Layers of Us

Chapter 46

The Kapoor haveli was alive with vibrant colors, music, and the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations.

Laughter echoed through the grand halls as guests, decorators, and family members hurried about, finalizing every detail.

Tripura was busy helping Dadi with arranging gifts when a sudden commotion near the entrance caught everyone's attention.

A tall, elegantly dressed woman strutted into the house with an air of confidence. She wore a designer saree, her makeup perfectly in place, and her smirk said she was here with a purpose.

"Ram!" she exclaimed dramatically as her eyes found him standing near the staircase, overseeing some decorations.

Ram froze mid - instruction, his jaw tightening as his gaze met Isha's. His face hardened, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

The entire family turned towards her, confusion and curiosity etched on their faces.

Ankita stepped forward, her face lighting up. "Oh, Isha Di! You made it! I'm so happy you're here. I didn't know you'd be coming."

Tripura, who had walked down the staircase and was now standing a little behind Ram, noticed how his entire body had gone rigid.

Isha ignored Ankita completely and started walking towards Ram with a sly smile.
"Ram... aren't you going to say something? Won't you welcome me? After all, it's been... what, ten years?" she purred, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

Ram's voice was cold, firm, and sharp. "What are you doing here, Isha?"

She smirked and stepped closer, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Well, Ankita invited me, obviously. I didn't know I'd get such a cold welcome from you."

Before Ram could respond, Isha lunged forward as if to hug him. But Ram stepped back, his hand shooting up to stop her.
"Don't!" he said sternly, his voice laced with anger.

Isha paused, her smile faltering for a brief second before it returned, sharper than before.
"Oh, come on, Ram. Don't act like we're strangers. We've shared... so much." She glanced around the room, her voice dropping to a sultry tone. "I missed you. Your arms... your warmth... and oh, your skills in bed."

The entire room went silent. The staff froze, Ankita's smile dropped, and Tripura's face unreadable as she looked at Ram, then back at Isha.

Ram's jaw tightened, his eyes flaring with anger. "Enough!"

Isha tilted her head, her smirk still plastered on her face. "Why are you acting like this, Ram? Have you forgotten all those nights? All those promises? Or..."

She turned slightly and spotted Tripura standing quietly behind him. "Oh, I see. Is she the reason? Hmm... she looks hott. But darling, do you know your dear husband wasn't always this saintly gentleman?"

Tripura's heart clenched, but her face remained composed.

Ram's voice dropped to a deadly calm. "Get out, Isha. Right now."

She laughed mockingly. "Oh, Ram, come on. Why so serious? I'm just here for the wedding. We'll be seeing a lot of each other over the next few days, won't we?"

"I said GET OUT!" Ram roared, his voice echoing through the mansion.

The family flinched at the intensity, and even Isha's smirk wavered slightly.
"You're not welcome here. I don't care whose cousin you are or who invited you. You're leaving this house right now."