Legendary Head Shave Tales
Darshan had been chatting with Niharika for a few weeks now on a dating app. Unlike the usual nonsense conversations he saw in other profiles, her messages were calm, clear, and carried a sort of old-school vibe. She wasn’t the kind to throw around “hey baby” and flirty lines. She spoke about life, family, devotion, and marriage like it was still something sacred. That struck Darshan differently. In a time where people proudly advertised their breakup stories and casual hookups, she was speaking about one-man life and old tradition. He liked that. It was a lazy Saturday evening when they decided to finally meet. Not for a coffee shop date or a mall hangout, but a proper long drive to a sunrise point, somewhere at the outskirts of Karnataka. Darshan suggested the place, and Niharika agreed happily.
She said, “Let’s see how this world looks when two like-minded souls meet under the early morning sun.” That line itself made Darshan smile. At around 7:30 in the night, Darshan was waiting near a petrol bunk, his heart beating slightly faster than usual. When Niharika arrived, he noticed something he didn’t expect. She had no hair. Completely bald, shining under the streetlight. For a second, Darshan was surprised. His mind did jump to quick questions — what happened? health issue? family issue? — but his heart told him, there must be a reason. He smiled and opened the door for her without a single word about it.“Hi… sorry, little late,” she said with a soft smile.“No problem, no problem… I just came now only,” Darshan replied with a grin. Both exchanged a small handshake and chuckle.
Darshan started the car, kannada old romantic song playing low in the background. Niharika sat beside him, adjusting her modern red dress. The chill night breeze touched her freshly bald head, but she didn’t try to cover it. “So… first meeting aa… how you feeling?” Darshan asked. “Little nervous… but happy… you look good only,” Niharika replied with a laugh. “Thanks… you too are looking… different but cute,” Darshan smiled, being careful not to mention her bald head yet. They spoke casually about weather, city traffic, office work. Slowly, Niharika asked, “So what you do for fun?” “Me? Hmm… movies, cricket, bike ride… mostly simple ma… you?” “Same… movies… music… some pooja… and I go temple whenever possible,” she replied. “Oh nice, devotional irbeku… nowadays rare only,” Darshan nodded.
As time passed and music played softly, conversation warmed up. They laughed about college days, hostel stories, how nowadays people don’t believe in old school love. Darshan asked, “You believe in love marriage or arranged?” “Any is okay naku… but one-man-woman kind… no time pass and no trial-and-error type,” Niharika said firmly. Darshan smiled wide. “Same here. Ee generation alli… hookup, breakup, swipe left-right… I hate all that.” She laughed. “Adhe… same thought… God promise.” Trust building slowly, Niharika finally took a deep breath and touched her scalp. “Actually… you didn’t ask about my gundu, no?” Darshan looked at her gently. “I noticed… but thought maybe reason is there… no need to hurry ask.” She smiled.
“Thanks… actually two days back I got gundu in Tirumala… for my little sister’s marks. She became district topper… first rank. Promise to God Venkateshwara.” “Ohhh super guru… district topper aa? Congrats … and you kept promise also… hat’s off,” Darshan said with genuine respect. “Some people laugh… some stare… but I don’t care… I did for my family… and devotion is devotion,” Niharika’s voice was proud. “That’s good… I respect such people more,” he said. From there, conversation flowed deeper. They spoke about life partner qualities, family values, head shave traditions, devotion meaning. Their conversation turned deeper, touching on what truly mattered to both of them. “You know, for me… marriage is not just for name sake. It’s about one partner, one life… sharing everything. Romance, fights, family… even those naughty things also if you know you know,”
Darshan chuckled, half shyly. Niharika laughed, “Adhe… same here. I don’t believe in all this one-night thing, timepass chats… waste. I feel sex also should be with one person, after both hearts connected. Not like how people doing nowadays. Romance is not just body… mind should connect first no?” They also discussed even about future children. “I want two girls… both bold and good hearted,” Niharika giggled. Darshan laughed. “I want one girl one boy… but I’ll be that strict appa… no mobile till 18!” “Ha ha… strict aa? I’ll be cool amma then,” she teased. Soon the car reached the hill point. Cool breeze, faint glow of morning sun coming. Both got down, stood near the cliff edge. Without a word, they looked at each other. Niharika softly said, “Darshan… you feel like known person ra… not new.”
Darshan smiled, “Adhe… same feel… some bond is there… maybe fate only.” She blushed and nodded. He took a deep breath “Niharika… I don’t know what others think about you or me… but after today, I feel like… you are the one I was waiting for. Honest, bold, devotional… my type girl. I want to spend my life with you… if you also feel same.” Niharika turned to him, her eyes shining. “Darshan… from first time we started talking only, I felt some connection. And today, seeing you, talking with you… your thoughts, your heart… it’s matching mine. I also feel same… if you are okay with this bald girl, I’ll be yours.” “Ayyoo… this bald head made me fall for you more. So much courage and devotion… I’m proud, and i want you to be next to me” Darshan smiled and took a small flower from dashboard, gave to her.
Niharika took it with wet eyes. “Yes… forever.” Darshan pulled Niharika closer, his arms wrapping around her as if he didn’t want to let go. Niharika too leaned into him, her cheek and bald head resting against his chest. The early morning breeze brushed past them, and the warmth between them felt even stronger. Neither of them spoke for a while — just stood there, holding each other, feeling safe and content. They turned to look at the rising sun one last time, still holding hands. Both knew life wouldn’t be perfect, but at least now… it would be shared with a perfect person .
