Manju's face was tear-stained, but she wore an expression of resignation. It seemed like she too had given up in front of the stern will of her husband. She was wearing the same nightie she had worn the night before. She came to stand by Reena while Ravi cleared up the area. Reena took her hand and squeezed it lightly. She knew her mother was feeling like it was the end of the world. Little did she know that it was just the beginning of the most exciting adventure ever. She idly thought that life with her old-fashioned and stuffy father must have been really boring. Today her mother would know excitement beyond anything she had ever felt before.
Her mother looked at Reena and gave a weak smile. Then she said, "You look wonderful dear. In fact you look more beautiful now than before." She raised her hand to touch the back of Reena's head and was shocked to feel the shaven area. "What's this?" "Oh Mother, this is just how father asked Ravi to style our hair. Don't worry its amazing. You'll love it." Another sob escaped Manju before she could stifle it. "Shaved like that!!" "No, mom it’s amazing. Look, just touch it and you'll see." Manju gingerly put her fingers on the shaven area and rubbed it. Reena almost let out a moan, but stopped herself just in time. Wow, that really felt good. Her mother smiled weakly. "Yeah it seems nice. Convenient for the summers." Reena could tell she wasn't convinced. Well she would be when she underwent the process.
