Layers of Us

Chapter 69: Ram is sick!☹️

The next morning, Ram arrived early on set, ready to dive into the day's work. But as soon as he got there, he learned that Tripura was on leave for the day. His heart sank, and a frown crept onto his face. “Why is she on leave? Is she okay?” he muttered to himself, worry gripping him tightly.

He wanted to call her and check, but then realized he didn’t have her new phone number. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he pocketed his phone. Nevertheless, he pushed through the day, trying his best to focus on the shoot, though his thoughts kept drifting back to her.

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As the sun began to set and the shoot wrapped up, Ram decided he couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to check on her himself. He drove straight to her apartment, only to find the door locked. Confused, he stood there for a moment, wondering where she could have gone.

“Where is this lady?” he murmured to himself. His concern grew with every passing second. Ram pulled out his phone and began scrolling through social media, hoping to find some update about her, but there was nothing — no posts, no news, no sign of where she might be.

Feeling helpless, his heart ached with worry. Not knowing what else to do, he stood outside her door, running a hand through his hair, his mind racing with possibilities. "Tripura, where are you?" he whispered, the unease evident in his voice.

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Ram’s heart raced all night as he sat by Tripura’s door, waiting, hoping she would return. Each passing hour only deepened his anxiety, but he refused to leave. Exhausted and shivering in the cold, he eventually dozed off, leaning against her door, his thoughts consumed by her safety.

By the time Tripura returned, it was 4 am. She stepped out of the elevator, laughing softly at something Ranveer said, her shopping bags in tow. But her smile froze when her eyes fell on the familiar figure curled up near her door. Her heart sank as she recognized Ram.

“Ram?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Ranveer, noticing her horror – stricken expression, glanced at Ram and smirked. “Your husband seems like a serious stalker, I suppose.”

Tripura shot him a glare and smacked his arm. “Shut up, Ranveer!” she snapped before rushing toward Ram.

Kneeling beside him, she gently tapped his cheek. “Ram? Wake up,” she said softly. But her hands recoiled in shock when she felt the burning heat of his skin. Her voice cracked as she turned to Ranveer. “Ranveer, he... he has a high fever!”

Ranveer immediately came to her side, his teasing demeanor replaced by concern. “Let’s get him inside. I’ll call the doctor,” he said firmly.

Tripura nodded, her hands trembling as she tried to rouse Ram. “Ram... Ram, please wake up,” she pleaded, tears pooling in her eyes. “What’s wrong with you? Why didn’t you just call me?” Her voice broke as she tapped his face gently but urgently.

Ranveer unlocked the door and helped her lift Ram. Together, they managed to carry him into the bedroom, where they laid him down carefully.

Tripura sat beside him, clutching his hand tightly. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, “Ram, open your eyes, please. Don’t scare me like this. What happened to you?”

Ranveer placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Tipsy. The doctor will be here soon. He’ll be fine,” he said, his voice steady.

But Tripura shook her head, her guilt overwhelming her. “If anything happens to him, Ranveer... I’ll never forgive myself,” she sobbed. She leaned closer to Ram, pressing a soft kiss to his hand. “Ram, wake up, please. I’m here. Open your eyes... just once,” she whispered, her voice breaking.