braids."

She continued, "If you don't like it, I won't force you. But if you do, maybe you could at least try to keep a single braid at home."

I hesitated, then touched my braids for the first time. They were thick and perfectly tied, not even a strand out of place. The middle parting was flawless. The texture of the braids under my fingers felt smooth and neat. I couldn't deny that it felt... nice. Different, but not in a bad way. "Well, it's definitely... different," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though a part of me was already warming up to the new look.

Shruti laughed again. "Come on, I can tell you don't hate it. Just try it for a while. It might grow on you."

I sighed, "Fine, I'll try to keep them sometimes, but only to make you happy."

"Now let Mom see them," Shruti said excitedly.

I was reluctant and very shy about showing Mom. "Do we have to?"

"Yes, Mom at least deserves to see," Shruti insisted, practically dragging me to her.

When Mom first saw me, she too laughed and said, "Oh my, you look just like Shruti! But I must say, you look very confident with those braids."

I felt a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Thanks, Mom," I muttered, feeling my cheeks burn.

Mom then inspected my hair more closely, running her fingers through the braids. "You know, your sister did a fantastic job. These braids are perfect."

Shruti beamed, "Thanks, Mom! I told him he should try this style more often."

Mom continued, "You know, I think this suits you. You should wear your hair like this more often."

I felt a strange sense of warmth and acceptance hearing that from Mom. I couldn't help but smile, albeit shyly. "I'll think about it," I said, trying to play it cool, but inside, I felt a little more open to the idea.

Shruti joined in, "See? Even Mom agrees. You're getting popular with the girls and now Mom approves. You're on a roll, little brother!"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. The braids felt comfortable, and though I wasn't ready to admit it fully, a part of me did like the way they looked and felt. It was a new experience, one that I was slowly starting to embrace.

Some Days Later

Then one day, Shruti came running out of her room, her face beaming with joy. Both Mom and I were taken aback by her excitement.

"What is it, Shruti?" Mom asked, curiosity and concern in her voice.

"I got the job! The one I've wanted for so long!" Shruti exclaimed, unable to contain her happiness.

Mom and I immediately enveloped her in a tight hug, congratulating her. "That's fantastic news, Shruti!" I said, feeling genuinely happy for her. "We need to celebrate! How about some pastries?"

We quickly arranged a small celebration, enjoying pastries together in our cozy kitchen. While munching on the sweets, I asked her more about the job.

"So, where is it? When do you start?" I inquired, curious about the details.
"It's in Bangalore," Shruti replied, her eyes sparkling. "And I need to leave in ten days."

My heart sank a little at the news. "Ten days? That’s so soon. What about my birthday? It's in forty days."

Shruti hesitated for a moment, her smile faltering slightly. "I'll try my best to come back for your birthday, Rohit. But even if I can't, we'll try to celebrate it early."

We spent the next ten days enjoying ourselves as much as we could. We went on a short trip to a nearby hill station, saw a movie together, had dinner with our relatives, and helped Shruti prepare for her move. As the day of her departure approached, a sense of nervousness settled over both Shruti and me.

The Day of the Journey

I woke up early with my mom that day. Shruti was still sleeping. I quickly got freshened up, took a bath, and changed into my clothes. Then I approached Mom with a special request.

"Mom," I said hesitantly, "could you tie my hair in twin braids today? I want to surprise Shruti. It's her last day here."

Mom looked at me with surprise but then smiled warmly. "Of course, Rohit. Come, sit here."

As she started working on my hair, she began reminiscing. "You know, I used to braid Shruti's hair just like this when she was little. She would always complain, but she secretly loved it."
I smiled, imagining little Shruti with her braids. "I remember pulling her hair when she annoyed me."

Mom laughed softly. "Yes, and now look at you, sitting here, getting your hair braided. How times have changed."

She continued, carefully parting my hair down the middle. "These braids will look very feminine, Rohit. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

I nodded. "It's okay, Mom. I want to make Shruti happy today."

Mom's hands moved deftly, weaving my hair into two neat braids. Her touch was gentle and reassuring, and I felt a sense of calm as she worked. It was different from when Shruti did it. Mom’s touch was gentler, more practiced, and she made sure every strand was perfectly in place. She hummed softly, a tune she used to hum when she braided Shruti's hair, making the experience even more nostalgic and comforting.

"There," she said, tying off the second braid with a small elastic band. "You look great, Rohit."

I heard Shruti stirring in her room about twenty minutes later. When she came out, freshened up and ready for breakfast, I surprised her from behind.
"Good morning!" I said, turning to reveal my braids.

Shruti's eyes widened in surprise. "Rohit! You...you did twin braids!"

Even Mom laughed and added, "He asked me to do it for you, Shruti."

Shruti's expression softened, and she gave me a hug. "Thank you, Rohit. This means a lot to me. I’m so happy you did this for me."

I smiled shyly. "I thought it would be a nice surprise. Mom did a great job, didn’t she?"

Shruti nodded enthusiastically. "She really did. Your braids look perfect. They’re so neat and tidy, just like how she used to do mine."

I laughed. "Yeah, she mentioned that. It's funny how things change."

Shruti teased, "You know, I'd be even happier if the braids were longer."

I laughed again, though a bit shyly. "Maybe someday. But for now, let's just enjoy today."

We shared a heartfelt breakfast together, and the atmosphere was filled with a mix of happiness and a hint of sadness. We knew things were about to change, but for now, we cherished the moment we had together.

The Journey to the Train Station and Saying Goodbye

We were in a taxi heading to the train station. On the way, Shruti kept reassuring me, “Don’t worry, Rohit. Nobody will recognize you.”

I fidgeted with the ends of my braids, my nerves getting the best of me. “I’m just not used to wearing them outside the house,” I admitted.

Shruti laughed softly. “You look fine, really. In fact, you look better because your hair is so long now. Trust me, you’ll be fine.”

When we arrived at the station, I took a deep breath and got out to help with her luggage. As I lifted the bags, Shruti couldn’t resist making a comment, “Look at you, my little brother-turned-sister for the day.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Shruti. Very reassuring.”

“Hey, I’m just saying you pull off the look well,” she said with a grin. “No one’s even giving you a second glance.”

She was right. As we walked through the bustling station, no one gave me any strange looks. Some girls glanced at me, but they didn’t seem to find anything odd. Instead, I looked like a tomboy, blending in with the crowd.

Even Shruti’s best friend, who came to the station to see her off, didn’t recognize me at first. “Shruti, who’s this?” she asked, puzzled.

Shruti burst out laughing. “This is Rohit! Can you believe it?”

Her friend’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t recognize you at all! You look so different!”

She took a closer look at my braids and smiled. “You know, your hair looks amazing, Rohit. Those braids suit you.”

I blushed a little, feeling both embarrassed and flattered. “Thanks, I guess.”

Shruti’s friend turned to her and said, “You did a great job with his hair, Shruti.”

Shruti beamed with pride. “Thanks! He’s been a good sport about it, and today, he really made me happy by wearing these braids.”

We all talked a little, trying to keep the mood light. But soon, the train arrived, and the reality of Shruti’s departure started to sink in. I helped her with her luggage, and my heart grew heavy with the thought of her leaving.

Mom’s eyes were misty as she watched. Shruti noticed our sadness and tried to liven up the mood. “Come on, you guys! It’s not like I’m disappearing forever,” she joked. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

We hugged tightly, and she said her goodbyes to everyone. “Take care of Mom for me, okay?” she said, looking at me. “And don’t let her miss me too much.”

Mom stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. “Shruti, do you have everything you need? Your tickets, your ID, some snacks?”

Shruti smiled and hugged her. “Yes, Mom, I’ve got everything. Don’t worry.”

She turned to her friend and hugged her too. “Stay in touch, okay? We’ll have a lot to catch up on when I visit.”

Finally, as the train’s whistle blew, signaling its imminent departure, Shruti hugged me again.
“I’ll call you when I reach. Promise me you’ll keep those braids neat and tidy,” she teased, trying to lighten the moment.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I will. Just come back soon.”
The train started to move, and we all waved, our eyes locked on Shruti until she disappeared from view. As the train pulled away, the finality of the goodbye hit us. Mom and I stood there for a moment, feeling the absence already.

We slowly turned to leave, the station now feeling emptier than before. The journey home was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts, adjusting to the new reality of Shruti’s absence.

When we arrived home, the mood was still a bit gloomy. Mom suggested, "Rohit, why don't you go out for a while? I'm thinking of meeting my friends too." Just as she said that, I got a call from my friend, Ananya. She was the new friend I mentioned before, and we had grown quite close.
"Hey, Rohit! I'm close to your home. I finished my work and have some free time. Can you come to the cafe nearby?" she asked cheerfully.

I thought for a moment and then asked Mom, who insisted, "Take Shruti's scooter so you don't keep her waiting."

I quickly took the keys and headed out. As I reached the café and saw Ananya, I realized I forgot to take my braids out. When she looked at me, she was confused at first but then realized it was me.

"Rohit, is that you?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

I was very embarrassed, trying to hide my braids. "Yeah, it's me," I said, scratching the back of my head nervously. "It's a long story. Let's talk inside."

We went into the cafe and found a quiet corner. Ananya smiled, "You look... cute. I mean, your braids are perfect."

I blushed, trying to explain, "It's just something I did for my sister. She moved to Bangalore today, and I wanted to make her happy."

"That's really sweet," she said, her tone flirty. "I think it looks nice on you."

We talked for quite a while about college, studies, family, and friends. The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself enjoying her company more than I expected. It was late at night when we finally finished.

"I should get you home," I said, offering her a ride on Shruti's scooter.

As we rode, Ananya wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning close to my ear. "You know, I think it's really cool that you're so close to your sister. Not many guys would do what you did."
I laughed, trying to hide my blush. "Yeah, well, I guess I'm not like most guys."

When we reached her home, she turned to me with a smile. "Thanks for the ride, Rohit."
"Anytime," I replied.
She paused for a moment, then said softly, "I really do think your braids look nice. It’s a good look on you."

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling my face heat up.

She gave me a quick hug. "See you tomorrow, Rohit," she said, waving as she walked away.
I was left standing there, feeling very happy. That hug replayed in my mind all the way home. I was lost in my thoughts, only to remember Shruti’s call when I was about to sleep. I quickly called her back.

"Hey, Shruti," I said softly, hearing her half-asleep voice on the other end.

"Rohit? Why are you calling so late?" she mumbled.

"I just wanted to tell you what happened today. I met Ananya, and we talked for hours. And guess what? She hugged me when I dropped her home," I said, excitement bubbling in my voice.
"See? It’s because of the braids," she teased, her voice groggy but happy. "I knew they’d bring you luck."

"Maybe you're right," I laughed. "Thanks, Shruti. You always know how to cheer me up."
"It’s late. We should sleep," she said, yawning. "Goodnight, Rohit. And don’t worry, everything will be fine."

"Goodnight, Shruti," I replied, feeling a warmth in my chest. I lay down, thinking about the day, the hug, and Shruti’s words. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face, feeling hopeful about the future but also a bit uneasy about the changes ahead.

Next Morning

I woke up to my mom with tears in her eyes. I quickly sat up, alarmed, because I had never seen her cry like that in a long time.

"Mom, what happened?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

She struggled to speak through her sobs. "Rohit, we got a call from a hospital near Bangalore. Shruti's train was derailed early this morning."

My heart sank. "It must be a prank call," I said, desperately trying to convince myself.

But then my phone rang. It was my uncle, and his voice confirmed our worst fears. I handed the phone to my mom, who immediately started making travel arrangements.

I turned on the TV, and every channel was covering the news about the train derailment, confirming our fears. I tried to calm myself and then helped my mom as we hurried to get ready. Uncle arrived with a car to take us to the hospital.

The car ride was a blur of fear and anxiety. Mom clutched my hand, her grip tight and trembling. "Rohit, I can't lose her," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"She'll be okay, Mom. Shruti's strong," I replied, though my voice wavered with uncertainty. I wanted to believe my own words, but the gnawing dread in my chest wouldn't let me.

When we arrived at the hospital, a doctor met us with a somber expression. "I'm sorry," he said, "but your daughter did not survive. She died before she reached the hospital due to the impact to her neck."

Mom collapsed into my arms, her sobs filling the sterile hallway. I stood there, numb, unable to process the words. The world felt like it was spinning around me, but I was stuck in place, a silent observer to the nightmare unfolding.

Throughout the whole ordeal, I couldn't accept what had happened. While others cried and expressed their sadness, I was silent, trapped in a different kind of grief. I helped with the funeral arrangements, doing everything robotically, without emotion. People tried talking to me, but I just nodded or shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. I did everything like a robot, going through the motions without truly feeling anything.

Five days after everything was over and all the guests had left, Mom and I finally had some alone time. It was then that the dam broke. I lashed out, my voice trembling with anger. "Why did she have to leave us so early? Why was God so cruel to take her away?"

Mom listened silently, tears streaming down her face, finally understanding why I had been so quiet. "I hate this!" I shouted. "I hate everything! She promised she would come back. She promised!"

In a fit of rage, I grabbed a pair of scissors, intent on cutting off my hair. But Mom stopped me, her grip firm but gentle. "Don't," she said softly. "This hair... it's part of her happy memories. She wouldn't want you to do this."

I sank to the floor, sobbing. "I don't know what to do without her."

Mom knelt beside me, hugging me tightly. "I know, Rohit. I know. But we have to keep going. For her."

I looked at her, my eyes filled with tears. "Why do I feel nothing, Mom? Why can't I cry like everyone else?"

"You're in shock," she said softly. "Everyone grieves differently. You loved her so much, and this is how you're coping. It's okay to feel what you're feeling."

I wiped my tears, feeling a mixture of anger and sorrow. "I just want to make the pain stop."
She then handed me a letter and a gift-wrapped box. "Shruti prepared this for your birthday in advance, in case she couldn't make it back because of her job."

I stared at the package, my hands trembling. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I thought it might help you now," she said, her voice breaking. "I'll give you some time."

She left me alone in my room. Rohit sat on his bed, the letter trembling in his hands as he read through the words written in Shruti's familiar handwriting. His heart ached with each line, a mix of sorrow and bittersweet memories flooding his mind. The letter read:

After reading the letter, Rohit laughed softly. "Typical Shruti," he said, shaking his head with a smile. But then the tears started flowing, uncontrollably and continuously. Her words felt like a warm hug, full of love and encouragement. He hugged the letter to his chest, feeling a deep connection to his sister even though she was gone. Her playful teasing about his hair, her unwavering support, and her affection enveloped him, making him feel both comforted and devastated.

He carefully opened the gift-wrapped box. Inside, he found the headphones he had wanted for a long time, a beautiful silver bracelet engraved with the words "Be Brave, Little Brother," and a delicate hairpin with a note that read, "For your long hair, when you finally grow it out. Love, Shruti."

He chuckled through his tears as he held the hairpin. "She always knew how to make me smile," he murmured.

He showed the hairpin to his mom and hugged her tightly, crying for some time. "She got me these," he said, showing her the headphones, bracelet, and hairpin.

His mom hugged him back, her own tears mingling with his. "She loved you so much, Rohit. And she’ll always be with us, in our hearts and in our memories."

After calming down a bit, Rohit took his hair into his hands and looked at his mom. "Mom, I want to grow my hair as long as I can maintain it, for her," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Even if I end up looking more like a girl or whatever society says, I will grow it long for her."
His mom smiled through her tears and gently touched his hair. "She would have loved that, Rohit. And so do I. I'll help you take care of it, just like I used to do for Shruti. We'll make sure it's healthy and beautiful, just like she wanted."

We sat together in silence for a while, finding solace in each other’s presence

The following year was incredibly tough on us. Adjusting to life without Shruti was a daily struggle. Every time I did my hair, I was reminded of her. I became a quiet person, a shadow of my former self. In college, I talked very little and preferred to stay at home. Ananya understood my need for space and respected it. To keep myself occupied, I threw myself into my studies, but I neglected my diet and lost weight as a result.

Despite everything, I remained dedicated to my hair care. My mom helped me a lot with this. Every other night, either she or I would brush my hair to keep it smooth and healthy. We used special oils and treatments that Shruti had recommended. The routine became a comforting ritual, a way to keep her memory alive. Mom would often say, “Let’s make sure your hair shines like Shruti’s smile,” as she gently worked the oil into my scalp. She’d recount stories from when Shruti and I were kids, how I used to pull her hair playfully, and now, ironically, I was the one with long, beautiful hair.

By the time I reached my final year of college, my hair had grown to the same length Shruti's had been—waist-length.

It became cumbersome to wear it down, so I started styling it in a single braid or a bun. I was probably the only boy in college with hair like this, and I often received curious looks from others. But I didn't let it bother me because I knew Shruti would have wanted me to continue.

During this period, I got a part-time job at a library thanks to a teacher who understood my situation. The library was far, but it was worth it. The calm atmosphere and free coffee were soothing, and the access to books was a huge bonus. The library became my sanctuary, the one place where I felt comfortable letting my hair down, both literally and figuratively. I worked there for over three years, even after completing my master's degree, as I wanted to fund my education myself, despite my mom's willingness to pay.

Life began to normalize during this time. I got used to my long hair, and taking care of it became a daily habit. After graduating, I lost touch with most of my friends as they moved away for further studies or jobs. Ananya and I still talked occasionally over the phone, but it wasn't the same.
When it was time to join my new college for my master's degree, my hair was just over my butt.

Rohit with hip length hair

It had become silkier and smoother, thanks to my mom's diligent care. This led to many funny incidents at my new college. For instance, during orientation, a professor mistook me for a female student and handed me a pamphlet on women's clubs.

"Here you go, miss, a pamphlet for our women's clubs," the professor said, smiling.
I took it without thinking and then realized what had happened. "Actually, sir, I'm Rohit."
The professor looked flustered. "Oh, I’m terribly sorry! Your hair is just so... impressive."
Another time, a girl complimented me on my 'gorgeous braid,' only to be shocked when she realized I was a guy.

“Wow, your braid is gorgeous! What conditioner do you use?” she asked, admiring my hair.
“Thanks! I use a mix of oils and a lot of patience,” I replied, turning slightly to face her.
She gasped. “Oh my gosh, you’re a guy! That’s amazing. I wish my boyfriend had hair like yours.”

By the end of my term, my hair had grown past my butt, longer than even most girls'. My mom adored it, often saying, "You have the most beautiful hair I've ever seen, Rohit. Shruti would be so proud."
However, the length of my hair became a problem when I started job hunting. I was rejected from interviews because my hair was deemed 'distracting,' which frustrated me immensely. Although my part-time job at the library helped, it wasn't enough. The situation worsened when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the library had to close.

During COVID-19, I was really down about losing my part-time job at the library. My mom was worried about me, seeing me struggle with the sudden change. During this time, one of my friends asked if I could teach some of his juniors online. I agreed, and surprisingly, I found it fulfilling. Seeing how well I did, my mom recommended me to one of her friends who was a teacher at a coaching class.

After the lockdown ended, I joined the coaching classes as an assistant teacher. By this time, my hair had grown to my thighs, and every step I took made my braid swing dramatically. It became quite the spectacle. One particularly funny incident happened during a class. I was writing on the board when a gust of wind from an open window sent my braid flying over my shoulder and smacked a student in the face. The whole class burst into laughter, and even I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Okay, okay, class, let's settle down," I said, trying to regain control. But the incident had left a lasting impression.

After that day, I realized I needed to find a better way to manage my hair to avoid such distractions. So, I started wearing it in a bun.

After 2 Years.

After two years of working at the coaching class, one of the supervisors, a kind-hearted gentleman, was impressed with my performance. He recommended me for a teaching position at a prestigious girls' college, which I now attend. The only problem was that I had to leave my mom since the college was in another city.

"Mom, I don’t want to leave you alone," I said, feeling torn.

"Rohit, you need to live your own life. I can manage here," she reassured me with a smile.

Still, I was nervous about the interview. My hair now reached my knees. For the interview, I wore a suit and styled my hair in a braided bun.

Rohit Wearing his hair in braided bun.

Just before I left, my mom called.

"Good luck, beta. You’ll do great," she encouraged me.

When I arrived for the interview, the receptionist mistook me for a woman.

"Miss, you can wait in the lobby," she said.

"Actually, I’m here for the teaching interview," I corrected her, chuckling.

The headmaster, a middle-aged woman with a similar but smaller bun, greeted me with a stern expression.

"So, Ms. Sharma, what brings you here?" she asked, scanning through my resume with a scrutinizing gaze.
I cleared my throat. "It's actually Mr. Sharma," I corrected, trying to hide my nervousness.

She raised an eyebrow. "I see. Your appearance can be quite misleading, Mr. Sharma."

I took a deep breath and started explaining my journey, from growing my hair to honor my sister’s memory to my teaching experiences and how they shaped me. As I spoke, I could see her expression slowly softening.

"Your story is quite unique, Mr. Sharma. We need dedicated and passionate teachers like you," she said warmly after a while. "But before we go any further, I’d like to see your hair in its full length."

A bit surprised, I undid my bun and let my hair fall to its full length, cascading past my knees. The headmaster’s eyes widened slightly.

"Not many people can maintain such dedication and discipline. This is the kind of commitment we need in our staff. Welcome to our college," she said with a smile.

Back To Present

Neha got emotional and had tears in her eyes. Rohit, noticing this, softened his demeanor. "Sorry if this was a bit too much," he said gently.

Neha wiped her eyes and smiled. "No, sir. I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me about your life. It means a lot to me."

Rohit gave her a warm smile in return. "Thank you for listening, Neha. Sharing it with someone feels like a burden lifted."

Neha thought about how beautifully and in detail he had shared his experiences. It was like she was seeing him in a new light, gaining more respect and admiration for him with each passing moment. She felt a deep connection forming, a sense of understanding and compassion that hadn't been there before.

As they both looked outside, they noticed the rain was slowing down. "I should probably leave now," Rohit said, glancing at the clock. "I have some work to do for the college, and it's getting late."

He then started to braid his hair, his fingers moving deftly but with a hint of haste. Neha watched him for a moment before offering, "Sir, let me check if your clothes have dried."

Rohit nodded, and Neha quickly went to check. "They're still wet," she reported back.

Rohit looked a bit uncomfortable, not wanting to go out in wet clothes but feeling shy about wearing the girls' clothes she had given him. Neha saw his predicament and suddenly had an idea. "Wait a moment," she said, hurrying off. She returned with a new face mask. "Here, sir. This should help."

Rohit took the mask, understanding her plan. As he braided his long, silky hair, Neha couldn't help but giggle inside. His hair was so feminine and delicate, reaching all the way to his knees. Watching him braid it was both endearing and fascinating.

When the rain finally stopped, he wore the mask, and Neha escorted him to his vehicle. Just before he got on his bike, Rohit remembered something. "Oh, about helping you study... I have an idea," he began. "When you don't have your part-time job shift, we can go to the library after college. I can help you with your studies there."

Realizing that they would be alone, Rohit got a bit shy but continued, "But only if you're okay with it."

Neha, who was quite happy with this turnout, immediately said, "Yes! I'd really appreciate that, sir."

Rohit smiled, feeling relieved. "Great. We'll make it work then."

They exchanged goodbyes. "Thank you for everything, Neha. Take care," Rohit said, putting on his helmet.

"You too, sir. Thank you for trusting me with your story. See you soon," Neha replied warmly.

As Rohit rode off, Neha stood there for a moment, thinking about Rohit sir and everything he had shared with her. She felt a deeper connection and a growing admiration for him as she watched him disappear into the distance. She was looking forward to the future, thinking about Rohit's story and how it made her feel. The day had been emotional, enlightening, and had brought her closer to understanding the man behind the long, beautiful hair.

Hey Guy Tomi Here, Writing this chapter was incredibly challenging for me. Capturing the deep emotions and complex relationships between Rohit and Shruti, as well as portraying the impact of such a profound loss, required a lot of care and sensitivity. This chapter is a pivotal part of the story, and I hope it conveyed the depth of their bond and the reasons behind Rohit's transformation. Thank you for journeying with me through this emotional chapter. I invite you to continue reading to discover how the story unfolds in the next part.

Also Here is something I made to explain the growth timeline for Rohits hair.