As the weeks passed, Arjun grew more confident about caring for his long hair.
Pooja taught him several styles: a high ponytail with a ribbon, twin braids, a side braid, a half-up hairstyle, and loose waves. He learned to use clips and hair ties without pulling too tightly.
Maya enjoyed taking photographs of each look. She called the collection "Riya's Style Diary," using the name she had suggested during the first makeover.
Arjun did not mind the nickname in every situation, but he disliked it when Maya used it without asking.
"Riya is a name I tried during an experiment," he explained. "It isn't a decision you've made for me."
Maya was surprised by his firmness.
Tara helped them create a simple rule: Arjun would choose the name, hairstyle, and outfit for each occasion.
The style diary continued, but its purpose changed. It became a record of Arjun's experiments rather than a catalogue of his cousins' expectations.
Some photographs showed a traditional kurta. Others featured a shirt, trousers, and loose hair. Each image captured a different mood.
Arjun began to understand that presentation was flexible, and that no single hairstyle or outfit could determine who he was.
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