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

Chapter 2: Past & Present.

“What! When?” I asked my mom

“A week before I met her mother in the market yesterday. She told me that She & Shalini are moving to their old house.” Answered my mom. (My Mom and Shalini's mom are good friends.)

Me: Did you know why?

Mom: I think it was because Shalini got a Job in the town or something.

Me: She got a JOB....where?

Mom: She didn't tell me that & don't you think it's better if you ask her yourself.

Neha: Yeah, mom's right you know.

Me: Hmm...I don't know if I can. The last time we had a conversation was 5 years ago and that too ended in a big argument.

Mom: That was 5 years ago. I am sure she misses you.

Neha: She must have forgotten about it by now and things like this are common between friends.

Me: (sigh) I hope you are right. (hesitatingly)

Neha: Don't worry about it too much little brother. Now tell me about this close friend of yours. (grinning)

Mom: It's getting late for both of you. Now go to your room and sleep now.

Neha: MooooM!!

Mom: Let him rest now. We didn't let him relax the whole day.

Neha: Ok! We will talk in the morning. Good night both of you.

Me: Goodnight.

Mom: Goodnight.

Me: Ok Mom I should go too.

Mom: Son are those braids comfortable or want me to...

Me: This is great mom don't worry...GOOD NIGHT MOM!

Mom: Good Night Son.

I went to my room turned off the lights adjusted both of my braids and laid on my bed.

"They are still here!" I said while looking at the star-shaped radium stickers on the ceiling. Looking at them I also remembered the talk I had with Mom about Shalini.

"So, she is back," I said to myself and started thinking about her. I still remember her like it was yesterday.

I met her when I was 11 years old. I was new in the town and was playing in the garden near our home. My sister was at home to play with her new friends so I was alone today.
As I was going towards the slide a boy pushed me. (I was very frail when I was a child.) "Hey watch out Idio...!" I said to him. "What did you just say!" said the other boy.
I then had a good look at him. He was big and older than me.

Me: Sorry! (scared)

I got up from the ground.

Boy: I heard you.

Me: I said sorry...

He punched me in the gut.

Boy: Looks like you need to be taught a lesson!

When he was going to punch me again, I closed my eyes and that's when I heard her voice

Girl: WHAT do you think you are doing!?

I opened my eyes and saw a girl standing before me and the boy.

Boy: You!

Girl: You never change do you.... looks like I need to talk with aunty again.

Boy: Hey if you talk about Mom again...

Girl: What will you do bully me as you do to the other kids. I like to see you try.

She said that while standing in front of him. He was quite scared looking at her.

Girl: Go now!

He went away while giving me a look which I think meant "I'll see you next time."

The girl gave me her hand and said...

Girl: You hurt?

Me: No, I am fine and thanks.

I said while having a good look at her. She was the same height as me and had long straight black hair. Her face seemed familiar.

Girl: No problem, by the way, I am Shalini.

Me: OH...hi I am Ankit.

Shalini: I know we are in the same class.

Me: (that's why she seemed familiar.) What were you doing here?

Shalini: I was waiting here for your sister. Do you know where is she?

Me: Her friends came today so she is still at home.

Shalini: Well, she seems busy...Umm, will you play with me?

Me: (With a smile on my face!) WHY NOT!!
.
.
.
.
.
Remembering my memories of her I fell asleep.

~~~~~~AFTER 2 DAYS~~~~~~

--- From the Point of View of Shalini ---

Shalini: Mom are you ready yet, it's already 5:30 PM.

S Mom: Just give me 5 min.

Shalini: Please mom faster.

S Mom: I know you're excited to meet him but calm down...Damn these locks are old!

Ever since I heard that Ankit is coming back today, I was quite excited to meet him. I wanted to surprise Ankit today.

S mom: Done let's go.

Shalini: Finally! let's go.

I said while both of us closed the gate and started walking towards Ankit's house. His house was only 2 blocks away. We arrived here a week ago but were so busy cleaning and setting up the house that we didn't have time to meet anyone.

As we were walking, I realized that it's been more than 5 years since I last saw Ankit and Neha face-to-face. Thinking about Ankit made me nervous.

S mom: What happened now? you were so excited a moment ago and now all of sudden you are quiet.

Shalini: I'm kinda nervous facing him after all this time. I mean last time I talked with him we got into an argument and since then we haven't had any conversation.

S mom: It's been 5 years Shalini he too must have missed you and haven't you heard "Time heals all the wounds."

Shalini: Yeah, you are right I shouldn't think about it much.

I think I last heard about Ankit was through Neha that he is studying B.E in Pune. On the way, I was having so many thoughts like...
Has he changed or is he still the same?
Will he still be angry? What should I say when I first see him?

While these thoughts were coming to my mind, we were near his house. Just then my mom distracted me by saying...

S mom: is that Neha?

Shalini: Where? (Looking left and right.)

S mom: Up there at the balcony of their house.

I saw up there and was kinda surprised.

S mom: Just look at that Hair. I can't even see the ends.

Shalini: Damn just how long is it, I am Jealous. She didn't even tell me that she was growing her hair. (It looked like she was talking with someone over the phone.)

S mom: She must have her reasons still; it looks so pretty.

Shalini: Yeah.

S mom: Well now let's go, you can talk with her there.

We both reached the house and my mom rang the doorbell.

Aunty opened the door.

Shalini: Good Evening Aunty.

Aunty: Good Evening Shalini & Reshma. (Shalini's mom) Come inside both of you.

S mom: Sorry to surprise you like this...I know I should have visited sooner.

Aunty: Don't worry I understand.

As soon I entered the hall...

Aunty: Neha look who is here!

She came out of the kitchen and as soon as she saw me, she hugged me.

Neha: I missed you Shalini!

Shalini: I missed you too Neha di. (di = sis)

I had a quick look at her and I was confused because the girl I saw didn't had her hair in a ponytail and it was way longer so I asked her...

Shalini: Do you have a friend over?

Neha: No why do you ask?

Shalini: I just saw a girl with very long hair on your balcony.

Neha: OH, wait I'll get her here. (Smilingly)

She quickly went and a few minutes later she brought the girl with her.

At first, I didn't recognize him because the hair was covering his face and then I heard a familiar voice...

Ankit: Hi there…Shalini!

MY JAW DROPPED! When I heard this voice. (No way I said to myself.) Then he tucked his hair which was covering his face behind his ears. Then I realized and stood up from my chair and said...

Shalini: OH MY GOD! Ankit IS THAT YOU? (I said that out loud.)

Ankit: Yes. (shyly)

I still couldn't believe that standing in front of me is Ankit. I looked at my mom and she was shocked too. (She had her hand on her mouth.)

His hair was so long that it not only covered his back but his butt too. It was till his thighs, few more months and it will reach his knees. The length was not the only thing that was great the quality too. His hair looked like the hair we see in shampoo ads.

Neha: Both of you sit down first then you can talk.

I didn't realize that I was still standing and staring at him for more than 2 min.

As I sat down, I watched Ankit shifting his hair to the front as he sat on the chair. (Still surprised seeing the length.)

There was silence in the room. Both I and Mom were so shocked that we had no words until Aunty brought us glasses of water and said...

Aunty: We both had the same expression when we first saw his hair 2 days ago.

~~~~~~30 min Earlier~~~~~~

------Ankit's Point of view------

It was 5 PM I had my evening tea and was in my room watching videos on the Internet on my old computer. I took my hair out of my ponytail to let them down. Just as I was about to play a song, I got a call from my friend from college.

I picked it up...

Ankit: Hello.

College friend: Hi Ankit, did you reach your home?

Me: Yeah. I wanted to surprise them so I left the hostel 2 days before.

College friend: WHAT??

Ankit: Ahh wait a minute.

I closed my computer and went to our balcony.

Ankit: Is the audio better now.

College friend: Yeah. So how did they take the surprise and did they like your hair?

Ankit: They loved it! let me tell you...

I didn't even realize it was half an hour until I saw some familiar faces.

"Wait a minute is that Reshma aunty then the girl on the right must be Shalini." I thought to myself

"OMG, she is here," I said.

College friend: Who is she?

Ankit: It's Shalini I told you about her.

College friend: Yeah, I remember.

Ankit: Looks like they are coming here.

Just then, when I saw aunty looking over here, I instantly turned my back towards them.

Ankit: Thank God...I don't think they recognized me.

College friend: Why are you worrying about something like that?

Ankit: It's been years since we last saw each other and I don't know what she will think of me when she sees me like this.

College friend: OH, don't think about it Ankit, be strong!

I heard the doorbell ring; I quickly went to my room.

Ankit: Hey I will talk with you later.

College friend: I understand, Well all the best.

Ankit: Thanks.

I was having so many thoughts which were making me nervous.
A few minutes later I heard A bang on my door. It was my sister.

Neha: Hey Ankit, come out quickly SHALINI'S HERE!!

When I heard this, I took the brush and quickly adjusted my hair then opened to door.

Neha: She saw you on the balcony but didn't recognize you. Now, let us go down. They are waiting.

Me: Sis, I am a bit nervous.

Neha: Hey don't worry, you look great. I am sure she will be surprised but will never hate you. Let's go she is waiting.

We quickly rushed downstairs and went into the room. A soon as I saw her, in a state of panic I said...

Me: Hi Shalini! (In Panic)
(Because I rushed down the staircase some strands of my hair fell on my face, so I tucked them behind my ears.)

She was so shocked that she stood up from her chair and said...

Shalini: OH MY GOD! ANKIT IS THAT YOU?

She said that so loud that I became quite embarrassed.

Me: Ye...Yes! (I said embarrassingly.)

Then I finally had a good look at Shalini.
Every memory of her came rushing back.
She was wearing a black t-shirt with jeans her hair was tied in a ponytail that reached her waist. She was grown taller too. DAMN! she became so beautiful.

Neha: Both of you sit down first then you can talk.

Then I realized that I was staring at her a bit too much.

I adjusted my hair and sat down. No one spoke for what felt like hours so to break the silence, I turned to Aunty to say "good evening." but she still had that shocked expression. Looking at that no words came out of my mouth.

Finally, Mom came into the room with glasses of water and realized the situation, and said...

Mom: We both had the same expression when we first saw his hair 2 days ago.

From the next chapter onwards this style of dialog will change into paragraph style.

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

Chapter 3: Reasons.

‘Yeah, we both were so surprised when we first saw him with his hair this long!’ said Neha.
‘I know right! I am still trying to process it. I mean it is so long not even girls these days keep their hair this long at most they keep them till their waist.’ replied Reshma Aunty while taking a glass of water from my mom. (Shalini’s Mom)
‘That’s so true!, I knew he was growing his hair long but wouldn’t have guessed that he would grow them this long.’ Explained mom.
‘Not only his hair is long but the quality of his hair is amazing, just look at how healthy and straight they are many girls would die to have hair like this, they are just beautiful’
‘Thank you, Aunty!’ I replied embarrassingly while nervously adjusting my hair.
While both moms were chatting and asking questions to both of their children, Neha noticed that Ankit and Shalini haven’t spoken with each other but still were glancing at each other shyly. Then she said…‘Hey Ankit why don’t you take Shalini to your room, I am sure you too both have lot of catching up to do…I will be there soon (WINK)
‘Yes, take her upstairs I will call you when it's time for dinner.’ Said, Mom.
“BUT MOM…”
‘Go on now don’t let some aunties get between your reunion!’ ordered Reshma Aunty.
We both quickly got up and went upstairs to my room. I sat on my computer chair while she sat on the bed. It was a bit quiet for a moment then we both spoke…
“So how have you been?” We both said in unison.
“You-you go ahead first” replied Shalini clumsily. (She still looks cute while being clumsy.)
“I’ve been doing good, what about you?” I asked.
“I am doing good too, Sorry for being quiet down there, it’s just that I was so excited to meet you after a long time but I was so shocked seeing your new appearance.”
“Don’t be sorry I understand It’s been more than 6 years since we last saw each other.”
“Yeah, it’s been so long…but this room is still the same as ever.”
“My mom and sister were keeping it like that ever since I was away for studies.”
“The room is the same but you have changed so much, I never thought you will grow your hair this long, I still can’t believe it.
“You can touch it if you want to.”
“WHAT really? I can?” said Shalini. I can still see the spark of curiosity in her eyes. (she is still the same.)
“Yup!” I replied and got up and sat on a table near the bed.

As soon I said ‘Yup’ and sat on the table she stood up and quickly went behind and started checking my hair.
She started running her hands in my hair and said “Wow they are so silky smooth and thick I can’t believe I am touching a boy’s hair.”
I turned around and gave her a look.
“I mean look at your hair they are more feminine than most females and the length, your hair is way longer than mine & I have almost hip-length hair.” Shalini Explained.
“About that, I never intended to grow them this long but during the past one year all salons were closed due to covid so…” I replied.
“Ok…so how long we're planning to grow them till?”
“Umm at least till my hips,” I replied shyly
“That is still VERY LONG Ankit! I don’t think I ever saw a guy with hair as long as yours.
Just when did you start thinking of growing your hair longer?”
“I think It was during 8th or 9th std that I….”
“DURING SCHOOL!!!” Shalini said out Loud!!
“Volume!!” I exclaimed.
“Sorry, but during our school time, you never told me about this?” Shalini asked.
“I too was not much sure about it at that time, It was during 11th std that I finally decided to grow them long!”
“Ok, so what or who Inspired you to have long hair?” Asked Shalini
I looked at her and said, “It's you!!”
“What! me when?”
“Remember at one time you forced me to watch a movie with your mother.”
“I forced you many times to watch movies with me………wait a min is it that movie.”

Before 10 Years

“No, I don’t want to come that movie is for girls only!” I explained.
“It is not!”
“IT IS!”
“No it’s not, Just because it is a Disney princess movie does not mean it is only for girls!” replied Shalini.
We were discussing this while going home on our bicycles. Finally, we reached Shalini’s home.
“Please come with me, I don’t want to watch it alone!”
“Isn’t your mom coming with you?”
“She is but I need a friend with me and didn’t I come with you to watch ‘how to train your dragon’ Please come with me you will like ‘Tangled’ too!”
“Ahh ok, I will come with you!” I said while being defeated.
“Really! Thank you so much” said Shalini while hugging Ankit.

The Next Day

We all 3 reached the cinema hall. The Movie will start at 5 pm so we were 15 min early to buy the tickets.
“I am so glad you came with us Ankit.” Said Aunty.
“Yeah, me too.” I said while looking at Shalini and still not sure about the decision I made.
While Aunty was buying tickets, Shalini & I went to buy popcorns.
“Hey don’t worry this will be a great experience for you,” said Shalini while looking at me.
“I guess so.”
As soon as we got the tickets and the popcorn we went into the hall.
After the movie ended all 3 of us went to a nearby restaurant to have dinner.
“So how was the movie kids? Asked Aunty.
“I loved it, what about you Ankit? Asked Shalini while looking at me.
“It was OK!” I replied.
“Don’t lie I saw you smiling the whole time!”
“I liked it! ok now.” I said embarrassingly.
“YUP!” Said Shalini while smiling.
Dinner came and we were still discussing our favorite things in the movie.
“My favorite character was Rapunzel!” I replied excitedly.
“Oh, me too I loved how she can take care of herself even if she is alone, what did you like about her?” asked Shalini.
“I liked everything about her but her luscious golden hair was the standout for me, still sad that she cut them in the end,” I said excitedly.
“Yeah, that was quite sad, still I liked the happy ending.”
“Me too!.”
After some time on the way home, Shalini said…
“Hey Ankit, I have an idea, why don’t we try growing our hair like her!”
“You can try, but I can’t,” I replied.
“Why?” asked Shalini.
“It’s quite obvious, boys can’t have long hair & even Rapunzel is a girl…I can’t have long hair!”
“Again, with the boy and girl thing…didn’t you watch the movie with me and who said boys can’t have long hair there are many who keep them long like Johnny Depp, Hair doesn’t have any gender.” Explained Shalini
After she said that I thought about it all the way to the home. Finally, after reaching home, I said to her…
“You know what Shalini, you are right I will try growing my hair longer.”
“Really?!” Shalini said excitedly.
“Yup,” I replied.
“Promise me you won’t go back on your words.” Shalini Asked.
“I PROMISE!”

Present Day

“I still remember about that day but I didn’t think you were serious about that promise.” Said Shalini after I told her about the promise we made.
“Yeah, after that day I started thinking about having long hair & whenever I used to see someone with long hair, I used to imagine myself with their hair.”
“Omg, you never told me about this!” Exclaimed Shalini.
“Like I said, I was still not so sure during that time and truth to be told I was quite embarrassed at that time to talk with anyone about this.”
“Still didn’t we share everything back then and you didn’t even try to contact me after 11th std are you still angry about that conversation.”
“No I am not, I was angry at first but I understood your circumstances, I wanted to contact you but then you changed your number and I didn’t want to ask your Mom so…what about, you didn’t try to contact me,” I replied hastily.
“I too wanted to but life was really hard for us back then and when I wanted to I too didn’t have any way to contact you…. you didn’t even have any social media account.”
There was an Awkward silence in the room after a few min I spoke “Guess we both got busy in life!”
Shalini nods her head.
“I am Sorry!” we both said again in union and after a second, we laughed together.
Just then my sister entered my room and put a hand over Shalini.
“Sis at least knock!”
“Sorry old habits, so Shalini what is your thought on my brother’s sorry little sister new appearance, doesn’t he look cute in long hair.?” Asked Shalini.
Shalini took some locks of my hair and put it on my shoulder and said “Yup, He sure does a bit feminine but cute, way better than his old spike hairstyle.”
“Hey, that was the thing back then!!” I Exclaimed.
“Yeah right!” replied Shalini and all of us laughed.
We 3 chatted so much that we forgot to look at the time. ‘I missed this so much.’ I thought to myself. Both of them keep asking questions regarding my long hair like how did I keep them at college? what style do I like? How did you keep it like this? And many more.
After some time mom called us down for dinner. I was searching for my scrunchie to tie my hair into a ponytail. (tied hair doesn’t disturb during eating food.) “Hey sis did you see my black scrunchie?” I asked my sister.
“No, I didn’t see it.”
“Let it be, Shalini will you get me scrunchie from the bag near you?”
“Yeah, wait a min!” replied Shalini.
.
.
.
“Here take this.” Said Shalini while handing me a white scrunchie. I quickly brushed my hair back and tied my hair in a ponytail.

While looking at me Shalini said, “Hey you tied it the same as me.”
“Yeah, I tie it like that because of my length, If I tied it low it gets loose quickly,” I replied.
Shalini and Neha looked at each other and laughed. I didn’t understand why they laughed so I asked them “Hey, why are you guys laughing.”
“It’s nothing.” Replied my sister.
“OK, well let’s not keep them waiting.”
We went down sat to have dinner with everyone. Just then Reshma aunty said while looking at me…” Ankit you look so different with your long hair, you look so much like your mother in your ponytail.” (My mom was also wearing ponytail.)
“He got my looks while his sister got his dad's.” Replied my mom while my sister and Shalini were holding their laughter. Then I got why they were laughing at me back then and turned red in embarrassment.
After dinner, I and Shalini got out to have a walk near the garden while others were busy talking.
As we were walking Shalini said…
“It’s been so long since both of us got together and had fun like this.”
I nodded.
“And this is the first time that I was so surprised by you that I didn’t had words to describe it.”
“How many times will you bring that up!” I replied.
“I mean who would believe if I told them that you have grown your hair till your knees.”
“They are still not till my knees,” I said while pushing my ponytail back.
“In a few months they will be.”
“Well, then I have to cut them then...” as soon as I said that Shalini shouted!
“DON’T!!”
“Why?”
“They are better long.” Answered Shalini.
I was quite surprised by her answer because I didn’t think she would like me to have hair longer than her. “If you say so.”
“Well, enough about me…you are still the same.”
“WHAT?” said Shalini while staring at me angrily.
“I don’t mean appearance-wise, I meant behaviour-wise.”
“So you mean I am still like a child!”
“NO NO I meant like sweet, funny, and caring….” I replied hurriedly.
“I was just Joking Ankit, & Thank you……well what about appearance?” said Shalini while posing in front of me.
As soon as she said that I spoke without thinking what came to my mind first.
“You have become more beautiful and Ravishing since I last saw you!”
I quickly realized how embarrassing things I have said out loud. I thought she will shout at me for saying this thing but when I looked at her, I saw that she too was blushing.
If we were still the same Shalini would have shouted at me for saying things like that but I guess she too has changed over the years.
There was a silence for a min between us then I spoke “So-Sorry I didn’t think before I speak!”
“It Its ok.” Shalini stuttered.
Shalini got a call from her mother.
“It’s mom, we have to leave!”
“Yeah, it’s getting late let’s go home.”
While walking the way home Shalini said…
“Hey, Ankit You busy Sunday evening?”
“I don’t think so why?” I curiously asked her.
“Some of our classmates are going to meet up at the café near the mall, I am going will you come?” Asked Shalini while playing with her hair.
“I don’t know about that and I think my sister is also going with her friends so there will be no vehicle for me.”
“Come on…I am sure they will love to have you & I will pick you up on the way.”
“I will think about it!” I replied.
“Don’t think please come it will be fun meeting them. PLEASE!!”
She repeated ‘please’ all the way to the home. Too which I finally said, “OK stop it now, I will come.”
“YAY!” she said in excitement.
I sighed and said, “I still can’t argue with you can I?”
“NEVER!” Said Shalini while smirking.
We both reached home and saw everyone standing near the gate.
“Thank you for having us today, we got to go now it’s getting late.” Said Reshma Aunty.
“Let’s do this again at your place once you are finally settled Reshma.” Replied Mom.
“Definitely.”
While going to their home Shalini Shouted “Meet you on Sunday BYE!!”
“Sure, Bye, GOOD NIGHT!!” I replied.
“Where are you going on Sunday?” asked my sister.
‘JUST A MEETUP!!’

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

Chapter 4: A Fun Meeting.

——– 4:00 PM Sunday ——–

“Ankit, SHALINI is here!” Shouted my mom.
“Send her to my room, I’ll need some more time,” I replied to mom. ‘I slept too long.’ I said to myself

“Hey there!” I said while I was combing my hair straight.
“Hi, you are not ready yet?” asked Shalini.
“Yeah, sorry for being late, I fell asleep while watching a movie with Neha,” I replied.

Ever since I returned home, I have been sleeping a lot more than before, I guess that’s why people say that ‘home is the most comfortable place ever.’

“I am almost ready it’s just the hair that takes time.”
“Yeah, I understand, take your time!” replied Shalini.

After combing when I started to braid my hair Shalini kept looking with her eyes wide open…It was getting awkward so I asked her
“Wh-What is it? Something wrong with the hair?” I asked clumsily
“Nothing is wrong, It’s am still not over the fact that you have grown your hair this long hair & you even know how to braid!” Exclaimed Shalini.
“I understand that it’s been 6 years since we met but still you need to get over this! & if you have hair this long you at least need to know how to braid your hair. Anyway, it’s just a simple side braid.”
“Having said that, I never thought you will braid it so quick & it looks soo GOOD.”
I actually, wanted to have my hair done in french or twin braid but because I was late I have gone with the simple side braid, her reaction to that would have been amazing.

“Haha thanks, now can you pass me that blue scrunchie near the laptop?” I asked Shalini while combing the ends of my braid.

After tieing my hair I stood up, put the braid on the front, and asked her “So how do I look?”

Ankit with his braid.

“Overwhelmingly…CUTE!” Shalini said with a smile on her face.

I made an angry face & she said “I was just Joking you look Great!

“Thanks, I hope others will also feel this way.”

I was excited yet nervous about how others will react after seeing me like this.

While looking at me Shalini asked, “Are you nervous?”

“A little…” I replied slowly while trying to sound happy.

“Ohh don’t be nervous, you look great, everyone will like you coming there,” replied Shalini in a sweet & soothing way.

Hearing this from her made me quite confident & happy. Still, I replied sarcastically. I quickly wore a jacket & said

“We’ll see! Now let’s go I am ready.”

On the way down we both said bye to my sister, as I was going to open the main door my mom stopped me…

“Here take this.” Said my mom while handing me down a bottle of sanitizer.

“Thanks, I almost forgot it.”

“Yeah, and Shalini…”

“Yes, Aunty?”

“Please take care of my Son, It’s been a long time since he came here & got out so for today lookout for my….”

I interrupted my mom & said

“MOM, I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!” My mom always embarrasses me like that.

“But still…”

“MOM” I replied embarrassingly.

I can see Shalini was smiling while I was getting pampered by mom.

“Ok, Ok now, get going both of you, it’s already late Bye! be Safe!”

Shalini got ready on her Scooty (motor scooter or Moped)

I quickly wore a mask & sat behind her. We both said our goodbyes to my mother & drove away.

I didn’t know which cafe or restaurant we were going to, so I asked Shalini, “So exactly where are we going?”

“All I know is that It’s a new cafe named “Cafe Blue Night” which opened near the mall on GM road.”

“Ok, so who planned all of this you?” I asked her curiously.

“No, it was Priya & Sana who planned & suggested the cafe,” replied Shalini while stopping at a red light.

“Wait, PRIYA is coming!” I said her name so loud that even Shalini was stunned.

“She is, isn’t she. You know how it was between us during school.”

“It’s going to be fine, actually you might be surprised, I met her when I was in college, she has changed quite a bit.”

“Hope you are right!” I was concerned because we were like water & oil, always used to fight on little things. We tried getting along but it was quite hard for us.

“You will see when you get there, by the way, I am still kinda surprised about you wearing a braid!” exclaimed Shalini.

Now I knew she was trying to change the topic to lift my mood but I still went along with it because I didn’t want to ruin our mood so I replied.

“So how did you expect me to wear them?”

“Umm, I thought you would wear a bun or something.”

“Maintaining a simple bun is difficult for me now as my hair is quite long now it is tough for me to handle it &…I kinda like braids,”

It was getting very hard for me to wear buns since I passed hip-length hair. If I try to wear them normally, it gets untangled easily cause of the weight.

After a few seconds, Shalini started giggling and said…

“You sounded so much like a typical long-haired girl there lol!!”

“Shalini!!” Sounding embarrassed.

” But I get it, it gets harder to wear a bun when you have hair longer than waist-length & braid suits you better.”

“Th-thanks, you really enjoy teasing me huh?”

“A little, you look cute when you are angry-embarrassed Haha!”

“YOU!!!” I started poking her.

“Hey! I am driving here!”

& just like that, we reached near the mall. We didn’t see the cafe nearby so Shalini called Sana to ask its location.

“The cafe is actually inside the mall, they all are waiting for us in the cafe,” said Shalini while parking the vehicle.

After parking our vehicle, we took the elevator as the cafe was on the 3rd floor. As we were approaching the cafe I was getting more and more agitated. Just then Shalini said something which made me more anxious.

“I am very excited to see how they will react when they recognize you!”

“Wait, you told them I was coming right?”

With a smile on her face, she shook her face sideways and said…

“I just said to them that I am bringing someone special!”

Damn, She hasn’t changed at all, she always tries to make me face things like that while she enjoys it. We reached the cafe & as soon as we went inside we both were overwhelmed by the atmosphere there.

Painted in Midnight blue the cafe was looking extremely beautiful in the evening, mix with the welcoming aroma of coffee beans.
Soon we were interrupted by a familiar voice…
“Shalini Here!”
We spotted everyone sitting near the large window and went there.
I was hiding behind Shalini while we were on the way to the table & as soon as we reached a table a girl with bangs & extremely straight long hair came from behind & hugged Shalini. As she hugged her every girl noticed it and got up.

“I missed you Shalini, it has been so long.” Said the girl with bangs as she hugged her.
“Oh! I missed you too Priya!”
When she said her name I was astonished! (I had my jaw dropped.) When she pulled back from the hug I had a good look at her.
‘Shalini was right!!’ I said to myself. She has changed so much more than anyone present there. The last I saw her was a photo of her when I used to use Facebook. She used to have shoulder-length hair & definitely no bangs. If I remember correctly she absolutely hated having long hair. Damn, she even looks kinda beautiful now.
I quickly composed myself when she asked Shalini…
“So who is she?” Again with the ‘she’, even in men’s clothes do I look like a girl to her.
“It’s a surprise I’ll tell you in a little bit, for now, let’s greet everyone.”
“Ok, Btw you look kinda familiar!” She said while looking at my face. I tried to adjust the mask on my face and tried to hide my face using the side hair.

Both of them greeted & hugged each other while I was recognizing everyone. It was kinda awkward that I was the only boy there because including Priya & Shalini there was a total of 6 girls.

As they were greeting each other I can hear them saying…
“Hey, Shalini who have you bought?” – Sana
“Yeah who is she?” said Nisha
everyone was asking her similar questions so she finally came around me then she brought me forward and said…
“First everyone let’s sit down!” said Sana.
As I was about to sit Shalini stopped me and said “Not you, not until they guess who you are.” said Shalini with a sly smile on her face. I was a bit tense but I thought it will liven up the mood so I went with it. (Took my mask off.)
“Well girls, Can you guess who is this?” Asked Shalini to everyone.

“Can’t you just tell us?” said Kajal.
“It won’t be fun then & I want to see your reactions!”
“At least give us a hint.” Asked Anushka.
“Ok then umm….yeah we were all in the same school.”
Then they started discussing themselves.
(In a low voice) I asked Shalini. “Was this all necessary?”
“Come on, It’s fun!”
“Yeah right!”

Suddenly Priya spoke up
“Your face feels very familiar but I still can’t get it.”
“Yeah me too…It’s weirdly familiar!” replied Nisha.
“Is it…Muskan?” said Kajal.
“No I have seen her recent photo & she doesn’t look or dress this way,” replied Nisha.
“Do you know all of us?” asked Sana.
I looked at Shalini & she nod her head.
I didn’t want to spoil the fun so I spoke with the girliest voice I can speak.
“Yes, Sana I know everyone here!” I replied.
Shalini was giggling when she heard me speaking in this voice.
That’s when I heard…
“No-No-No-No-No that possibly can’t be him!” Said Nisha with a shocking look on her face while looking at Shalini. (She put her hand on her mouth.)
“Can’t be possibly what, wait a min……ANKIT!!!!” (She got up from her seat) Priya said it so loud that even the security guard at door could hear him.
“WHAT, are you really?” Asked Anushka.
“Yes, it is me!!”
“Holy S**t!” exclaimed Kajal.

While everyone was still processing my new look, Shalini was having the best time of her life. I can see her controlling her laughter. Then she got up and said…
“You guys sure took a lot of time, now let us welcome the newly transformed Ankit.”

“OMG! I still can’t believe it!” said Nisha.
“Is that hair Real?” asked Sana while pointing towards my braid.
“Yup 100% Natural!” I replied.
“Can I touch them?” Said Sana while she was ready to touch them.
“Sure go ahead!”
When I said that everyone came near me and started checking my hair out.

“They are so silky, looks like you took great care of them,” said Sana while holding my braid.
“They are not only silky but thick too, jeez I am Jealous of you now!” replied Priya with a smile on her face.
“And damn it’s quite long too!” said Kajal.
“Anushka, come here stand next to Ankit, & Ankit put your braid back.” requested Nisha.
When Anushka came near me, I quickly put my braid on my back.
“Now both of you please turn around.”
We did as she requested.
“See I told you, Ankit has longer hair than her,” said Nisha while pointing to my braid.
I was quite surprised when Nisha said it, I didn’t notice it before so I checked her hair and it was true. While the ends of my hair were almost to my knees, Anushka’s braid was just past her hips. (above her thigh’s)
“I knew it when I first saw his hair,” replied Anushka with confidence.
“Who would have thought that it will be Ankit who will beat you to it,” said Sana.
“Right, haha!” replied Shalini.

The thing was that from our school day’s Anushka always had the longest hair in our class & many girls tried to compete with her. Shalini and Nisha came close but were not able to grow their hair past hip length. I too used to envy her because of her hair length & thickness.

“What happened Priya? you’ve been quiet for some time,” said Shalini with a smile on her face.
I saw her face & she really was quite shocked seeing my hair.

“I am still kinda processing that he is Ankit because not even in my dreams, I would have imagined that Ankit will even grow his hair long, that too of this magnitude!” replied Priya with a brooding expression.

“I mean who would have, heck even I was at loss for words when I first saw him a few days back. “
Everyone nodded to her statement.

I looked at the waiter who was waiting for us, so I looked at my watch & said…

“Now-now it’s been more than 20 min now let’s order some food after that you can ask me as many questions you girls want.”

After the order for the food was given, the flood of questions was coming…

Shalini stopped them and said…”First of all, as a girl what do you think of his hair & how does it look on him?”
Anushka went first “They are absolutely beautiful, not only they are very long but they Silky Smooth too. His braid kinda looks like from the Shampoo/oil commercial we see!”
“And I don’t how but they suit his face too,” replied Priya.
“Yeah, he looks cute now, quite feminine but in a good way,” said Kajal.
That was the first time I heard someone say “Feminine in a good way” & didn’t know how to reply to this so I just said…
“Thanks, I guess.”

“She is right & it’s good that you don’t have any beard or mustache or it would not have looked as good,” explained Anushka.

I never was able to grow them at all, I asked my mother about it & she too said that even dad didn’t have proper facial hair. I guess my genes are like that.

“You know when I first saw you I thought were a tomboy girl because of the clothes lol! Said Kajal.
“If not for his clothes I don’t think I would be able to guess that it was you,” replied Nisha.
“Yeah when she said ‘HIM’ & looked towards Shalini, I knew it was you because the only boy Shalini will tease is you.”
Well, Priya was definitely right, Shalini is the only girl who would do something like this.

“But the main question is just why did you grow your hair this long?” Asked Sana.
“Yeah, Just why?” said everyone in unison.

Then I told everyone that I always wanted to grow my hair long for a long time but because the school didn’t allow us I never tried to grow them. (I didn’t tell them about the promise with Shalini.) While I was explaining this the food arrived. But they still were asking a lot of questions about me.

“Still Just how did you grow them this long, even most girls don’t grow their hair past waist length & you have them almost till your knees.” Said Anuska while eating a sandwich.
“& your hair looks so healthy too!” Replied Priya.

“I did not want to grow them this long, because of covid the salons were…”
“& here he goes again.” Interrupted Shalini.

“Ok, so what was your goal?”
When Priya asked me this everyone was looking at me and it made me a little embarrassed so I put my head down and slowly said “at least till hip length.”
“Huh, We can’t hear you?” Shouted Shalini.
“h-hip length at least” I fumbled.
When I saw the look on everyone’s face I was so embarrassed that for 2 min I was eating with my head down.
Then finally Sana spoke “Ankit…that is still long for a girl, let alone for a guy.”
“Right-right even I said the same thing,” replied Shalini.
“I…I know”
“Don’t get us wrong we are not against boys having long hair but it’s just the first time we saw a boy with knee-length hair.”
“That too this well maintained,” added Nisha.
(Everyone nodded.)
I never thought that Priya will speak up for me. Seeing that made me quite happy & comfortable.
“If not for the support I got for growing my hair I would never have grown them this long & I really love them like this.”

When I said that everyone had a smile on their face. After everyone was finished eating. Shalini ordered coffee for everyone. All of us started talking to each other about ourselves.

I talked with Priya…
“I got to tell you Ankit, I have never been so surprised in my life as today, I didn’t even recognize you!”

“I was surprised seeing you too, You look so different now even I was not able to recognize you.”

“haha, I get that a lot!”

“I mean look at that hair, & the bangs suit your face so much, It makes you look beautiful.” that just came out in the flow.
I can see she was embarrassed when I said…
“Sorry but it’s true.”
“Jeez thanks, you look great too!”
“Haha, Thanks!!” I said with I big smile.
& we both had a good laugh.
“Still didn’t you used to say that you hate having long hair?” I asked her.
“I used to say that didn’t I” (she let out a sigh)
“All I can say is some event led to this & now I hate short hair.”
I didn’t want to pry into it so I just laughed and said “good for you.”
“& I was kinda influenced by anime and Kdrama a lot so…”
“The bangs right!”
“Yeah!” replied Priya.
“Looks good on your straight hair though!”
“Thanks, you should try having them too!”
“NO, for now, this is enough for now.”
We both let out a laugh & everyone started looking at us.

Just like that, the coffee was over & we all went towards the counter to pay the bill.

“Sorry I have to go now, Help my mom with dinner.” said kajal.
“Yeah me too!” added Anushka.
“Wait a min we are coming too!” said Sana
“Sorry, we were not able to stay for long Shalini & Ankit,” said Priya.
“Don’t be sorry, we understand!” replied Shalini.
“Yeah!” I added.
“Next time we will make a plan for the entire day, & your attendance is compulsory!” Said Priya while pointing her towards me.
“I’ll definitely come, ma’am!” I replied.

“Promise you will, because we still have so many questions to ask about you,” said Anushka.

“I PROMISE!”

After that, we had a little talk on the way out and said bye to each other at the entrance of the mall.

“Damn what a day it way!” said Shalini.
“You’re telling me.”

It was an exhausting yet fun day. Everyone was so nice about the hair that I was very happy about it.

“By the end, it looked like you were now able to get along with Priya now,” asked Shalini.
“Yeah, she really has changed very much.”
“That she sure has!”
“BTW Shalini are you free for some time?” I asked her.
She looked at her watch and said “Yeah, it’s only 6:30, why?”

“I wanted to go to a Salon,” I replied.

“WHAT…..WHY?”

Hi Guys, Tomi here, hope you all enjoyed reading chapter 4 of childhood friends. I am Sorry if you feel the story is going slow it’s just that I don’t want to Rush the story & I want the crossdressing aspect to happen naturally.
Sorry for the delay stories like this takes quite some time to write.
Again Thank you for reading this and look forward to the next chapter.