Chapter 4 - I am Batman.

[Raj's Apartment]

Raj is sitting at his kitchen table, with his laptop open in front of him. He is browsing motorcycle websites, looking at models like the Harley Davidson.

"I never thought I'd be researching motorcycles. Since yesterday, when I got the memories, everything has changed."

"Now I have memories of a whole life that isn't mine… This situation is super weird. Like, 'Surprise! Here are some random memories from a guy who isn't me!' But I'm not complaining, right? I just wish it came with a shiny green ring and some super-secret powers. Imagine me with a green suit and a battle cry…"

He smiles, imagining the scene and shakes his head.

"Imagine the chicks… cough, cough… I mean, the responsibility… ah, as Uncle Ben says, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' Look, I don't need superpowers to handle this. Batman doesn't have superpowers but he's still awesome. I just need a new look and a cool bike. And that's fine, I won't need to fight intergalactic villains."

Raj gets up and starts getting ready to head out. He looks at himself in the mirror and fiddles with his hair, thinking about the look he's starting to imagine.

"If I'm going to change, why not start with the hair? Time to find a place that can handle this."

Raj walks through the streets, looking for a barber shop that seems to fit the new image he's trying to project. He passes several establishments, but none seem quite right. Finally, he spots a place that looks like it might offer a more rugged look.

"Hmmm, this one looks interesting. Might be just what I need."

Raj enters the barber shop, and immediately all the customers stop what they're doing and stare at him. Raj swallows hard and takes a step back, trying to leave.

"If you're busy, I can come back later…"

He bumps into a large man who is coming in. The man, with a stern expression, and Jake, the robust, tattooed barber, begin sharpening a straight razor.

"You came to get a haircut, so let's get a haircut."

Raj swallows hard and shakes his head frantically as Jake starts preparing his tools.

Some time later…

Raj is relaxed and chatting with Jake while he finishes the cut.

Raj: "And Batman says: 'Get the veggies, Robin, or we'll end up with a superhero diet!'"

Jake: "Haha, that's a good one! I didn't expect these nerdy jokes to be so funny. You'll have to tell me more of those."

Raj: "Sure, I didn't know you were a fan of comics. I thought you were into more action and brutal stuff."

Jake: "Oh, yeah. In prison, comics were our escape. We ended up learning to like different things."

Tommy, the guy who bumped into Raj at the entrance, intervenes in the conversation,

"And by the way, Raj, when you get your bike, we'll go for some rides together. There's always a crew here that loves to ride."

Raj: "Seriously? Sounds good!"

Jake gives Raj a pat on the shoulder, "That's it, Raj. You're part of our crew now. If you need anything, just let us know."

Soon after, Jake finishes the cut, and Raj gets up from the chair. His hair is now styled, with a modern cut slicked back. Raj looks at himself in the mirror and smiles, pleased with the result.

Raj: "Man, this haircut is awesome! Thanks a lot, Jake."

Jake: "I'm glad you like it. And again, don't forget to visit us when you have the bike. It'll be great to have you in the crew."

Raj starts saying goodbye to the clients as if he's known them for years.

Raj: "Definitely! I'll love it. And Mike, say hi to the little one for me."

Mike: "Will do, she's already starting to walk, it's a blast to see."

Raj: "And Tom, are you ready for the next bike competition?"

Tommy: "Yep, I'm prepping the bike. It's going to be epic."

Raj: "Thanks, guys! Mike, show me some pictures of your daughter next time. And Jake, I'll be looking forward to the bike ride. And Tommy, good luck in the competition!"

Mike: "Sure thing! I'll be happy to show them."

Jake: "See you later, Raj. It'll be great to have you in the crew."

Raj leaves the barber shop with a wide smile, "I never thought getting a haircut would be so much fun."

"Okay, now that my look is on point, time to update my wardrobe."

He smiles at his reflection in a coffee shop window as he heads to the mall.

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Raj enters the clothing store and starts browsing the racks with enthusiasm.

"New style, new me. Let's see if I can find a look that says 'confidence' and not 'I'm the nerd who stays at home all the time.'"

He begins selecting pieces with precision. First, he finds a black leather jacket and tries it on. Looking in the mirror, a satisfied smile appears on his face.

"This jacket is a great find. Now, to complement it, I need some good shirts."

Raj heads to the shirt section and picks out several options: elegant button-down shirts in muted colors like gray and navy blue, and some modern polo shirts. He also chooses a few t-shirts with subtle designs, which give off a modern vibe without being over the top.

"Button-down shirts for when I want to look more 'adult' and polos for those more relaxed days. Oh, and t-shirts for casual wear. Perfect."

He then goes to the pants section and selects several pairs of dark jeans and chinos that fit the style he's going for. Next, he finds a pair of leather boots and some stylish dress shoes.

Raj also picks out some accessories: a leather belt and a stylish watch. After some time, he takes a veritable arsenal of clothes to the checkout.

Raj pays for the clothes with a generously-limited credit card, a reminder of his comfortable financial status.

"Oh, the perks of being an astrophysicist with rich parents. Wait…"

'Rich parents, heir, genius, bike… I'm freaking Batman!' Raj thinks with excitement.

After a morning of shopping, where Raj refreshed his wardrobe, he decides it's time to look for his new bike. He makes a quick call to the dealership, scheduling an appointment.

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Raj enters the dealership and is greeted by the salesperson, who seems excited to help him find the perfect bike.

Salesperson: "Welcome! Ready to find the perfect bike?"

Raj smiles, looking at a variety of bikes on display. The salesperson starts showing different models, from sport bikes to cruisers. However, Raj can't find any that really suit him.

Raj: "Hmm, these are cool, but I can't picture myself riding any of them."

The salesperson, noticing Raj's lack of enthusiasm, takes him to an area where some Harley-Davidsons are displayed. One of them, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, immediately catches Raj's eye.

Salesperson: "Wait until you see this beauty. It's the Iron 883. Let me tell you a bit about it."

Raj examines the bike closely, his interest piqued. The Iron 883 has a matte black finish, with brushed metal details that subtly shine.

Salesperson: "This bike is a modern classic. The Iron 883 is inspired by the early Harleys but with a contemporary design. The tank has this custom matte black paint and a minimalist logo. The engine is an 883cc V-Twin, and the sporty exhaust system gives a deep, distinctive sound."

Raj touches the tank, admiring the finish.

Raj: "Wow, it has an amazing style. And these details on the tank? They're just perfect."

Salesperson: "Exactly. And it's not just about looks. The engine provides incredible power, and the feeling of riding it is like connecting with the road. Not to mention, it's quite durable and reliable. Many of our customers say it's like an old friend."

"Is this the bike you were looking for? It seems like you have an adventurous spirit. And I won't lie, the sound of the engine will make everyone turn their heads haha."

Raj: "Definitely!"

"Great choice. And if you want, we can handle all the paperwork right now and you can take it out. If you're in a hurry to feel the wind in your face, just let me know."

Raj, surprised by the offer, smiles.

Raj: "Seriously? I'd love to take it out right now. The sooner I get this beauty, the better!"

"Well, let's get this done quickly. I just need some information from you and we'll be all set."

Raj signs the papers with a satisfied smile. He realizes that, even though he's 27 and already has a driver's license, he had never thought about buying a bike, but at least he knew how to ride, or so he hoped.

Raj: "So, is that it? I expected a bit more bureaucracy, but this seems pretty straightforward."

Salesperson: "Yes, it's a pretty simple process if you already have a driver's license. And luckily, you're getting a fantastic bike. It's going to be an amazing experience."

After the paperwork is done, the salesperson hands Raj a small package with the bike's documents and the key.

"Here's your key and all the documents. Now you can go and start enjoying your new Harley. Enjoy every minute, and if you need anything, you can come back here. You can call me Jimmy," said Jimmy, the salesperson, giving a handshake.

"Thank you! I'll definitely do that," Raj replied with a smile.

Raj heads to where the bike is parked. He stands for a moment, admiring the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, appreciating its robust and elegant design. The bike shines under the sunlight, with its matte black tank and brushed metal details. He takes a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous.

He puts on the helmet and approaches the bike, giving it a gentle pat as if it were an old friend.

He mounts the bike, guided by David's memories that seem to have made this experience more natural for him.

"Alright, let's go. It shouldn't be too hard. Just remember the memories…"

Raj starts the bike. The engine's sound is powerful but smooth, and he smiles as he feels the vibration under his feet. Raj maneuvers the bike with ease, beginning to get used to the sensation of being on two wheels.

"This is amazing! The feeling of freedom is way better than I expected."

With one last look at the dealership, Raj revs the engine and drives off, feeling the wind on his face. He accelerates and, in the heat of the moment, raises one hand, shouting with excitement.

"I'm freaking Batman!!"