The dining room buzzed with chatter as the family enjoyed dinner. It was an elegant affair, as expected from the affluent household. The youngest son, Rohan, known for his luxurious tastes, leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink as he recounted his plans for the next day.
“So, what does everyone have planned?” Mom asked, glancing around the table.
“I’m in meetings all day,” Dad sighed.
“Me too,” Arjun, Rohan’s older brother, added.
Mom turned to Rohan. “And you, Rohan?”
Rohan smirked. “I’ll be home late. I have an appointment with my personal stylist.”
Priya, Arjun’s wife, raised an eyebrow and laughed. “You’re more high-maintenance than I am! Do you really need all that pampering?”
Rohan shrugged. “It’s not pampering—it’s called maintaining quality.”
Priya’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I bet you wouldn’t survive a visit to a regular barbershop.”
Rohan’s smile faded into a determined stare. “Is that a challenge?”
“Absolutely,” Priya said, crossing her arms. “And I’ll choose the place.”
Rohan’s pride refused to let him back down. “Fine. You’re on.”
The next afternoon, Priya guided Rohan through the winding streets of the old part of the city. The familiar comfort of designer boutiques and polished storefronts gave way to narrow alleys lined with street vendors and small shops. Finally, they stopped in front of a simple barbershop beneath a large tree. It was a far cry from the salons Rohan was used to—one chair, a cracked mirror attached to the tree, and a shelf holding a few basic tools.
Rohan hesitated for a brief moment but walked to the chair, determined not to show any doubt. The barber, a man in his 50s with a kind smile, greeted them. “What can I do for you today?” he asked, looking between Rohan and Priya.
Priya spoke up before Rohan could answer. “A head shave, please.”
The barber nodded, unfazed. He draped a well-worn cape over Rohan and reached for a spray bottle. Cool water misted over Rohan’s hair, dampening it thoroughly. The barber’s practiced hands combed the water through, ensuring it was evenly distributed.
With calm precision, the barber changed the blade of his straight razor, making sure it was sharp and ready. He stepped in front of Rohan, tilting his head slightly forward. The first stroke began at the hairline, and with a gentle glide, the razor swept back, leaving a clean path. Dark strands of hair fell in front of Rohan and piled onto his lap.
Priya watched with fascination as the barber moved to the sides, the rhythmic sound of the razor slicing through the damp hair filling the quiet space. Each careful stroke sent more hair tumbling down, revealing smooth skin beneath. The barber shifted to the back, expertly finishing the shave until Rohan’s head was completely smooth.
The barber stepped back, wiping the blade clean. “Would you like me to do the beard as well?” he asked.
Priya leaned forward, her voice playful. “Yes, shave the beard but leave the mustache. I think it’ll look cute.”
Rohan, still holding onto his pride, nodded slightly. The barber lathered his face with shaving cream and, with steady hands, removed the beard, leaving only a neat mustache. The cool air felt unfamiliar on his newly bare face and head.
Rohan glanced at his reflection, a mix of surprise and a faint smile appearing as he adjusted to the new look. Priya clapped her hands lightly, grinning. “It suits you, Rohan!”
Rohan’s expression softened as he realized the experience, though humbling, had been oddly refreshing. “Your turn next, Priya,” he said with a playful smirk.
Priya’s eyes widened, but she stepped forward, accepting the challenge. The barber looked at her long, waist-length hair. “Just a trim?” he asked.
Before she could answer, Rohan interjected. “Five inches, and maybe add bangs.”
Priya blushed, taken aback. She’d always been curious about bangs but never dared to try them. She nodded hesitantly. “Alright.”
The barber sprayed water onto her hair, combing it through until it glistened. He separated a section at the front and, with careful precision, snipped straight across, creating soft bangs that framed her face. He moved to trim five inches from the length, bringing her hair to just above her waist. The sound of the scissors cutting through her thick hair filled the quiet space as the strands fell to the floor.
When the barber stepped back, Priya reached up, touching her new bangs and shorter hair with a surprised smile. Rohan watched with admiration. “Looks great, Priya.”
When the barber finished, Priya ran her fingers through her freshly trimmed hair, feeling the lightness and smiling at her new look. She stood up, brushing a few stray clippings from her shoulders.
As they walked back to the car, Rohan chuckled. "So, how does it feel to support local businesses, Priya?"
She grinned, nudging him playfully. "I guess it feels pretty good. But don’t get used to it—next time, we’re both going to my stylist."
They both laughed, and as they drove home, Rohan couldn’t help but feel that the day’s adventure had brought them closer, in a way neither of them had expected.
