Layers of Us

Chapter 93: 3 Khoon Maaf 🔪🩸

The door clicked open.

Ireen stepped in first, bags in hand, followed by Bhoomi, moving slowly but determinedly.

Merwin trailed behind, arms full of snacks, meds, and half a dozen things she didn't ask for.

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EARLY EVENING -

The space was quiet, filled with soft light filtering in through gauzy curtains.

Bhoomi sat on the couch, legs tucked under her, a light blanket draped over her. Her body still looked fragile, her eyes still tired - but there was a calmness in her now. A quiet willingness to heal.

Ireen flitted around the kitchen, mumbling about how the masala boxes weren't labelled properly.

Merwin, seated beside Bhoomi, handed her a glass of warm water and some pills, giving her the "I'm watching you take it" expression.

Bhoomi rolled her eyes.
"You guys are being too much."

Ireen popped her head out of the kitchen.
"And you're being dramatic. Take your meds."

Bhoomi smiled faintly, the kind that didn't fully reach her eyes yet - but it was a start.
As she swallowed the pills, she looked toward the door.
Hoping.
But she said nothing.

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TRIPURA'S PENTHOUSE - SAME TIME:

The elevator dinged.

Tripura stepped in, her heels echoing lightly as she walked through the space.

Ram followed, quiet.

The air inside the penthouse was still - like the walls themselves had been holding their breath.

Tripura dropped her bag gently by the entrance.
She walked to the living room balcony, arms crossed, staring out at the city below.

Ram gave her a moment.
Then-
"You okay?"

Tripura didn't turn around.
"She wants to stay alone."

Ram nodded, walking closer.
"That's... a good thing, isn't it?"

Tripura exhaled slowly.
"Maybe."
She paused.
"Or maybe she's still running from me."

Ram moved beside her now.
"No," he said firmly.
"She's trying to run toward herself this time."

Tripura's eyes closed for a beat.
She wasn't crying.
She was just... tired.
"I don't know how to be okay with that."

Ram turned to her, gently taking her hand in his.
"You don't have to be okay with it today."
"But you showed up for her every single day. And now... it's time you show up for yourself too."

Tripura looked at him.
Really looked.
The only person who never asked her to be strong - and still never let her fall.

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LIVING ROOM - NIGHT:

The lights were dimmed low.

The skyline outside glowed softly, a blend of warm city lights and fading dusk.

Tripura sat curled up on the couch, legs folded beneath her, wearing one of her softer cotton kurtas - not the fierce woman in heels and fire anymore.
Just... her.