Part One: The Invitation
It was a bright Sunday afternoon in Mumbai, and the Patel family—an all-women household of five—was out shopping at a bustling market. Leading the group was Rekha, the mother, a dignified woman in her early 50s with jet-black hair cascading down her back, tied neatly in a plait. Her eldest daughter, Priya (24), followed closely, her thick, waist-length hair flowing loose, while Kavya (21) walked behind her, her hair reaching her mid-back. Joining them were Rekha’s younger sister Meera (38), with her dark, wavy hair just past her shoulders, and Meera’s teenage daughter Ananya (17), who sported silky, hip-length hair.
As they passed a newly opened salon, the group paused. The shop had a colorful name—“Royal Transformations: Redefining Elegance”—and posters outside showed stunning “before and after” photos of women with completely new looks.
A young barber named Rohan, in his late 20s, stepped outside with a charming smile. “Namaste, ladies! Welcome to Royal Transformations. We’re offering exclusive opening-day discounts. Why not come in for a consultation? A fresh look might be just what you need!”
Rekha smiled but waved her hand. “No, thank you. We’re happy as we are.”
Priya, however, stopped in her tracks. “Why not, Maa? I’ve been thinking about cutting my hair for a while.”
Rohan caught on quickly and added, “It’s a sign, then. Come inside; I’ll personally help you decide. No obligation at all.”
Rekha hesitated but eventually agreed. “Alright, just a consultation.”
The group entered the salon, which had a luxurious ambiance—soft instrumental music played in the background, the air smelled faintly of lavender, and gleaming mirrors lined the walls. While Rekha and the others explored, Rohan subtly started his charm offensive on Priya and Meera, sensing they were the most likely to be convinced.
The First Haircut: Priya
Priya sat in the chair, her heart pounding with nervous excitement as Rohan draped a cape over her. “So, what are you thinking?” he asked, combing through her silky hair.
“I was thinking just a trim,” Priya said hesitantly, looking at her long locks in the mirror.
Rohan smiled warmly but suggested, “Priya, with your sharp cheekbones and long neck, a lob—long bob—would look so chic. It’s modern, stylish, and perfect for someone your age.”
“But…” Priya began, but before she could finish, Rohan had already picked up the scissors and snipped off a good six inches in one decisive motion. Priya gasped as her long hair fell to the floor.
“It’s okay, trust me,” Rohan reassured her as he skillfully shaped her hair into a sleek lob that just grazed her shoulders. He blow-dried it into soft waves for the final look.
When Priya saw her reflection, her shock turned into delight. “Wow! I look so… different. This is amazing!”
The Second Haircut: Meera
Meera had been watching Priya’s transformation with curiosity, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to risk cutting her own hair. “My hair is fine as it is,” she said firmly when Rohan turned to her.
But Rohan was persuasive. “Meera-ji, with your confident personality and sharp features, you’d look amazing with a layered bob. It’ll highlight your elegance and make your face glow.”
Meera laughed nervously. “A bob? That’s too short for me…”
“Not at all! Trust me, short hair can be just as glamorous.” Before Meera could protest further, Rohan had begun cutting.
The first few snips removed her shoulder-length hair, and as he continued, long layers began to take shape. By the end, Meera was sporting a chic, layered bob that curled inward at the ends.
Meera stared at herself in the mirror, unsure at first. But as Rohan styled it further, her doubt melted away. “I look… younger! This is incredible.”
As Priya and Meera admired their new looks, Rekha grew skeptical. She had allowed them to get haircuts, but Rohan’s eagerness made her uneasy. Kavya and Ananya, on the other hand, exchanged nervous glances. Both loved their long hair and weren’t sure they wanted to follow suit.
But Rohan wasn’t done yet. He had his sights set on the rest of the family.
To be continued… on YouTube and telegram
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