Layers of Us

Chapter 5: Bridges and Walls

The atmosphere was filled with the aromatic essence of the delicious food that Sangeeta Aunty had prepared.
The rich smells of spices and herbs made everyone's stomach growl with anticipation.

Sangeeta smiled warmly at Tripura. "See, dear, I've prepared all your favorites!" she said, with a gleam of pride in her eyes.

Tripura's face lit up as she exclaimed, "Thank you so much, Aunty! After Amma's cooking, I love the food you make the most!"

Sangeeta chuckled and patted her head, serving her favorite mutton biryani. The smell was mouthwatering, and Tripura couldn't help but smile as the dish was placed before her. The first whiff made her eyes twinkle in delight.

After serving everyone, they began eating, the conversation naturally flowing between bites.

Rajveer, with a nostalgic smile, looked at Tripura. "You remember, Tripura, how you used to come to our house almost every day when you and Palash were working together on a project?
How you two would fight over the silliest things?"

Tripura chuckled, the memories flooding back. "Oh, I remember! Like that one time we fought over who could sit in the front seat of the car. Palash was always so dramatic about it!"

Palash rolled his eyes, smiling as he put a forkful of food in his mouth. "I was just ensuring I got the best seat. You were a terrible backseat driver!" he teased.

Tripura stuck her tongue out playfully at him. "Only because you kept speeding around the corners like a race car driver!"

Sangeeta, watching them, shook her head lovingly. "You two have been at it for as long as I can remember. Always teasing each other."

Palash leaned forward, his eyes mischievous as he whispered something into Tripura's ear.
She blushed immediately, her face turning a shade of pink. She laughed softly, trying to hide her smile behind her hand.

Ram, sitting across the table with Vikram, couldn't help but notice. His gaze flickered between the two, a strange knot tightening in his chest. He didn't know why, but seeing Palash make Tripura laugh, seeing her so carefree and happy, stirred something deep within him.

Vikram, sensing his friend's discomfort, nudged him lightly. "You okay?" he whispered.

Ram didn't respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the couple. The laughter, the easy affection, the way Tripura's eyes sparkled with joy - it felt like a knife to his heart.

"Do you remember how serious you two used to get about everything?" Rajveer continued, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension in the room. "You couldn't even agree on what movie to watch! And now look at you two..."

Tripura laughed, her gaze still locked with Palash's. "Oh, don't remind me, uncle. Those were some ridiculous fights. But somehow, we always ended up watching the same movie anyway."

Palash grinned. "I told you, Tipsy, we're a match made in heaven."

Ram's hands clenched involuntarily as he heard Palash call her "Tipsy" in that intimate, affectionate tone. A sharp, unfamiliar pain shot through him, and he was unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of them.

The laughter continued to fill the room, but Ram felt like an outsider in his own life.

Sangeeta brought out the dessert - a rich, creamy tub of ice cream, the perfect end to the evening.

Everyone dug in, the cool sweetness of the ice cream helping to ease the warm buzz of dinner. But just as Tripura took a spoonful, Palash leaned in again, his voice low and playful. "Tipsy, come on, I need to show you something."