Anjali sat on a bed in her room at the girls hostel and started packing, so was Priya on the opposite bed, who shared the room with Anjali.
They both planned visiting a nearby temple to undergo tonsuring, a ritual of shaving heads. Priya had done it a long time ago and it was her idea to.in invite Anjali top to do the same this time who was quite hesitant and unsure about it.
"It will be transformative," Priya said.
"You know, it is not just about shaving one's head but it is a form of surrender and letting go of things that we protected." She explained to Anjali.
Anjali seemed interested but also nervous.
"Come on Anjali, let's do this together, I'll be with you all the way." Priya said comforting Anjali.
Anjali, eventually deciding to go, wore a white salwar kameez whereas Priya wore a silk saree
They walked via the cities to reach the temple on a nearby hill.
The priestess welcomed them, having recognised Priya as she had been there many times.
"You know Anjali, before we start the ritual we need to get changed dhotis." Said Priya.
Anjali nodded, as she watched Priya starting to undress nonchalantly in front of her and the priestess.
She removed her silk saree and started unbuttoning her blouse and then removed her blouse off her shoulders revealing her silk bra. She untied the strings of her petticoat and let it fall around her ankles as she stood in her silk bra and panties.
"Shall I help you, Anjali," Priya asked as she came close to Anjali.
Slowly she helped Anjali remove her white cotton salwar over her head and untied the strings of her kameez letting it fall revealing Anjali's physique in her cotton bra and panties who instinctively crossed her arms across her front.
She handed Anjali a.plain white dhoti and helped her wear it as she too wore one for herself and both women got ready for the tonsuring having removed their bras and panties as well without much exposure, with dhotis tied up to their chests covering their bosoms.
The priestess began the tonsuring process as Anjali's heart raced a beat when she felt the razor touching her scalp for the first time.
The process was quick and both women got their heads done.
After the quick tonsuring, the priestess led them inside to a secluded room