Although the hostel plan had failed, Maya remained fascinated by the makeover.
She invited Arjun to a clothing shop with Tara, promising that they would simply explore different styles.
They looked at pastel kurtis, fitted leggings, long skirts, simple dresses, and traditional salwar suits. Arjun also chose a few ordinary shirts and trousers for job interviews.
Maya encouraged him to try a long braid. Tara demonstrated a half-up hairstyle with a small clip, while Pooja later showed him how to make loose waves using a safe styling technique.
Some looks made Arjun laugh at himself. Others surprised him because he enjoyed the colours and textures, even though he had never previously considered wearing them.
"I still don't know what any of this means," he admitted.
Tara answered, "It doesn't have to mean anything until you decide what it means to you."
Arjun began keeping photographs of the hairstyles he liked. He also made a list of the outfits he felt comfortable wearing and those he would rather not wear again.
For the first time, experimenting with his appearance became something he could do for himself.
Maya still liked to make decisions for everyone, but Arjun had begun learning how to say no.
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