" Beard to Bindi "

Mother (carrying a tray with waxing strips, creams, and towels):
"Nikhil, ab jaldi se towel pehen ke aa jao. We need to get started."

Nikhil (confused and alarmed):
"Towel? Maa, what?! Why towel? What are you even talking about?"

Mother (patiently):
"Waxing karna hai, beta. We can't do it with your clothes on. Obviously."

Nikhil (groans):
"Seriously? Is this even necessary? I thought it was just makeup and hair."

Mother (sighs):
"Nikhil, you're already halfway in. We can’t skip steps now. Body hair will look odd with the look we’re going for."

Nikhil (sarcastically):
"Oh, great. Suddenly I’m a ‘look’ now. Maa, this is just getting out of hand."

Mother (firmly):
"Bas, no more arguments. Parlor aunty is ready downstairs. Just wrap a towel and come out. Let’s get this over with."

Nikhil (muttering as he walks towards the bathroom):
"This feels like some kind of punishment."

[Ten minutes later – Nikhil returns, reluctantly, in towel]

Nikhil (folding his arms):
"Okay, I’m here. Now tell me exactly how long this torture will last?"

Mother (cheerfully):
"Four hours, more or less. Full waxing – chest, arms, back, legs... sab kuch."

Nikhil (shocked):
"Four hours?! Have you lost it? That’s an entire cricket match with extra innings!"

Mother (smiling):
"Well, this is your match today. And there’s no rain delay either."

Nikhil (frustrated):
"Maa, this is seriously too much. What’s even the need? I'm fine as I am!"

Mother (gently):
"You are, beta. But you said you were bored and agreed to this. Let’s complete it properly."

Nikhil (grumbling):
"That was before I knew you meant waxing like some pageant contestant!"

[Parlor Lady enters with supplies]

Parlor Lady (smiling politely):
"Don’t worry, Nikhil beta. I’ll be as quick as I can. You just relax."

Nikhil (rolling his eyes):
"Relax, she says. While ripping my skin off."

Mother (laughing):
"Drama king! It’s not that bad. I’ve done it a hundred times."

Nikhil (sarcastic):
"Good for you! I didn’t volunteer for this ‘experience.’"

Mother:
"Beta, sit down. The sooner we start, the sooner it ends."

[As the waxing begins]

Nikhil (wincing):
"Ow! Maa! That’s not relaxing! That’s torture!"

Mother (teasing):
"Haye, itna bhi nahi dard hota. You’re acting like I asked you to walk on fire."

Nikhil (in pain):
"This is worse! At least fire is quick. This is slow agony!"

Mother (laughs):
"Acha theek hai, thoda pain toh hoga. Beauty comes with effort."

Nikhil (groaning):
"This isn’t beauty. This is a crime."

Mother:
"Aur thoda patience rakho. We’ve just finished one leg."

Nikhil (shocked):
"ONE LEG?! It’s been 45 minutes!"

[An hour later]

Nikhil (sweating and exasperated):
"Maa, are we even halfway done?"

Mother (checking clock):
"Hmm… maybe just about halfway. Back and arms left."

Nikhil (mock gasps):
"Awesome. I can't feel my soul anymore."

Mother (mock serious):
"You're so dramatic. Just two more hours. You'll survive."

[Post waxing, Mother walks in with undergarments]

Mother:
"Okay, next step. Change into this."

Nikhil (takes the garments, freezes):
"Pink bra? Panty? Maa, what is this?! No way."

Mother:
"Shhh, don’t shout. These are clean, and they’re part of the look. You need the right silhouette."

Nikhil:
"I’m not wearing a bra, okay? That’s the limit."

Mother:
"Nikhil, it’s padded. It’ll give shape. Don’t be difficult now."

Nikhil:
"I already feel stripped of my dignity. Now you want me to wear this?"

Mother (serious):
"Enough. It’s not about dignity. You agreed to this. Either go through with it or go back to boredom and phone confiscation."

Nikhil (grumbling):
"This is blackmail. Emotional. Practical. Total."

Mother:
"Call it what you want. But here, wear this. We’re almost there."

[As Nikhil changes and comes out in discomfort]

Nikhil:
"This thing is tight. And heavy. Why is the bra so heavy?"

Mother:
"That’s the padding. To make it look natural."

Nikhil:
"It feels like I’m carrying two dumbbells on my chest!"

Mother (laughing):
"Welcome to our world. And you said you were bored."

Nikhil (muttering):
"I’ll never say that again."