Chapter 2: Change in Lifestyle

{NOTE: Images and links are used only as the reference to the character in the story}

As time passed I got used to the feeling of wearing twin braids in school. I preferred braids so much that sometimes I even wore them at home. But I was teased a lot at school due to my hair. Not only my friends and classmate used to tease me but sometimes also the teachers. Boy's used to pull my braids & Anytime I entered the class they used to make fun of me by calling me "Boy Rapunzel!" or "Rahul the Rapunzel! is here". Yup, that was my new nickname in school now. Only because of Akash I was able to go through school. He was the only one who did not make fun of me and supported me.

At home, my Sister & Mother were very supportive and happy about this. They taught me many things about long hair. My sister was especially happy. She used to do various hairstyles with my hair, she taught me some too and said she used to say "I can't wait for your hair to get long." (she has waist-length hair) Whenever I lose some bet or challenge to her she used to force me to wear girl's clothes. Which I think she enjoyed the most. Mom & Sis also used to take me with them to their salon to have my split end trim which caused my hair to look more girly than ever. Even the hairdresser used to say that my hair was more feminine than most girls. Too which I agree because my hair is thick, shiny, and naturally straight which looks very feminine on me. (credit goes to my mom genes) But the time I enjoyed the most at home was when Mom used to Oil and Massage my and sis hair. The feeling was indescribable in short I loved it. I think mom enjoyed doing this too she used to tell me stories about her childhood about how her mother used to oil and massage her hair.

[ Link: https://ibb.co/bKXX8Yt ]

Like that 6 months has passed my hair has got way longer. To which my sister said I have a little bit longer than mid-back length. Because of that I always had to keep my braids in front of my shoulders or the guys at the back used to pull them. I also learned that I can change the partition in twin braids I tried changing them but it didn't look good on me even my mom said it doesn't suit my face it looked good on open hair but not in braids so wore the usual middle partition even if looked more girly. Akash also used to say that the way I keep my hair seems also seems girlier now but I thought it must be due to the habit of having long hair.

Some day's later.

Mom: Hey Rahul wake-up it's morning already yo gonna be late and

Mom & Sakshi: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAHUL!!

I was surprised and startled when I woke up like this.

Rahul: Thank You Mom! (HUG) & Thank You, sis! (HUG)

Mom: Now freshen up and get ready or you will be late for school.

I was very excited about today because I can finally celebrate my birthday in school. I wasn't able to celebrate the previous year because it came on Sunday. I was also happy that I can wear casual clothes to school today. (In India many schools allow children to wear casual clothes on their birthdays.) My sister did my hair today Instead of my Mom. She did my hair in a single braid but it was somehow different. She said that this style of braid is called French-Braid. I saw it in a mirror and truth to be told it looked kinda cool.

It looked like this-

[ Link: https://ibb.co/z8sDLxn ]

The first friend to wish me was Akash because we used to go to school together. When I reached the school everyone wished me "Happy Birthday" Even the principal who I met on the way to the classroom wished me. When I reached my classroom everybody sang to me a birthday song and wished me. I heard some comments like "Happy Birthday Rapunzel!" but I didn't mind that because I didn't want that to ruin my mood on my birthday. During LunchBreak, I gave chocolates to the Teachers and my classmate and I also received some in return. When I was talking to Akash I heard...

Shilpa: Hey Rapunzel!

Rahul: Who is it (I turned back) Ohh it's you.

Shilpa: Happy Birthday!

Rahul: (surprised) Thank You.

and she left. I asked Akash...

Rahul: What was that?

Akash: I don't know either.

Rahul: I can't understand girls.

Akash: Me neither.

We looked at each other and laughed. I was also complimented on my hairstyle too not only by my class girls but the most popular girl in school also said my hair was "Cute and cool." Akash teased me because of this by saying "Someone is getting popular!"
Just like that school was over. I invited Akash over to my birthday party at night.

I reached home and my mother asked...

Mom: So how was school today?

Rahul: It was great Mom I got Wished by so many people and got some chocolates as a gift too

Mom: (Smilingly) That's so sweet now go freshen up and change into your new clothes for the party.

Rahul: ok mom.

Mom: And don't forget to keep your chocolates in the fridge or they will melt.

Rahul: OK.

I went near the fridge and opened my bag to take out the chocolates. After taking all the chocolate out I noticed a gift box with a birthday card stuck on it. I don't remember anyone giving me this. I quickly stuffed the chocolates in the fridge and ran to my room. I sat down on my bed took out the gift and started reading the birthday card.

I was very Happy reading the content but was very curious about the S.A.M. Then I proceeded to unwrap the gift box. It was A drawing Pencil Set! I was surprised at how did he/she know that I draw I didn't tell anybody that. (Not even you guys.) Only a few people knew about this. Now I got more curious after this. Just then my sister entered the room. She saw the card and said...

Sakshi: You got a card let me see.

I gave her the card and she started reading it and said...

Sakshi: S.A.M huh, you know anyone by this name?

Rahul: I Don't know anyone by that name. I just noticed this in my bag when I was taking my chocolates out and also I got this drawing pencil set.

Sakshi: This looks expensive. She must really like you.

Rahul: SHE!?

Sakshi: Yeah the handwriting looks like of a girl.

Rahul: Ok. I thought it was a boy’s name.

Sakshi: It must be a nickname and SAM is a unisex name.

Rahul: Yeah that can also be true.

Sakshi: Anyway here are the clothes for the night and go get a bath while the water is still warm.

Rahul: Umm-hmm. (Still thinking.)

Then She left to help my mom.
I said to myself "I'll try to ask Akash if he knows something." I quickly freshened up & dressed up. Just then my Mom came into my room and said to go into her room and wait for her. She came and said...

Mom: Come sit here.

I sat there and then mom undid my braid and started brushing them gently.

Mom: It's good that you have naturally straight hair like me and your sister.

Rahul: Yeah I like them like this too but they are a bit girly I guess.

Mom: Healthy long hair looks like that. But long hair looks really good on you. I think they look better than short hair.

Rahul: Many people have been saying that. (I said remembering the gift card.)

After brushing them straight she came in front of me and started styling them. She side-parted my hair then and some of the hair to the other side. It covers my whole ear and on the other side, she tucked all my hair on the ear.

My hairstyle kinda looked like this-

[ Link: https://ibb.co/rdS3gRk ]

Mom: & for the finishing touch...( she got a lipstick in her hand.)

Rahul: MOM! why are you putting on lipstick? I'll look like a girl!

Mom: Don't worry it is a very light shade no one will even notice & nowadays many men wear lipsticks.

Rahul: But mom...

She looked at me with a scary face so I agreed with her.

Mom: Go stand there let me have a look.

Rahul: Ok (I went beside the window and stood there.)

Mom: Wow you look so beau-, handsome like a model.

Rahul: (embarrassingly.) Thanks to you.

Mom: Your welcome! now go to your sis. So I can get ready for the party.

Rahul: Ok mom and again thanks for this.

Soon guests started arriving. Mom didn't invite many people only some family friends and some relatives. Many of my cousins were shocked to see my hair. But complimented my new look. Akash arrived last.

After he arrived my mom bought the cake from the kitchen and
We started the birthday and cake cutting ceremony. After cutting the cake everyone wished me and gave me gifts.

Sometime later.

Akash: You look great and nice hairstyle.

Rahul: Yeah thanks to my Mom. By the way, do you know anyone giving me gifts in school?

Akash: I was with you the whole day so I don't think so. Why?

Rahul: I found a birthday card and a gift-wrapped drawing pencil set in my bag.

Akash: What!

Rahul: Yeah! (Smilingly)

Akash: Someone must have slipped it into your bag when we went to the library. What did the card say?

Just as I about to tell him, my (cousin) little sister came to us and said

little sis: big brother why are you wearing lipstick.

I got very embarrassed as many people heard that.

Just then my sister came and said to her.

Sakshi: Sis it is not lipstick he has applied lip balm that's why his lips are shining.

"Thank God," I thought to myself I slowly went to my sister and said to her in her ear.

Rahul: Thanks for rescuing me I owe you one.

Shilpa: It's ok and it must be Mom who applied it.

Rahul: Yeah.

After that, I told Akash about everything regarding the gift. To which he was surprised too and started teasing me about it.
And Just like that, my birthday was over.

2 months later.

It was the last day of school before the summer holidays.

Rahul: Finally school is over.

Akash: yeah. (silently)

Rahul: Akash what happened you were so quiet today?

Akash: Rahul I got to tell you something.

Rahul: Tell me.

Akash: Don't be sad or angry.

Rahul: ok (I was scared when he said that.)

Akash: I am going to another city with my family.

Rahul: A family trip, what’s sad about that. I thought you had a disease or something.

Akash: Rahul… I am moving…Permanently.

Rahul: What?!

To be continued in next part…

Chapter: 3 Holidays

{NOTE: Images and links are used only as the reference to the character in the story}

Akash: Yeah I know!

Rahul: What's the reason you are moving?

Akash: You remember my dad got transferred to another city for work a month ago.

Rahul: Yeah you told me about this.

Akash: Now he is calling us all there because he won't be able to travel much. He has made all the arrangements.

Rahul: So when you all are leaving?

Akash: In a week or so.

Rahul: When did you know about this?

Akash: Just yesterday, My Mom said she wanted to wait until my school year to finish.

I was shocked when I heard this. I mean who wouldn't be.

Akash: You aren't angry or sad are you.

Rahul: Why would I be, I am happy that you told me this early so we can enjoy these last days as much we can.

Akash: Thank You for understanding.

Rahul: Let's start from today you are coming to my home for a sleepover. We will Watch Anime the whole night.

Akash: Now that's a good plan.

A Week Later

Akash: We had so much fun over this week I will never forget them.

Rahul: I know right.

I and my sister were at the railway station to help Akash's family with the luggage.

The Train Arrived.

Akash: I got to go now.

Rahul: Yeah. I hope you find your find your Hinata (soul-mate) in the new city. (Yesterday we finished watching the whole anime that's why it was still in our minds.)

Akash: Ha-ha I will. I think you probably will find her first.

Rahul: Huh! And why is that?

Akash: Just a quick prediction.

My sister and Akash's mom came to us after confirming their seats.

Akash's mom: Both of you thank you very much for helping us.

Rahul: You don't need to thank us Akash is like a brother to me and you a mother.

Akash's Mom: Ohh what a sweet boy. (She kissed me on my forehead.)

Akash's mom went to the stall to take some water bottles for the journey.

Sakshi: Aren’t you guys have a last hug.

Akash and I looked at each other and said...

Rahul: We don't do stuff like that.

Akash: Yeah.

We did our signature handshake.

Sakshi: Boys! (sigh)

Akash: Hey and a final thing. I don't think I had said this before but I say it. Long hair really suits you don't ever cut them short.

Rahul: (I was a bit surprised when he said that.) If you say so. (I said while touching my ponytail.)

[ Link: https://ibb.co/hdJFLhc]

Akash's Mom: Let's go Akash.

Akash: Yeah mom I am coming.

We looked at each other a final time and had a hug eventually.

Akash: No regrets!

Rahul: No regrets!

He boarded the train and waved his hand.

Akash: Bye Rahul and stay strong!

Rahul: Yeah and call me when you reach there.

And they left.

Sakshi: What happened there? (Teasing me about the hug)

Rahul: That was an exception.

For a few days I wasn't much sad because I talked with him every day on phone but eventually, I missed our little adventures. My mom eventually realized that my mood was off, so she suggested that we should all go to her mother's hometown. ( To our grandparent's home.) As we haven't been there in 2 years due to my mother's job.

After 1 week.

We reached the station and saw my aunt (mother's sister-in-law) waiting for us.

Mom: Rashi here.

Rashi Aunty: Hey guy's you finally arrived.

Mom: Yeah the train was running late.

Sakshi: Rashi Aunty (hug) I missed you so much.

Rashi Aunty and my Sis get together really well.

Rashi Aunty: Me too Sakshi, btw where is Rahul?

Rahul: I am here.

Rashi Aunty: OMG I almost didn't recognize you because of your hair. I mean look at your braid it's so thick.

[ Link: https://ibb.co/0D2CNXn]

Rahul: (little embarrassed) I know I get it a lot.

Rashi Aunty: Come on we will talk later grandma is waiting.

She had a car waiting for us. We quickly put our luggage in the bag and went inside the car to finally escape from the heat.

Mom: Is Deepak (Mom's Brother.) still out of town.

Rashi Aunty: Yeah he said he wouldn't be able to return due to work until next month.

I was sad hearing that Uncle will not be here because he was the only one I used to have fun with.

Rashi Aunty: I heard from your mother that you were growing your hair but never realized you will grow them this good.

My Aunt worked as a makeup artist and hairstylist.

Sakshi: Right! don't they look great on him?

Rashi Aunty: They sure do.

We reached Grandma's home.
As soon I saw my Grandma. I hugged her. After me, my sister hugged her too.

Grandma: Ohh dear, I missed you all.

Rahul & Sakshi: We all missed you too.

Grandma: You've both grown so much & look like someone is growing their hair longer.

Rahul: (touching my braid) Yeah.

Grandma: We will talk later first all of you freshen up and get a rest you all must be tired from the travel.

Ajay: brother you are here.

Rahul: Jai how you been? ( Ajay is my 7-year-old cousin's brother. )

Ajay: I am Fine brother. how are you?

Rahul: Great.

Ajay: You look so different, brother. & why are you wearing a braid like my mom.

Rahul: (embarrassed) Uhh!

Rashi Aunty: Son let Rahul brother rest he must be tired from traveling.

Rahul: Yeah Ajay we will play later.

Ajay: Promise.

Rahul: Promise.

We all got a bath had a little talk during dinner and slept.

The next day my mom and sister were busy talking with Aunt and grandma while, I played with Ajay for the most of the day.

It was evening me and Ajay were watching a movie on TV when I heard my aunt…

“Rahul come here, Grandma is looking for you.”
I saw my Grandma sitting on a chair near the window. She saw me and said…

Grandma: Rahul come here sit before me.

I saw the oil and comb and understood what was going to happen.

Rahul: Grandma this isn’t necessary.

Grandma: Rahul I know you like oil massage your Mom told me.

"Typical Mom' I thought to myself. I went toward my grandma and sat in front of her. She undid my braid and started Brushing my hair to remove the knots.

After a min or so grandma said...

Grandma: Did you know, Your mom also liked having massages when she was your age.

Rahul: Yeah she told me so.

Grandma: I heard from your mom that you are planning to grow them longer than now. How long are you...

Rahul: (hesitatingly) Till my hips.

Grandma: Ohh that's long.

Rahul: Yeah...& Grandma, I wanted to ask you something?

Grandma: ask ahead.

Rahul: To tell you the truth I was afraid that you might scold me for having long hair.

Grandma: You know at first I was a bit hesitant when your mom told me over the phone that you were growing long hair. I thought it would look bad on you. But seeing you and your hair yesterday I was surprised at how good you look in long hair a bit girly but good. And why would I scold you over something like this even your grandpa had long hair in his teens.

Rahul: WHAT Grandpa had long hair!?

Grandma: Yeah, not as long as you but long enough. He looked great in them. But he had to cut it due to his family pressure.

Rahul: Wow, I never knew that. But why didn't he grew them again?

Grandma: He never got the chance because he was too busy working.

Rahul: Ohh that's sad.

I was kinda happy to hear that even Grandpa had long hair. After Grandma brushed my hair she divided my hair into 2 parts from the middle and started applying oil & massaging my hair. The feeling of massaging felt so good that I said it out loud.

Rahul: Ohh I love this.

Grandma: Hehe! I know.

Rahul: Did I said that out loud.

Grandma: Yup! By the way, you really have great hair! Many girls will die to have like this.

Rahul: (Shy) Thank You.

Grandma: I think Long hair suits you better than short hair.

Rahul: I've been hearing that a lot lately.

Grandma: Well It's true.

After she finished oiling she started braiding my hair in a twin braid.

[ Link: https://ibb.co/rwwRGFT]

Rahul: A twin Braid!

Grandma: Yes! This is better if you going to grow them longer.

Rahul: If you say so.

Grandma: Having long hair is going to be hard Rahul especially at the length you are going to grow. You are going to deal with many hardships. Not all people are going to accept long hair on a boy so Promise me you will stay strong throughout this.

Rahul: (I was a bit surprised and scared when she said that.) I Promise.

Grandma: Good. Your braid is done too. Go there let me have a look.

I got up and stood in front of her putting my braids on the shoulder.

Grandma: You look so Cute just like how your mom was when she was your age.

Rahul: Grandma, Please don't tease me. (Shyly)

Grandma: No really! look in the mirror. Those braids look perfect I can't wait to see how you will look when your hair has grown to the hips.

I went to the mirror and saw them. Grandma was right they do look good.

Rahul: Yeah I guess they kinda look good.

Grandma: Kinda?

Rahul: They look great. Ok NOW!

Grandma: Yup.

Rahul: Thanks for this.

Grandma: You are Welcome. Now go get some rest I can tell that you are feeling sleepy.

Rahul: Yeah. Goodnight Grandma.

Grandma: Goodnight, sweetheart.

As soon I laid on the bed, I was fast asleep.

The next day when I woke up my mom saw me and said...

Mom: Rahul, I can understand the braids but why are you wearing lipstick that too in the morning.

Rahul: Wait...what? I don't remember Grandma applying lipstick.

Mom: Go look yourself in the mirror.

I quickly went to the bathroom and checked myself in the mirror.
It was true... I was wearing red-colored lipstick but who...then I heard someone laughing from behind.
It was my sister!

Rahul: I should have known it was you!

I ran behind her to chase her but my mom stopped and said...

Mom: I get what happened but why are you worrying that much just wash your face.

Rahul: But Mom...

Mom: Go now!

I went to the bathroom and washed my face. I thought to myself that this was the right thing to do if I had chased her through the house everybody would have seen me.

After freshening up I went to the dining table to have breakfast. I think I was the last one to arrive.

Ajay: brother why are you wearing your hair that. (giggling) You look like a girl.

I was red from embarrassment when he said that and my sister was holding her laughter.

Rashi Aunty: AJAY apologize to your brother now!

Ajay: But Mom he is wearing twin braids.

Rashi Aunty: What is wrong with that. He has long hair he can wear anything he wants.

Grandma: Ajay, there is nothing wrong with wearing braids if you have long hair and hairstyles don't have any gender.

Rashi Aunty: Grandma is right. Anyone can wear any hairstyle regardless of their gender.

Hearing this I understood what Grandma said to me last night. After Our breakfast, Ajay came to me and apologized. In the evening we all went to the mall where we all had fun. While Mom, Sis, and Aunt were shopping, Ajay and I went to the game Zone.

And just like that my Summer Vacation was over!

and school started with a SHOCK!

Chapter: 4 Hardship!

{NOTE: Images and links are used only as the reference to the character in the story}

It's been 5 months since I came back from grandma's home. My school has started and it's been getting quite hard for me there. And then there is my hair which has now grown considerably longer, I think because my mom had been applying oil, hair mask & giving me hair supplements my hair has grown quite faster.

My sis said that they are somewhat longer than waist length now. (Because they were looking longer than hers.) Now, It takes longer to do braids and the ends of my braid kinda touch my hips. I was happy that they were growing long faster but it is getting hard to maintain them. Boy's now have been consistently teasing me. Whenever I stand in a line or forgot to put the braids on my shoulder the boys start to play with them. I didn't want anyone to worry, so I did not tell anyone about it.

SCHOOL AFTER LUNCH.

I was not feeling well so I went to the staffroom to find my class teacher...

I heard a voice...
"Rahul, what you are doing here?"

I saw the ma'am coming towards me.

I took the braids from my back and placed them on my shoulder.

Rahul: Ma'am I am not feeling well.

Ma'am: I can tell from the look on your face.

I told her I was having some mild headaches & was kinda nauseous.

Ma'am: Must be the heat, come with me.

She took me to the medical room and gave an glucose water.

Ma'am: For the time being you can rest here & if you want to you can undo the braids.

Rahul: Yeah, thank you, ma'am.

Ma'am: Take care, If you need anything you can talk with the ma'am sitting over at the desk.
She said this and left to attend her class.

I kept my bag at the side of the bed and laid down. I don't know when but I fell asleep like a log.

"Kid WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" I heard & immediately woke up and saw the ma'am next to me.

"Kid it's been past 5 PM, school's over." I looked over to the clock.

Damn, I am late, I promised mom I'll help with the cleaning today. I quickly took my bag & got out of the bed.

Ma'am: Are you feeling fine now?

Rahul: Yes ma'am. (I said while adjusting my braids.)

"Thank you I'll get going now."

I quickly exited the room & rushed towards the gate.
When I near the corner rushing towards the exit I did not pay attention and hit some boys.
I was in a rush so I quickly said..."I am very sorry." & I got up and was going my way just then one of the boys grabbed my bag and pulled me towards them.

Tall Boy: Ohh look who we got here!

Boy 2: The Boy Rapunzel of the school.

Boy 3: Why are you rushing, did you forget your skirt?

All 3 of them then started laughing.

From the looks of them, all were seniors. (Great my day just got bad to worse.) I didn't want to waste my time so I just said...

Rahul: I am very sorry, I am not feeling well, can I go?

Boy 2: From the way you were running over here, it doesn't seem that anything wrong with you.

I looked over the corridor if someone was there but it was all empty.

Tall Boy: Where are you looking, first you are not apologizing properly, & even lying to your seniors.

Boy 3: Look's like you need to be instructed on how a junior should behave.

All of them then surrounded me towards the boy's washroom.

Boy 2: So what should we do with him?

Tall Boy: Him? look at how long and girly her hair is, she is not him.

Boy 3: Yeah no she is also wearing braids like the other girls.

"I am not a girl!" I said silently.

Tall Boy: Then why are you wearing your hair this long, that too in braids?

I kept quiet.

Tall Boy: See I told you.

"I am not a GIRL!" I shouted.

Boy 2: guys get him!

Suddenly 2 of them grabbed both of my arms and pitted me towards the wall.
"Hey what are you doing!" I shouted.

Boy 2: SHHH! (While keeping a finger on his mouth.)
Now I was so scared that no words were coming out of my mouth.

He then came near me and slowly took both of my braids and placed them on my shoulder.

Boy 2: Would you look at that, her braids are reaching till her belt & she still proclaims that she is a boy.

"It's just hair, & hair doesn't have gender," I replied.

Boy 2: if it is just hair then...

He then took out the scissors from his bag and spoke

Boy 2: Then you won't mind if you lose them.

When I saw the scissors, my heartbeat increased and I started struggling.

"No, please anything but that, please don't cut them!" I protested and struggled but it was of no use.
He came near me and as soon as the scissors were near my neck, I heard a voice...

"MA'AM! STUDENTS ARE BULLYING SOMEONE IN THE BOYS' WASHROOM."

As soon as the boys heard that, the Boys ran out as soon as possible.

I was so much in shock that I fell and passed out.
After some minutes, I felt someone was spraying water on my face, so I woke up.

Rahul: WWHO? (I rubbed my eyes)

Girl: Wake up, are you ok?

Rahul: Shilpa? (I was surprised)

Shilpa: Yeah?

Rahul: THE SENIORS?

Shilpa: They ran.

I quickly stood up.

Shilpa: First, let's go find a place to sit.

She took me to the nearest bench and gave me her water bottle.

Shilpa: You ok now? What happened? I heard some noise so...

I explained to her everything from the medical room to now. After I finished explaining my situation, she hugged me and said...

Shilpa: It must have been so hard, you did well to keep them stalling.

When she said that, tears started rolling down my eyes.

Shilpa: Ohh don't cry here take this. She handed me her handkerchief.

Rahul: Ever since Akash left, the past few months have been so hard.

Shilpa: I can understand.

I then wiped my tears and said...

Rahul: I'll wash and give this to you tomorrow.

Shilpa: Don't worry keep it.

Rahul: By the way where is ma'am?

Shilpa: There is no ma'am, I just made that up to save you. (Grinning)

Rahul: That's wild!

Shilpa: But we still have to tell this to a teacher.

Rahul: But we don't have anything against them.

Shilpa: Who says that!!

She said while showing me the scissors.

Rahul: NICE!!

Shilpa: we will go after lunch break tomorrow.

Rahul: Yup.

Shilpa: It's getting late, let's go.

Both of us went out of the school and took out bicycles.

Rahul: By the way thank you very much for saving me back then.

Shilpa: I am very sorry!

I can see tears well up in her eyes.

Rahul: Why are you apologizing?

Shilpa: This all happened because of me, because of that stupid promise.

Rahul: But I am the one who accepted it, so it's not your fault.

Shilpa: Still, if you want you can cut them, I don't mind.

Rahul: Nah, I have them grown this much already & like I said before I don't ever go back on my promise. (I said while having one of the braids in my hand.)

Shilpa: Yeah, they are quite close to my length now.

She stood next to me to compare our hair lengths.

Her braids were past her belt down to her skirt.

Shilpa: looking at the speed they are growing they will probably reach your hips in the next 4-5 months.

Rahul: Yeah, my sister also said the same.

Shilpa: Looking at you properly now, I think long hair suit's your face more than your old hair.

Rahul: Everybody's saying that, but it's so hard to manage them.

Shilpa: I know haha!

Rahul: Hehe!

We both then got out of the school and started riding on the way to our homes.

Rahul: Btw, what were you doing this late?

Shilpa: I have been doing dance Practice for our upcoming event.

Rahul: Annual Event?

Shilpa: Yeah.

We talked a bit and eventually, we reached our pathways.

Shilpa: So, this is my corner. (She said while pointing towards her lane.)
She just lives two blocks away from my home.

Rahul: Ohh ok, then thank you again for today.

She nodded her head and smiled. And just as I was about to leave...

Shilpa: Hey Rahul, you know what, you should come to see us tomorrow after school in the auditorium, I'll also introduce you to my friends, that is if you are ok with it. (While playing with one of her braids.)

I was a bit surprised she asked this...

Rahul: Umm, I'll think about it.

Shilpa: Really! Ok, then I'll go Bye, Take Care!!

Rahul: Bye!

And she was gone, I too then peddled faster on my way home.
As I reached home, I was getting scared that mom will scold me, but still, I pressed the doorbell.

As soon as she opened the door, she hugged me and spoke
Mom: Are you ok Rahul? I got a call from the teacher that said you were not feeling good & it was getting late so I was worried.
Rahul: Mom calm down, I am ok now, I just slept and didn't know school was over. (I did not want to tell her about today's incident.).

Ok go get freshen up now, we will talk over dinner.

At dinner, I explained everything to her, just not the incident.
After the dinner was over, she called me and told me to sit in front of her.
I already had my hair down so she started brushing them straight...

Mom: It has grown so long, & they look so healthy. (Combing...)

Rahul: Yes, all thanks to you. (I love when my mom brushes my hair it feels so soothing.)

Mom: You know they are now longer than your sister’s, right?

(She was studying in her room.)

Rahul: Yeah, but...

Mom: I know you want to grow them even longer, but you can probably do any hairstyle you want for long hair now. (Combing them back.)

Rahul: Still, I want them as long as possible.

I was so mesmerized by her hair brushing that, I was speaking whatever was coming to me first.

Mom: You love having long hair that much? (She then started sectioning and braiding my hair.)

Remembering the conversation with Shilpa I asked my mom

Rahul: Mom, do you think long hair suits me more?

Mom: hmm, why do you ask that?

Rahul: It's just that everyone I know is been saying that long hair looks good on me.

Mom: To tell you the truth you do look like a girl because of how long and beautiful your hair has been growing...

Rahul: MOM!! (I shouted and was about to turn my head but she stopped me and continue braiding.)

Mom: BUT even I am shocked how good you look in this hair...so It's kinda cute, still you haven't answered the question the previous question...

Rahul: OK, I love it alright.

Mom: Haha! ok.

She then put a scrunchie at the end of the braid. As I was about to get up she said...

Mom: Rahul by looking at the speed of how your hair is growing, I think when we will next visit your grandma's house next summer, your hair will be till your thighs.

Rahul: You think so? (I said while touching the tips of my braid.)

Mom: Umm hmm (she nodded) &

Rahul: Mom it's getting late, I have to wake up for school tomorrow.

Mom: I know, I just want you to know that I & your sister will always be there for you, so if there are any problems you are facing, please tell us.

Rahul: (I smiled) I will mom, Good Night!

Mom: Good Night son!

I went to my room and then went to bed. I was looking at the ceiling thinking about my day. So much happened today. The Senior's then Shilpa! If not for her I don't know what would have happened to me. She was so different today than her usual self. She was Kind, Caring & funny too. It's true what people say about how to not judge a person without knowing them properly. Then I remember her asking me to see her dance practice. Thinking about it I fell asleep.