It all leads back to you

3

"Chanda, I cannot take your money. I am already living in your house for free. I simply won't get a haircut."

Anika said as Chanda kept offering her money for her post-jail makeover. Yes she had just gotten out of jail and had basically nothing but a roof over her head, however she was not going to take her best friend's money.

Chanda: this isn't my money though. This is Aman's money.

She said with a wink - her husband had grown accustomed to giving Chanda money whenever she wanted it, despite the fact that Chanda had a very good job as a business analyst which came with a really good salary.

Anika: but still, I can't.

Chanda: take it.

Anika: no!

Chanda: Anika.

Anika: Chanda.

Chanda: look we can either stand in front of the hair salon fighting or go in the hair salon, get rid of your split ends, give you a chic hairdo and call it a day. The choice is yours.

Anika gasped in horror: I do not have split ends!

Chanda: sorry when was your last haircut? Do they have people who cut hair over in jail?

Anika: haircutting was a prison job but only a few people did it and they weren't very good. Only one person so if I was in jail for 5 years and Subha was in there for the first 3 years, then two years ago, I got one.

Chanda: take my money, let's go inside and make you look chic. Look, I don't mind giving you money. I know you have pride and all, but until you get back on your feet, let me help you. Okay?

Anika sighed, knowing Chanda wouldn't take no for an answer and simply nodded. Chanda smiled and the two went into the hair salon and one of the staff members greeted them before leading Anika to the chair.

The hair salon staff member draped a cape around Anika's shoulders and asked her what kind of haircut she was looking for. Anika hesitated for a moment, not used to making decisions about her appearance after spending years in jail. Chanda chimed in, suggesting a stylish and modern haircut that would suit Anika well.

As the stylist began working on Anika's hair, Chanda sat nearby, engaged in light conversation to distract her friend from any lingering discomfort. Anika started to relax as she felt the scissors snipping away at her hair. The atmosphere in the salon was upbeat and lively, a stark contrast to the confined environment she had been used to.

Throughout the process, Anika couldn't help but reflect on her journey. She had gone through a lot during her time in jail, and having a friend like Chanda who was willing to support her in this way meant the world to her. As her hair was transformed, Anika began to feel a renewed sense of confidence and a glimmer of hope for the future.

After the haircut was complete, Anika looked at herself in the mirror, amazed at the transformation. The split ends were gone, and her hair now had a fresh, modern look that brought out her features. Chanda's insistence on helping her had led to a positive change not just in her appearance, but also in her mindset.

As they left the salon, Anika thanked Chanda with a heartfelt smile. Chanda waved off her gratitude, reminding her that true friendship meant being there for each other through thick and thin. Anika felt a sense of gratitude and determination to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead.

...

Aman: they never let you use any source of internet at jail?

He asked that evening as he, Chanda and Anika were having dinner. On tonight's menu, it was dal makhani. Anika's favourite. She hadn't had a home cooked meal in 5 years - the comfort and pleasure of having food made with love filled her heart.