Layers of Us

Chapter 116: Too Close to Control

The next morning—

Soft rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains and fell directly on Tripura's face, making her squirm slightly in her sleep.

She frowned, turning her head away, but the light followed stubbornly.

With a small groan, she pulled the blanket over her face, hiding from it completely.

Success.

For a few peaceful moments-
Everything went quiet again.

Until her sleep slowly began to break.

Her eyes fluttered open inside the cocoon of the blanket, and she let out a big yawn, stretching her mouth lazily before pushing the covers away.

She stretched her arms, her body loosening, then rubbed her eyes softly and sat up.

And the moment she did-
Her head spun.
Hard.

She winced, immediately holding her head in both her hands.
"Ahhh..." she groaned softly. "Mera sarr..."

And right on cue-
Ram appeared.

Leaning casually, watching her with a smile.
"Ahh... finally," he said. "Madame storm woke up."
"Good morning, darling."

Tripura looked at him like she might throw something.
"Kya good hai morning mein..." she groaned. "Mera sar phat raha hai..."

She lightly tapped her head with her hands in frustration.
"Ahhh..."

Ram laughed.
"Phatega hi," he said. "Kyunki madame ne pee rakhi thi."

Tripura immediately looked up at him.
"What nonsense," she said, frowning. "Aap jaante ho main nahi peeti."

Ram scratched his temple, trying not to laugh.
"Haan toh maine kab kaha ki tumne khud pee," he replied casually.

Tripura narrowed her eyes.
"Matlab... kisi aur ne pilayi?"

Ram nodded.

Tripura straightened slightly.
"Kaun?" she asked sharply. "Don't tell me it was Romila."

Ram shook his head.
"Nahi. Usne kuch nahi kiya."

Tripura frowned deeper.
"Toh phir kisne?"

Ram took a small breath.
"Batata hoon... par tum gussa mat hona, alright?"

She looked at him suspiciously.

He raised his hands slightly.
"...tumhe daru maine pilayi."

Tripura froze.
Her eyes widened.
"What?!"

Before she could explode-

Ram quickly spoke again.
"Wait-listen first," he said. "Before you burst out on me."

He sighed.

"Dekho... Romila was all over me, alright? And you were... enjoying way too much."

Tripura gave him a look.

Ram continued anyway.
"So I thought... if I get you a little drunk, you would... you know... show Romila her place. Claim me in front of her..."

Tripura blinked.
A little uncertain.
"So... did I do that?" she asked slowly.

Ram let out a small laugh.
"Kahan," he said. "You did everything except that."