Layers of Us

Chapter 90: Dil ullu ka pattha hai ❤️

The morning sunlight spilled in through the blinds, golden and soft, as Tripura stepped into her cabin in her office attire and a soft bun tied at her nape. Coffee in hand, bag on shoulder, she was already halfway into emails when her manager gently knocked and entered with an envelope in hand.

"Ma'am..." he said, eyes shining.
"It's here."

Tripura blinked.
"What's here?"

He handed it over with reverence.
A thick cream envelope. Official seal.
Her name embossed in gold.
She slowly opened it, her fingers trembling ever so slightly.

Her eyes scanned the page.
"Government of India - National Film Awards Committee"
"...We are honoured to inform you that Ms. Tripura Nagrajan has been selected as the winner of the National Award for Best Actress..."

Tripura's lips parted. Her chest heaved a breath she didn't even realize she was holding.

She blinked back a tear, pressing the letter to her heart for a brief second.
The room spun around her.
But in the center of it, she stood still.
Calm. Proud. Grateful.

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Evening -

Tripura stood in the living room, barefoot, hair slightly loosened from the day.
Still in her office attire, she held the award letter in her hand as she walked over to the kitchen, where her amma was chopping vegetables with that calm, motherly grace only years of resilience bring.

Tripura handed her the envelope wordlessly.
She took it, adjusted her glasses, and began reading.

Tripura watched her mother's expression shift- from focus, to surprise, to pride.
Her amma looked up at her daughter now, eyes glistening.
"You did it, ma... you really did it."

Tripura bit her lip, unable to contain her smile.
"I... guess I did."

Her amma pulled her into a hug, both of them holding on a little longer than usual.
"I'm proud of the woman you are, kanna," Amma whispered.
"Not just because of this award... but because you made it here without letting the world harden you."

Tripura's eyes filled again.
"Thank you, amma. For never giving up on me. Even when I gave up on myself."
Her mom cupped her cheek with calloused hands and kissed her forehead.

And then-came the sound of tiny feet.
Siya ran into the room, clutching her coloring book, spotting her mom with that trademark little grin.
"Ammaaaa!" she squealed, "Bhoomi akka told me you're getting an award!"

Tripura bent down, opening her arms.
"Yes, baby. Amma's getting a medal. For acting well."

Siya giggled and threw her arms around her neck.
She kissed Tripura's cheek loudly.
"Well done, amma. You've been a very good girl."

Tripura laughed, cupping her daughter's cheek.
"You think so?"

Siya nodded with full conviction.
"Of course. Even I'll give you a gold star."

She pulled one out of her sticker book and slapped it gently on Tripura's kurta.
Tripura gasped playfully.
"Wow, my best award so far."
They all laughed. The house was full of light.

Tripura pulled both Siya and her mom into a hug and looked up toward the ceiling for a moment-whispering a silent thank you to the universe.

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