Layers of Us

Chapter 49

The warm rays of the sun streamed into the room, slowly illuminating the space. The curtains swayed gently in the morning breeze, and the faint sounds of hustle and bustle from outside hinted at the preparations for the upcoming Sangeet night.

On the bed, Ram and Tripura lay wrapped in each other's arms, oblivious to the world outside. Ram's arm rested securely around Tripura's waist, his face buried near her shoulder, while Tripura's hand rested lightly on the sides of the bed. They looked peaceful, lost in the serenity of the moment.

The commotion outside grew louder - the clinking of metal poles, instructions being shouted, and music being tested on the speakers. Slowly, the noise began to stir them from their slumber.

Tripura stirred first, her lashes fluttering as she adjusted to the sunlight. She wiped her eyes and blinked slowly.

As she looked at Ram, still holding her close and sleeping like a baby, her lips curled into a soft smile. His mouth was slightly open, his hair ruffled, and he looked so childlike that Tripura couldn't help but admire him.

Suddenly, Ram's voice broke the silence. "Aise mat dekho, biwi. Tumhe mujhse pyaar ho jayega," he murmured with a cheeky grin, his eyes still closed.

Tripura's eyes widened in surprise as she realized he was awake. "You're awake? Since when?" she asked, sitting up slightly.

Ram opened one eye and smirked. "Since my wife decided to admire her handsome husband so shamelessly," he teased, winking at her. "I pretended to be asleep just so I could catch you in the act."

Tripura let out a hearty laugh, shaking her head at his antics. "You're impossible, Ram."

"And you love it," he quipped, grinning as he joined in her laughter.

As Tripura shifted to get out of bed, Ram's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her back. "Not so fast, wifey," he said, sitting up slightly on his elbows. He reached for her hands, holding them gently as his eyes fell on the dark brown color of her mehndi.

His face lit up like a child discovering his favorite candy. "Look at this!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "The color is so dark! Do you know what that means?"

Tripura raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "What does it mean, Mr. Kapoor?"

"It means," Ram began dramatically, lifting her hands to kiss them one by one, "that my love for you is true and deep. See? Even your mehndi agrees with me!"

Tripura chuckled softly, watching his enthusiasm with warmth in her eyes. She didn't say anything, just continued to smile at him.

Ram noticed her gaze and leaned in to kiss her temple softly. "You don't need to say anything, Tripura. Your smile says it all."

He finally released her, letting her stand up and head toward the bathroom. Tripura closed the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment and taking a deep breath. Her smile faded slightly as she looked at herself in the mirror.

She sighed deeply, whispering a silent prayer. "Let things go as planned. Let no heart be hurt but mine."

She grabbed her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she found Vikram's name. As she dialed, her resolve hardened. "It's time to set things in motion," she thought to herself before holding the phone to her ear.

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The Kapoor haveli was bathed in golden fairy lights, casting a magical glow on the grand venue.