Layers of Us

Chapter 38: Is Tripura drunk!? (Part 1)

With a lot of difficulties, Ram drove back home, his grip tightening on the handlebars of his bike as Tripura was trying to jump off every now and then, laughing like a madwoman and babbling incoherent words.

He muttered curses under his breath, "Why did I ever agree to go out so late?" as he struggled to keep her steady on the bike.

At one point, she almost succeeded in slipping off the side, forcing Ram to stop the bike abruptly. He quickly secured her in place by holding her tightly.

"Tripura! Sit still!" Ram scolded, exasperated, his voice laced with worry. She just giggled in response, her arms flailing in the air like she was riding a rollercoaster.

By the time they reached home, Ram's nerves were shot. He carefully got off the bike and turned to see her sitting there with a silly grin, swaying slightly.

"You're impossible," he muttered under his breath, lifting her off the bike in one swoop before she could try something ridiculous again.

He carried her inside as quietly as he could by covering her mouth to muffle her uncontrollable giggles and cringing every time the floor creaked beneath his steps.

The last thing he wanted was for anyone else to wake up and see her like this.

Once in their room, he gently laid her on the bed. She squirmed a bit, mumbling incoherently, but he managed to remove her shoes and pull the duvet over her. He stood there for a moment, hands on his hips, watching her finally settle down.

"Finally," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

He turned to head to the changing room when -

Click.

A soft melody filled the room.
He froze mid - step, turning slowly to see Tripura standing on the bed.

She had switched on the radio, and the hauntingly romantic tune of "Raat Akeli Hai" began playing.

"Raat akeli hai... bujh gaye diye..."
Ram's jaw dropped. "Tripura! What are you doing?" he hissed, rushing toward her. "Get down from there, baby. You'll hurt yourself."

But she wasn't listening. "Rammm Kapuooorr!" she declared dramatically, pointing a finger at him. "You... you're no fun!"

Her intoxicated mind was fully engrossed in the song, and she was swaying gently to its rhythm, her arms moving dramatically like she was performing on stage.

He pleaded again, his voice softer this time. "Tripura, please. Just come down, okay? Let's talk. I'll do whatever you want."

Instead, she threw her leather jacket into the air with a dramatic flair, and the motion caused her to stumble.

Ram's heart leapt into his throat. He dashed forward just in time to catch her as she toppled. His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Her hands, now free, instinctively looped around his neck, pulling them closer. Their faces were just inches apart, her warm breath fanning his skin.

"Aake mere paas, kaanon mein mere... jo bhi chaahe kahiye, jo bhi chaahe kahiye..."
Tripura, in her intoxicated state, began singing along to the lyrics softly, her voice slightly shaky yet melodious. "Raat akeli hai..." she murmured, her gaze locking onto his.

"Tripura," Ram whispered, his voice hoarse. He could feel the heat of her gaze, her glossy eyes searching his face. He swallowed hard, conflicted between enjoying her nearness and worrying about her condition.

Her hands slid down to his chest as she continued swaying to the tune, now fully lost in her own world. "Tum aaj mere liye ruk jao, rut bhi hai fursat bhi hai..." she sang again, her head resting lightly on his shoulder.