Tripura leaned back in the car seat, the city lights of Bangalore soothing her weary heart.
By the time her car rolled through the gate of her home, it was past 10 PM.
The familiar sights and the comforting air of home filled her with a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in days. Letting out a deep sigh, she smiled to herself as she thought, Finally, my happy place.
The car came to a halt near the front door. Tripura stepped out, taking in the warm, inviting glow of the porch lights. Her driver anna, immediately started unloading her luggage.
She gave him a grateful smile and said, “Thank you anna. You go rest now.”
“Good night amma” he replied with a kind smile before driving off.
Tripura walked to the door, adjusting her her slightly messy hair. She rang the bell, the sound echoing softly in the quiet neighborhood.
Within seconds, the door swung open, and there stood her mother, radiating love and warmth.
“Pappu!” her mother exclaimed, pulling her into a tight, loving embrace.
“Amma!” Tripura buried her face in her mother’s shoulder, letting the stress of the past week melt away. Her mother’s familiar scent of jasmine oil and sandalwood instantly comforted her.
Her mother gently caressed her hair. “En chellam, I missed you so much. You’ve gone through so much lately, kanna,” she murmured. “But I’m so proud of you. You handled everything like a real queen.”
Tripura sniffled softly, overwhelmed by the unconditional love. “Amma, I missed you too. I couldn’t wait to come back,” she whispered as her mother kissed her temple.
They pulled apart, and her mother said, “Vaa, come inside. You must be exhausted.”
Tripura stepped inside, and before she could even take off her shoes, two excited furballs darted towards her.
Her two german shepherds, Ruffy, and Candy wagged their tails furiously, barking in delight.
“Oh, my babies!” Tripura exclaimed, kneeling to scoop up Candy while Ruffy pressed her nose into her neck.
She giggled, letting them smother her with licks and cuddles. “I missed you both so much! Who’s my good girl? And who’s my little mischief maker?”
Her mother stood nearby, smiling warmly. “Ruffy and Candy have been sulking without you. They didn’t even eat properly for the past few days.”
Tripura kissed Candy and Ruffy’s fluffy head and laughed. “Candy & Ruffy? Not eating? Amma, you’re joking, right?”
Her mother shook her head, amused. “Nee paatha dhan theriyum! They’ve been roaming near the door as if they were waiting for you.”
After a few more moments of playing with her furry babies, Tripura stood and turned to her mother and asked, “Where’s Siya? Asleep already?”
Her mother nodded. “Yes, kanna. She tried waiting for you but fell asleep by nine. She kept saying, ‘Amma vara, Amma vara’” she said, mimicking Siya’s sweet voice.
Tripura’s heart melted. “Aiyo, my sweet baby,” she said with a fond smile. “Let her sleep. I’ll see her tomorrow.”
Her mother gestured for her to sit on the sofa. “Va, va, sit down, kanna. You look tired. Let me get you some water.”
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...
