Ram stepped out of his vanity van, adjusting the collar of his shirt, sunglasses on, and his classic Kapoor smirk in place.
Ram (muttering to himself):
“Fresh mountain air… new scenes... good light… good mood…”
Voice (syrupy sweet):
“Jannuuuu...”
Ram froze.
Ram (internally):
Oh for the love of all things holy... not her. Not now.
He slowly turned.
There she was. Romila. In all her pink-lipsticked, over-accessorized, perfume-clouded glory. Her eyes locked on him like a lioness spotting brunch.
Romila (fluttering her lashes):
“You look sooooooo handsome today, janu. Is it for the camera? Or... for meee?”
(Giggles obnoxiously)
Ram (faking a smile):
“Romila... hi. Good evening. Great weather, huh? Look at the breeze! So breezy. Super... breeze.”
Romila (purring):
“Not breezier than your hair, janu. Honestly, we should do a shampoo ad together in bathroom.”
She stepped way too close. Her hand reached up—was she about to stroke his hair?
Ram (panicking):
“Oh– oh wow! Look at the time! I have a– a shot! A scene! A script to rehearse!”
Romila (leaning in):
“Let me help you rehearse. I’m very good with... lines.”
She winked. He shuddered.
Ram (internally):
Lord, if you’re watching, I swear I’ll be a better person. Just get me out of here before she starts quoting Shakespeare in lingerie.
Romila (grabbing his wrist dramatically):
“You know, janu, our chemistry is so palpable on screen. I feel like... there’s more here than acting. Don’t you think?”
Ram:
“I think I need to be anywhere but here.”
And with that, he bolted.
Romila (shouting after him):
“Janu, wait! Don’t run from love! Jannuuu!”
Ram sprinted through the narrow corridor like a man being chased by wild boars. He turned a corner sharply—
BAM.
He collided full force into Tripura, knocking the script out of her hand. She lost balance.
He instinctively caught her, one arm wrapped tightly around her waist, the other gripping her upper back.
For one breathless second, they were pressed together.
Her face inches from his.
Her fingers clutched his shirt for balance.
His heart thudded painfully in his chest.
Ram (internally):
God. Just stay like this. Just a few more seconds. Please.
She looked up at him—but didn’t say a word.
Her jaw clenched.
He slowly released her. She took a step back. No eye contact. Just a silent recovery
She bent down, picked up her script, brushed imaginary dust off it.
Then straightened, gave him one cold look...
...and walked past him.
Not a word.
Ram (watching her go, whispering to himself):
“Right. Of course.”
YOU ARE READING
Layers of Us
FanfictionIn a world where tradition dictates the heart, Tripura Nagrajan finds herself trapped in an arranged marriage she never wanted. A compassionate soul with a passion for animals and a thriving career as a psychologist, actress, and business tycoon, T...
