Layers of Us

Chapter 41

The Kapoor Haveli was abuzz with excitement and chaos. Lights were being strung across the courtyard, colorful drapes hung from balconies, and the fragrance of fresh marigolds filled the air.

Preparations for Rishabh's wedding were in full swing, and everyone was caught up in the festive frenzy.

Amidst the vibrant chaos, Tripura's phone buzzed insistently in her pocket.

Stepping aside from the group of women she had been laughing with, Tripura answered the call.

"Hello?" she said softly, walking towards a quieter corner of the haveli.

"Tripura!" came an excited voice from the other end. It was Aman Mehra, a renowned film director and one of her old friends. "Thank God you picked up. Listen, I need you - no, correction - I desperately need you!"

Tripura chuckled. "Aman, slow down! What happened?"

"I'm working on this new song for my film, and I swear, no one can do justice to it but you. I can already see you in every beat, every move. You have to do this, Tripura!"

She hesitated, glancing back at the ongoing preparations. "Aman, you know I'd love to, but there's .... ahmm ... my friend's wedding happening right now. It's chaotic here, and my time is -"

"Please, Tripura. I'm not shooting it in Mumbai. We'll come wherever you are! We'll set up everything there. It's just one song. One song! I'll handle everything else, I promise. You just have to show up and perform. You owe me this one!"

Tripura sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Aman was one of her closest friends, and the sincerity in his voice was hard to ignore.

After a long pause, she relented. "Alright, Aman. I'll do it."

"Yes! I knew you wouldn't let me down. Ronit will be there too - it's going to be magic, Tripura. I'll text you the details. See you soon!"

The call ended, leaving Tripura feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

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Tripura found Ram standing by the balcony, overlooking the courtyard where fairy lights twinkled like stars.

He had a faint smile on his face as he watched his younger siblings running around with wedding props.

"Mr. Kapoor," she called softly.

He turned, his smile fading slightly as he noticed the serious look on her face. "What happened, Tripura? You look worried."

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "I... I received a call from Aman Mehra today. He's shooting a song for his film, and he wants me to be a part of it. They're coming here to Amritsar for the shoot."

Ram raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

"The thing is... for various reasons which you are aware of, I will introduce myself as a family friend during the shoot. Not as your wife."

The words hung heavy in the air between them.

Tripura quickly added, "Mr. Kapoor, you know how it is, between us, right!? We have been hiding this reality since the beginning. I don't want things to get difficult for me.. and for you too... "

Ram held up a hand, silencing her gently. "You don't have to explain, Tripura. I understand."

"You do?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

He nodded, his gaze steady. "I do. I know how important your career is to you and for me also, and I respect that. Don't worry - I'll handle everything."

Her shoulders relaxed, and she let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mr. Kapoor. It means a lot."

He gave her a small smile. "You're welcome. Now go get some rest."

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The Kapoor family had gathered in the living room. The vibrant energy of the wedding preparations was momentarily paused as Ram stood at the center, his authoritative presence silencing everyone's chatter.

Tripura stood near the back, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

"Everyone, I have something important to discuss," Ram began, his voice firm yet calm. "Tripura has been given an opportunity to shoot for a song in a film. The shoot will be taking place here in Amritsar, and the crew will be around the haveli."

He paused for a moment, scanning the room, ensuring he had everyone's attention.
"During the shoot, Tripura will not be introduced as my wife. She will be introduced as a family friend."

A murmur of confusion spread across the room. Dadi's brow furrowed deeply. "Par kyun, golu? Sach chupan di ki lod si?"

Ram turned to her, his tone soft yet firm. "Dadi, yeh sach chupane wali baat nahi hai. Yeh Tripura ke kaam ke baare mein hai.
Iss industry mein, shaadi humare career ko katam kar sakti hai. Aur meri bhi toh ek image hai na dadi logon ke samne. Mujhe bhi toh kaam karna hai, naam kamana hai aur paisa bhi, hmm! Main bhi apne aapko shaadi shudha nahi dikha sakta "

Dadi opened her mouth to protest, but Ram added, "Main yeh ek favour samajh kar maang raha hoon dadi - mere liye .... Tripura ke liye ..... Sirf shoot ke duration tak. Uske baad sab kuch wapas normal ho jayega."

The room fell silent. Slowly, Dadi sighed and nodded. "Je eh zaroori hai, taan theek hai. Par Tripura beta, eh na bhul - tu saadi bahu hai. Eh kabhi nahi badlega."

Tripura smiled softly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Dadi. Thank you, everyone."

Ram clapped his hands lightly. "Alright, then. It's settled. Everyone, please be mindful around the film crew. And let's make sure everything goes smoothly."

As the family dispersed, Tripura approached Ram.

"Thank you for standing up for me today," she said sincerely.

Ram turned to her, his expression gentle. "You don't have to thank me, Tripura. You deserve this respect. And I'll always make sure you get it."

For a moment, they just looked at each other - an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Tripura felt her heart swell with gratitude, respect, and something more - something deeper that she wasn't ready to name yet.

As Ram walked away to join the preparations, Tripura stayed back, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"One step at a time," she thought to herself, her resolve strengthening.

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Stay tuned for the next update! :)