As Tripura entered her hotel room, she sank onto the bed, letting out a long sigh. The conversation with Krishna Maa weighed heavily on her mind. Resting her head against the soft cushions, she closed her eyes for a moment, replaying the exchange.
The warmth of Krishna Maa’s voice echoed in her thoughts.
____Phone call - few hours ago____
“Namaste, Maa, kaisi hain aap?” Tripura had greeted softly, her tone both respectful and warm.
“I’m fine, beta,” Krishna Maa replied, her voice carrying a soothing maternal comfort. “And you? How are you doing? Adjusting well?”
Tripura hesitated briefly before responding, “I’m good, Maa. Busy, as usual, but everything’s fine.”
They exchanged polite pleasantries for a few minutes, Krishna Maa inquiring about her work, her health, and even teasing her lightly about not visiting often. The casual chat felt warm, even familiar, and Tripura found herself smiling despite the formality their relationship sometimes carried.
But then Krishna Maa’s tone shifted, softening further but tinged with an unusual urgency. “Tripura beta, there’s something I need to tell you... or rather, a favour.”
Tripura straightened slightly, sensing the seriousness in her mother - in - law’s words. “Yes, Maa? Please, go ahead. Is everything okay?”
Krishna Maa sighed, her hesitation palpable through the phone. “It’s nothing to do with me, beta, but it concerns you... and Ram.”
Tripura’s heart skipped slightly, her grip tightening on the phone. Before she could ask, Krishna Maa continued. “Listen, beta, by the end of this month, there’s a very important occasion. It’s Ram’s cousin’s wedding in Amritsar. The entire Kapoor family will be there, including Ram’s dadi.”
Tripura frowned slightly, unsure of where this was leading. “Okay, Maa... I understand. Please continue.”
“Beta,” Krishna Maa’s voice softened further, almost pleading now. “Dadi wasn’t present at your wedding, and this will be her first opportunity to meet you. She’s very traditional, Tripura, and she holds high expectations for Ram’s wife. She’s been waiting for this moment, for the eldest daughter - in - law of our family to take her place with dignity, grace, and respect. She doesn’t know the reality of your marriage... no one does, apart from me and your father - in - law.”
Tripura’s breath hitched slightly at the mention of their “reality.” The very foundation of her relationship with Ram felt fragile, superficial even.
Krishna Maa continued, her voice filled with earnestness. “Beta, for Dadi’s sake, and for the family’s reputation, I need you and Ram to attend this wedding together as husband and wife — as a couple deeply in love. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’s important that you both maintain this façade. Respect each other, love each other, at least in appearance. Forget your personal differences, even if only for those few days. Can I count on you for this, beta? It’s a request... not just as your mother - in - law, but as someone who truly wishes the best for you both.”
Tripura sat silently, processing the request. Her emotions were a whirlwind of disbelief, confusion, and reluctant acceptance. She had never expected Krishna Maa to ask something of this nature.
After a long pause, she found her voice. “Maa, please don’t say it like that. You don’t need to plead with me. I... I understand what you’re asking.”
YOU ARE READING
Layers of Us
General FictionIn a world where tradition dictates the heart, Tripura Nagrajan finds herself trapped in an arranged marriage she never wanted. A compassionate soul with a passion for animals and a thriving career as a psychologist, actress, and business tycoon, T...
