The Saree Behind the Silence 💃💃

Chapter 5 — The First Hairstyle

Scene: Saroja's Bedroom — Sunday Afternoon

Kethan was cutting vegetables when his loose hair repeatedly fell across his face.

He pushed it away several times, becoming increasingly irritated.

Athamma noticed him from the kitchen entrance.

"Why do you let your hair fall into the food? Tie it properly!"

Kethan gathered his hair awkwardly.

"I don't know how, Athamma."

"Then learn! You are not a child."

Saroja stepped forward.

"Come here, Kethan. I'll show you."

She took him to her bedroom, found a large claw clip, and stood behind him.

"First, gather all your hair. Don't pull too tightly."

Her fingers carefully arranged his shoulder-length waves before she secured them at the back of his head.

"There. Now your hair won't fall into the food."

Kethan looked into the mirror.

The person looking back was familiar, but the neatly arranged hair gave him a different feeling. He could not explain it.

Padma entered carrying folded laundry.

"Well! Our Kethan looks ready for a family photograph."

He instinctively reached for the clip.

Saroja stopped him gently.

"Don't remove it if you like it."

Kethan hesitated before allowing his hand to fall.

That evening, he continued wearing the clip while serving dinner.

The following morning, Padma placed a prettier claw clip beside his breakfast plate.

"For your hair," she said casually.

Kethan looked at her in surprise.

For the first time, he realised that his sisters might be willing to help him explore something he had always kept secret.