Layers of Us

Chapter 76: Bade Acche Lagte Hain❤️

"Happy 14 years to all the 'Raya', 'Rashi', and 'the OG Bade Achhe Lagte Hain' fans!
A story that began 14 years ago still lives in our hearts ❤️ —
Here’s to the love, the memories, and the magic we’ve held on to ever since day one!"

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Later that afternoon, the golden hue fell softly over the narrow lanes as Tripura stepped out of the car, dressed in a chic yet understated kurta set — elegance with ease. Her hair tied up in a relaxed bun, a pair of tinted sunglasses perched on her head. She had the look of someone who didn’t try to impress, but ended up doing it anyway.

The sprawling bungalow that doubled as the producer’s residence had already begun to buzz with activity. Assistants rushed about with tablets, and notepads.
A couple of camera crew were stationed discreetly in a corner, casually documenting behind-the-scenes moments for future promotional content.

As soon as Tripura walked in, the producer, Mr. Manish Bansal, a warm, well-dressed man in his 60s, greeted her with genuine delight.
“Tripura! Welcome, welcome beta — finally, the star of the show arrives,” he said, holding her hands warmly.
“Your performance has created magic. I’m telling you — this movie is going to change the game.”

She smiled modestly, greeting a few others before noticing Ram seated inside, dressed in a smart casual black shirt and jeans, flipping through a few notes. Their eyes met briefly — unreadable glances exchanged.

She walked over and took the empty seat next to him on a separate two-seater sofa. No words, just a nod of acknowledgment.

The room held around ten to twelve people — the director Manoj Menen, the line producer, two digital heads, a PR strategist, a brand tie-up consultant, and the heads of distribution.

Mr. Bansal cleared his throat and spoke with a smile.
“Alright, let’s begin. Thank you, everyone, for coming on short notice. I wanted today to be less of a ‘meeting’ and more of a creative huddle.
First of all, Manoj — brilliant job. The rushes look phenomenal. And you two,” he pointed to Tripura and Ram, “you’ve set the screen on fire. The chemistry, the tension, the stillness — it’s exactly what we hoped for.”

Tripura gave a small smile. Ram nodded politely.

“Now,” Mehta continued, leaning forward in his seat, “we need to talk about the next phase — the promotions. The trailer drops in ten days. But we don’t want to do the usual press conference + media junket circus. We want noise. We want movement. And most importantly, we want a personal connection.”

He paused.

“I want to launch the trailer with a skit. A teaser act, performed live by you two — something that hints at the story without giving anything away. A mood, a tone. It should leave people hungry for more.”

The PR head, Kavya, chimed in. “Think like what theatre troupes do before a film — immersive storytelling. Maybe you two reenact an exclusive scene. Or do a voice-over poetic segment on stage, like a two-person spoken word format.”

The director added, “And maybe a backdrop of a massive screen projection of the stills behind you as you perform. Music builds. We fade out into the trailer.”

Mr. Bansal clapped. “Yes! Exactly. I need this! Now — venue. That’s what I called you all in for. Where do we do this? I want emotion. Drama. A place with heart, not just another five-star ballroom.”