Layers of Us

Chapter 123: Return Gifts 😏

Next day arrived in nervous chaos as the whole house had practically turned upside down.

Doors kept opening and closing, footsteps echoed endlessly through the corridors, garment covers hung everywhere, suitcases stood open in every room while people moved in and out carrying jewelry boxes, makeup trunks and bags.

Today everyone was finally supposed to head to the venue for the first ever function -
Bhoomi's mehendi...
And somehow that thought itself had excitement running through the house.

Outside Ram had unofficially become the manager of the entire operation.

He stood there making sure every dress, every makeup kit, every jewelry box, extra jewelry box, extra dress and emergency outfit were all fitted inside the cars properly.

He looked once at the line up and sighed-
THREE large SUVs filled... completely filled.

And the tragedy?
Those three cars carried only the belongings of the FIVE ladies in his life currently -
His mother in law.
His two wonderful daughters - and mind you Siya was absolutely no less demanding.
The child was honestly Tripura 3.0 at this point, the tiny version, and the more dramatic version too.
His only sane support system in this place, Ireen.
And of course... his dear wife belongings as well.

Suitcases, dress covers, makeup trunks, hair kits, jewelry boxes... extra jewelry... backup jewelry... extra dresses...
"What if" outfits...
Things for emergency moments.

And Ram genuinely stood there wondering if these people were attending a wedding or shifting homes.

Another two SUVs carried his clothes and essentials, his mum and dad's belongings, dadi's things and of course the extravaganza called Neha and the kids' clothes.
Meanwhile somewhere quietly in one corner sat Vikram's lonely duffle bag.

Ram chuckled seeing it.
Poor man.
One bag for his entire existence while Neha alone looked capable of opening a boutique.

Vikram walked out at the exact moment.

"Bro..."
Ram pointed.
"That is your whole existence?"

Vikram looked proudly at his lonely bag.
"Efficient living bhai."

From behind-
"LIAR!"
Neha shouted while struggling with another suitcase.
"You forgot half your clothes back in Delhi!"

Vikram looked betrayed at another suitcase of hers.
"Again?"

Ram laughed harder and sighed looking at the lineup.

For one dangerous second Ram genuinely thought maybe hiring a tempo would have been better.
A lot of diesel money could have been saved.
Five cars only for luggage... absolute waste.

But then again... looks were a thing.
And if he had done something financially brilliant but aesthetically criminal...
Tripura would surely disown him...
So he kept his genius to himself.

Everything finally settled.

Each car had two bodyguards: one in the driver seat and one in the passenger.
Because these cars weren't carrying ordinary luggage anymore - it was carrying gold, wedding pieces and family heirlooms.
Chance nahi le sakte... he thought.

Ram personally checked the jewelry cases once more and finally nodded and instructed the convoy to move.

One by one the cars rolled out toward the venue.

Ram finally settled into his car and leaned back in the seat and looked outside through the rear-view mirror waiting for the family members to slowly make their way out.