Layers of Us

Chapter 85: A Thread Between Us🧵

The early morning sunlight streamed in through the tall glass windows as Tripura walked into her home, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Dressed in a breezy kurti and denim, hair tied in a lazy bun, radiating a more relaxed aura today.

The moment she stepped inside, the familiar sound of little feet running echoed through the house.

"Ammaaaa!" Siya squealed, sprinting down the hallway, her arms stretched out.

Tripura opened her arms just in time to catch her, spinning her around slightly as she laughed. "Kutty!" she exclaimed, planting several kisses on Siya's cheeks. "I promised you something, didn't I?"

Siya grinned. "Yes! Finding Nemo! Today! Theater!"

Tripura nodded, placing Siya down. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go find Nemo!"

Being one of the city's most influential personalities did have its perks.
A private cinema hall was booked in advance, made cozy with beanbags and pillows - just the way Siya liked it.

The projectionist smiled and nodded as Tripura entered with Siya in her arms, her little one wearing a Dory print dress, eyes wide with excitement.

As the movie played, Tripura didn't just watch the screen - she watched Siya.
The way her daughter giggled during Dory's antics, clapped her hands in joy, and covered her eyes during the sad parts made Tripura's heart swell.
This - this was everything.

Siya snuggled closer to Tripura's arm midway, whispering, "Amma, I love you."

Tripura kissed the crown of her head. "I love you more, kutty."

-----------

Later, as the sun started to dip low, casting a warm orange hue over the city, the mother - daughter duo drove down the quiet streets.

Tripura stopped near a small vintage - style ice cream parlor tucked at the corner - Siya's favorite.

They sat on the hood of the car, each holding a waffle cone.
Siya had her classic Berry Blast, and Tripura opted for coffee almond crunch.

The breeze tousled their hair as they sat there, legs swinging, giggling about Nemo and how Dory reminded them of Bhoomi's forgetful episodes.

Tripura watched Siya with quiet admiration and a smile - her eyes, her laughter, her spirit.
She was her entire universe.

But beneath that smile, a question brewed in Tripura's heart - one that she didn't know how to voice... until now.

"Siya," she began softly, carefully, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "Can I ask you something, kutty?"

Siya looked up mid - lick, her big innocent eyes curious.

Tripura hesitated, then gently continued, "Did you ever... feel like you wanted... a father?"

Siya paused, her ice cream cone frozen halfway to her lips. Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked at her mother, unsure why the question made her amma's voice tremble like that.

Tripura took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. "I mean... I know this might be a strange question, and maybe you're too little for it. But sometimes... sometimes I feel like maybe I failed you, kutty. I try so hard - to be everything for you. To give you all that you ask for. To be both your amma and your appa. But..." Her voice cracked as the tears threatened to fall. "If ever, even once, you felt like something was missing because of me... I'm sorry, da."