Layers of Us

Chapter 37: Is Tripura Drunk!? 🥴

While riding back, Ram felt that Tripura’s weight on him was increasing as time passed by.

Just to make sure she was fine, Ram pulled over the bike to the side of the road. Turning his head slightly, he asked with concern, “Tripura, are you okay?” But when he looked, his worry heightened — she wasn’t responding properly.

“Tripura?” he asked again, gently shaking her shoulder. Her head tilted back slightly, and to his utter shock, she giggled like a child.

Ram blinked in disbelief. “Wait… what?”

“Areyyyyy, Mr...Mr...Kapoooorr...!” Tripura slurred, her words tumbling out as she started laughing uncontrollably.

It hit him like a bolt of lightning — was she drunk? His mind raced. Did she drink something by mistake at the bar? They had drank mocktail without alcohol and only water, right? He shook his head, trying to recall, but Tripura’s sudden movement distracted him.

She clumsily got off the bike and stumbled a few steps down the road. “Tripura!” Ram called out, running after her as she started walking in zigzags, waving her arms in the air.

“Tripura, stop! This is not safe!” he said, grabbing her arm lightly to steady her.

But she wriggled out of his hold, sitting down on the road like a child throwing a tantrum. “Nooooo! I don’t wanna go home!” she bawled dramatically, crossing her arms over her chest.

Ram crouched down in front of her, his heart pounding in equal parts worry and exasperation. The sight of Tripura, his usually composed wife, sitting on the road and laughing like a child, was both concerning and oddly endearing.

He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to coax her into getting up.

“Tripura, sweetheart,” he said softly, careful not to alarm her, “please, let’s go home. You can laugh, cry, or do whatever you want, but not here, okay?”

She tilted her head to look at him, her eyes filled with a mischievous glint. “You’re soooo bossy, Mr. Kapuoorrrr!” she slurred, poking his chest with her finger. “But I like it!”

Ram couldn’t help but chuckle despite his frustration. She was being so utterly ridiculous, yet so endearing. He sighed and extended his hand. “Okay, fine, Tripura. You win. But please, let’s get you home safely.”

Tripura looked at him, her eyes glassy, and suddenly pouted like a child. “Why? It’s boring! I don’t want to go!”

Ram sighed, ruffling his hair in frustration. “Baby, you’re sitting in the middle of the road! What if a car comes by?”

She dramatically flopped backward onto the ground, spreading her arms wide. “Let the car come, Mr. Kaaappoooorrrr! I’m the queen of the road!”

Ram pinched the bridge of his nose, suppressing a laugh despite himself. This wasn’t the time to be amused.

He scooped her up in his arms, and she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You’re soooo strong, Mssterr. Kapuoooorr,” she murmured, her voice dreamy. “And soooo handsome. How did I get soooo lucky?”

Ram felt a warmth rise in his chest at her words, but quickly shook it off, realizing she wasn’t in her senses.“Thank you, Mrs. Kapoor. Now, let’s get you home.”

But Tripura wasn’t having it. She suddenly tapped his cheek lightly and said, “Wait, wait! Before we go, I need to tell you something!”

Ram raised an eyebrow, adjusting her weight in his arms. “What is it?”

Tripura leaned closer, her lips just inches from his ear. “I...” she began, drawing the word out dramatically. “I think I’m in love with you, Mr. Kapoor!”

Ram’s heart stopped. For a moment, he didn’t care whether she was drunk or not. He gazed at her, searching her face for sincerity.

“Tripura,” he began, his voice soft, “do you mean that?”

But she only laughed again and placed her finger on his lips. “Shhhh! No questions!” she said, before bursting into another fit of giggles.

Ram sighed, his heart now a mix of joy, confusion, and worry. “We’re talking about this when you’re sober,” he muttered under his breath.

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Stay tuned for the next update! :)