Layers of Us

Chapter 78: When Fire Meets Panda

Outside, the night air was biting cold — chilly, moody, and utterly romantic. Just the way Tripura liked it. The wind danced with her saree pallu, fingers of cold threading through her loose waves, sending a shiver down her spine — the good kind, and the quiet thrill bubbling in her chest.

And then she heard it.

A deep, resonant vrrrrrooom echoed down the Oberoi driveway.

A bike — no, a beast — rolled into the compound. Jet – black, polished to perfection, the headlights casting a cinematic glow against the stone pathway.

The man riding it got off smoothly and walked straight to Ram, handing him the helmet and keys. They exchanged a firm handshake, and within seconds, the man turned and left, disappearing into the night like a courier of chaos.

Ram stepped forward, all calm swagger and stormy elegance. He mounted the bike in one fluid motion, adjusted the helmet over his thick hair, and key started the engine. The rumble sent a vibration through the ground beneath Tripura’s feet.

He pulled up in front of her, revved once — just enough to make her breath hitch — and then raised a brow when he caught her gawking at him.

“Like what you see?”
His voice cut through the wind, cocky and smooth.

Tripura blinked, lips curving into a smile as she came out of her trance.
“Yes,” she said honestly. “I really like what I’m seeing right now.”

Then gesturing with her hands at the bike, she added with a smirk,
"But Mr. Kapoor, this thing — this is as big as you are!"
She laughed, genuinely tickled.

Ram grinned proudly.
“Madam, meet my favorite girl — the Honda Goldwing Tour. Pure muscle and grace. Nothing beats her.”

“She’s beautiful,” Tripura agreed, walking around the bike admiringly. “But how did you even arrange for this?”

Ram casually shrugged.
“Showroom se.”

She frowned.
"Showroom se matlab?"

He slipped off the helmet, tousled his hair slightly, and said it like it was no big deal.
“Matlab… I bought it, darling. Brand new.”

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
“Bought it?! Are you telling me you purchased this giant monster of a bike just for a ride?”

Ram gave her a simple nod, completely unbothered.

Tripura slapped a hand over her mouth, staring at him like he’d lost his mind.
“Mr. Kapoor, have you lost it? Who buys a bike for one night ride?”

Ram tilted his head, trying to process her reaction.
"But... you wanted a bike ride, right!?."

Tripura exclaimed!
"Yes, a ride, not a whole damn showroom deal!"

Ram leaned back slightly on the seat, adjusting his collar.
“Well… you said you wanted a bike ride. I didn’t have one here in Agra. So… I bought one.”

“You could’ve rented one!” she argued, hands flying dramatically. “There are rental bikes everywhere!”

He raised a brow.
“Those flimsy rentals? Half of them can’t even handle my weight. And I wasn’t about to take you out on a scooter, baby. Please.”

Tripura gave him a deadpan glare.
“Ram, you bought a new superbike just because you didn’t want to ride a scooter?”

He leaned forward on the handlebar, lips twitching.
"Obviously. I wanted my wifey — alas my girlfriend — to be comfortable.
And moreover, we Kapoor’s don't compromise on safety, style, smooth rides and swag.