Layers of Us

Chapter 19: Bound by Moments

The faint sun rays filtered through the sheer curtains of Tripura's hotel room, painting the walls with a soft, golden hue.

The cool morning breeze flowed in from the open balcony, carrying with it the gentle whispers of a new day.

Tripura stirred awake, her lips curving into a subtle smile. Stretching lazily, she arched her back and let out a soft sigh, relieving the tension in her body.

Sliding out of bed, she walked barefoot to the balcony, the cool tiles a refreshing contrast under her feet. She leaned on the railing, her arms crossed, and let the fresh air wash over her.

The breeze tousled her hair, playing with the loose strands, while the sunlight kissed her skin, giving her an ethereal glow.

Wrapping her arms around herself for warmth, she couldn’t shake off the happiness bubbling within her.

Something about this morning felt... different. Light. Hopeful. But there was also an ache. A faint longing she couldn’t quite place. “Maybe I miss him,” she thought absentmindedly.

Then, almost laughing at herself, she muttered, “Or maybe I just miss that coffee of his.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Tripura tilted her head in curiosity. “Who could it be this early?” she wondered aloud, making her way to the door.

Pulling it open, she was greeted by two familiar faces that instantly lit up her morning even more. There they were — Palash and Ram — dressed casually in tracks and T - shirts, looking like a scene straight out of a weekend getaway magazine.

Palash grinned, holding out a bouquet of fresh roses. “Good morning, lazy bones!” he greeted with his usual teasing tone, stepping forward to pull her into a side hug.

Tripura took the bouquet, her lips twitching into a smile. “Lazy bones?” she quipped, lightly smacking his arm.

Palash laughed, effortlessly brushing past her into the room. “Yes, lazy bones. Took you long enough to answer the door.”

Tripura opened her mouth to retort, but before she could get the words out, Ram stepped forward.

Without hesitation, he wrapped her in a warm, comforting hug.

The world around her seemed to pause. For a fleeting moment, all the noise in her head quieted. Tripura’s body melted into his as she rested her head against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat filled her ears, calming her like the sweetest lullaby.

For Ram, holding her felt like the missing piece to his puzzle had finally clicked into place. The faint fragrance of her hair, the soft curve of her shoulders in his arms — everything about her felt like home.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth, for what felt like an eternity. Neither of them wanted to let go.

Palash, however, had other plans. Clearing his throat dramatically, he teased, “Oh, lovebirds, if you’re done playing out a Bollywood scene, can we move on to the part where we order breakfast? Some of us are starving, you know.”

Startled, Tripura pulled back abruptly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she avoided Ram’s eyes. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, retreating into her bedroom under the guise of needing a moment.

Ram shook his head with a soft chuckle as he closed the door behind him and stepped inside.

Palash approached him with a knowing smile, placing a firm hand on Ram’s shoulder. “You’re doing the right thing now, Ram,” he said sincerely. “I haven’t seen her this happy in years. I’m happy for both of you.”