Layers of Us

Chapter 95: Gasoline🔥

The sun was just peeking through the gauzy curtains, spilling warm light onto the crisp sheets.

Tripura stirred, one arm tucked under the pillow, the other lazily draped over the comforter.

And then — smooch.
Another one.

Followed by a third, wetter one, right on her nose.

Tripura’s brows knit.
She blinked her eyes open to see—
SIYA.

Grinning, curls bouncing, in a sunshine yellow frock, peppering kisses all over her mom’s face.
“Ammaaaaa... wake up na!”

Tripura groaned, voice still heavy with sleep.
“Kuttyy… why… it's too early...”

“It's my Annual Day, remember? You promised you’ll come and help me with my costume!”

Before she could even sit up, two more bodies jumped on the bed — full speed.
Both barking, wagging, and circling her on the bed like they owned the space.

Tripura sat up now, pillow flying off.
“Okay okay! Mercy! I surrender!” she laughed, as Candy pawed her lap and Ruffy tried to lick her cheek.
“One at a time, babies!”

Siya giggled. “Even they know today’s special!”

Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Tripura’s amma stepped in — saree pleated neatly, hair tied back, a gentle authority in her walk.

“Kanna, I’ve packed her lunch and ironed her uniform. But she insists on wearing her costume to school.”

Tripura, rubbing her eyes, smiled.
“She’s clearly my child.”

“Clearly!” her mother replied, shaking her head. “Full drama.”

Siya:
“Excuse me cookie, I’m the lead in my dance group. I have responsibilities!”

Tripura raised a brow.
“Like what? Flipping your hair on beat?”

Siya gasped.
“AMMA! This is a semi-classical-fusion performance. Don’t make it sound silly.”

Her grandmother laughed softly.
“Aiyyo da, listen to the her bossing us all.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCHOOL AUDITORIUM —

The place was packed — kids in colorful costumes, parents hustling around with water bottles and tissue packets.

Tripura, wearing a pastel kurta and light scarf, had her phone ready on camera mode.

Siya stood backstage, dressed in a vibrant purple and orange Bharatanatyam-meets-contemporary outfit, jasmine flowers tucked into her braid, gold bangles clinking.

She waved excitedly at Tripura and paati from behind the curtain.

Tripura waved back, smiling.

Her smma nudged her shoulder.
“She’s just like you at this age, kanna.
All eyes. All energy.
God save the boys in her class.”

Tripura smirked. “They don’t stand a chance.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The music began — a soft tabla beat mixing into a contemporary loop.

Siya stepped out — poised, focused, glowing.

And then — she danced.
Fluid. Precise. Radiant.
Little mudras perfectly timed.
Her tiny feet tapping with grace.
Expressions playful and clear, just like her amma’s stage days.