Layers of Us

Chapter 66: Taking Care?!

Similarly, one fine day after the shoot got over, Tripura changed into her normal clothes, picked up her bag, and left to go home.

She settled into her car and turned the key to start the engine. To her utter dismay, the car refused to start. She tried again, twisting the key harder, but the engine just wouldn’t come to life. That’s when she realized it — her car was out of petrol.

She smacked her forehead in frustration. "Shit! How could I forget to fill the petrol? Oh goddddd," she groaned, leaning her head on the steering wheel with a frustrated sigh.

With no other option left, she stepped out of the car, locked it, and pulled out her phone to book a cab. Standing by the roadside, she was busy typing away when a sleek car pulled up in front of hers.

Tripura recognized the car immediately — it was Ram’s. Pretending not to notice, she kept her head down, focusing on booking her ride.

The car window rolled down, and Ram peeked out slightly. "Tripura, what are you doing here still? Is everything okay?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Tripura looked up briefly and nodded, her expression neutral. "Yes, sir. Everything is fine," she replied curtly.

Ram turned off his car engine and stepped out, walking toward her. "Then why haven’t you left for home already?" he questioned, standing beside her now.

"Nothing, sir. I’m leaving in a while," she responded, still avoiding his gaze and continuing her task on her phone.

Ram, noticing her fumbling with her phone, asked, "Are you booking a cab?"

Her frustration was already building, but she maintained her calm demeanor and nodded. "Yes, sir."

He glanced over at her car. "Arey, but your car — what happened?"

Tripura sighed deeply. "Sir, woh car mein petrol nahi hai. So, I’m booking a cab," she explained in a tone she struggled to keep patient.

Ram checked his watch – it was past 11. His brows furrowed in concern. "It’s late. Let’s do one thing — I’ll drop you home. Come," he said, reaching for her bag.

Tripura instinctively stepped back and shook her head. "No, sir. It’s fine. I can manage. Please don’t worry," she replied firmly.

Ram frowned at her resistance. "Tripura, it’s past 11. It’s not safe for you to travel alone in a cab at this hour. Listen to me, I’ll drop you," he insisted, his voice more assertive now.

But Tripura was adamant. "Sir, I’ll be fine. I’m used to traveling alone at night. Please don’t worry about me," she retorted, her tone growing sharper.

Ram, losing his patience, raised his voice. "Problem kya hai yaar? Samajh nahi aata kya tumhe? I’m telling you it’s not safe to travel alone at night, but you’re so stubborn!"

Tripura was taken aback by his sudden outburst. Already irritated by her predicament, she snapped back. "Who are you to tell me what to do? Why should I listen to you? It’s my life — I can decide for myself! You don’t get to control that, Mr. Kapoor!"

Her voice cracked slightly as she yelled, her frustration and anger evident. Her face was flushed red, and her breathing was heavy. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill any second.

Realizing he had crossed a line, Ram let out a long sigh. He softened his tone, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Okay, Tripura, I’m sorry. But please listen. It’s really not safe. Let me drop you, okay? If nothing else, at least as a gesture of humanity."