Layers of Us

Chapter 40: The Truth!

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room.

The air was still, quiet, and filled with a sense of tranquility. Ram was already awake, but he hadn’t moved a muscle.

He lay still, his head resting on one hand as he looked down at Tripura. She was snuggled close to him, her face buried against his chest, her breaths soft and even. Her hair was slightly tousled, framing her serene face, and Ram couldn’t help but smile.

His hand moved almost of its own accord, gently patting her head, smoothing down the wild strands. The touch was featherlight, filled with care.

He wanted to let her sleep longer, to let her stay wrapped in this moment of peace, but part of him selfishly wished she would wake up.

He wanted to see her eyes, hear her voice, watch the way her lips curved into that beautiful smile of hers.

As if on cue, Tripura stirred in her sleep. She shifted slightly, her face rubbing against his chest before she blinked her eyes open.

At first, she seemed confused, her sleep - addled mind trying to process her surroundings. But then her gaze landed on Ram, who was looking at her with such an open, loving expression that her heart skipped a beat.

A smile crept onto her lips, shy and sweet, as she whispered, “Good morning, Mr. Kapoor.”

Ram’s smile deepened. He leaned forward and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead. “Good morning, baby,” he murmured against her skin. The kiss was gentle, reverent, and yet it carried an intensity that made Tripura close her eyes, feeling the depth of the moment.

When he pulled back, Tripura opened her eyes slowly, her heart still fluttering from the tenderness of his gesture.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled with unspoken emotions. Then, as if gathering courage from an unknown source, Tripura leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

Ram froze, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn’t seen that coming. It was such a small gesture, yet it carried a weight that left him momentarily speechless.

Tripura, on the other hand, was a blushing mess. She couldn’t believe what she’d just done, though she did kiss him on cheek last night, but that was supposed to be in her intoxicated mood pretendence — but now she was sober (atleast that's what Ram thought).

Her cheeks burned a bright shade of crimson, and she quickly sat up, her movements hurried. “Uh… I - I’ll go freshen up,” she stammered, trying to escape before her nerves gave out completely.

But Ram wasn’t about to let her go. Before she could get far, he reached out and caught her wrist, his grip firm yet gentle.

With one swift motion, he pulled her back onto the bed, her body landing softly against the mattress. Tripura gasped, her heart racing as Ram leaned over her, his body hovering above hers.

The proximity was overwhelming. She could feel the weight of him, the warmth radiating from his body. Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to process what was happening.

Ram’s eyes were intense as they locked onto hers. He reached out, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was slow, deliberate, and his voice was low and husky when he spoke. “Wifey,” he drawled, a teasing smile playing on his lips, “what was with the kiss, hmm?”

His thumb traced the curve of her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Tripura felt like she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. The way he was looking at her, the way he was touching her — it was intoxicating.