Layers of Us

Chapter 47

The golden rays of dawn filtered into their room through the sheer curtains. Tripura stirred slightly, finding herself cocooned in Ram's arms.

He had one arm securely wrapped around her waist, and his other hand rested near her hair.

She carefully turned in his arms, her face now inches away from his. Ram's features looked so peaceful in his sleep, his lips slightly parted and his brow relaxed.

Tripura couldn't help but smile as she reached up and gently tucked a stray strand of hair away from his forehead.

As if sensing her movement, Ram's eyes slowly fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across his face when he saw her. "Good morning, wifey."

Tripura blushed. "Good morning, Mr. Kapoor."

He pulled her closer, their noses almost touching. "I think this is the best way to wake up every morning."

Tripura giggled softly and pushed him back slightly. "Okay, Mr. Kapoor, time to get up! There's a wedding happening in this house, and we're already behind schedule."

Ram groaned playfully but let her go, watching her as she walked towards the wardrobe. "You'll regret waking me up so early, wifey. I'm not done spending time with you yet."

Tripura turned and stuck her tongue out at him before disappearing into the bathroom. Ram shook his head, a smile plastered across his face.

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Tripura was in the kitchen, helping with some last - minute preparations. The staff bustled around, but she worked gracefully, chopping vegetables and instructing the cooks.

Ram walked into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. "Wifey, what's cooking here?"

Tripura turned around, holding a spatula in her hand. "Mr. Kapoor, kya aapko yahan entry ka permission mila hai? Shaadi ka ghar hai, sab busy hain."

Ram walked up to her, leaning slightly closer. "Mujhe permission ki zarurat nahi hai, Mrs. Kapoor. Main toh bas apni sundar biwi ko dekhne aaya hoon."

Tripura blushed and swatted his arm lightly with the spatula. "Ram, stop it! Everyone's watching."

But Ram wasn't done. He snuck behind her while she was focused on stirring a curry and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Toh dekhne do. Mujhe koi farq nahi padta."

Tripura froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing crimson. "Ram! Chhodiyena, someone will see."

Just then, one of Ram's cousins peeked in. "Arrey, romance ho raha hai yahan!"

Tripura quickly stepped out of Ram's hold, turning around and throwing a small towel at him. Ram just laughed and winked at her before stepping back.

The kitchen staff giggled among themselves as Tripura turned back to the stove, her face still red.

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The entire family gathered for lunch. The long dining table was filled with chatter, laughter, and clinking plates. Tripura was serving food to the elders when Ram pulled out a chair next to him and gestured for her to sit.

"Tripura, sit here," he said softly.

She sat down hesitantly, and as she reached for the bowl of rice, Ram casually picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles softly.

The entire table fell silent for a moment before Ankita teased, "Oh ho, romance during lunch too?"

Tripura's face turned beet red, and she looked down at her plate. Ram, however, smiled confidently. "What can I say? My wife deserves all the love, whether it's morning, noon, or night."

The family laughed, and Tripura shot him a shy but playful glare.

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After the long day, Tripura found herself on the terrace once again, as this place is her new found solace place.

The sky was clear, filled with twinkling stars. Ram joined her a few minutes later, holding two mugs of tea and coffee.

They sat down side by side on a blanket spread on the terrace floor.

Tripura took a sip of her coffee and smiled. "You know, Ram... despite all the chaos, moments like these make everything worth it."

Ram placed his mug down and took her hand in his. "Every moment with you is worth it, Tripura."

They sat in silence, their fingers intertwined, as the cool night breeze wrapped around them like a gentle embrace.

Ram looked at her, his heart swelling with love and gratitude. "Thank you, Tripura. For being you, for trusting me, and for... just being here."

Tripura smiled, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. "Always, Ram. Always."

As the night deepened, they sat there under the vast sky, two souls finding solace, love, and warmth in each other's presence.

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Stay tuned for the next update! :)