Layers of Us

Chapter 52: Way to apology!

The next morning, the warm sunrays kissed Tripura's face, stirring her from her slumber.

She stretched lazily and blinked her eyes open, only to be greeted by a sight that made her sit upright in surprise.
Roses. Roses everywhere.

The room was adorned with multiple bouquets of red roses, placed on every surface imaginable. Their fresh fragrance filled the air, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

She turned her head to the bedside table, where a particularly extravagant bouquet stood next to her. A small note stuck to it caught her attention. Picking it up, she read the words written in Ram's familiar handwriting:

"I'm sorry, my love. I love you so much, baby."

A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts. Before she could respond, Ram walked in, holding her favorite cup of coffee.

"Good morning, wifey," he greeted with a boyish grin.

Tripura smiled faintly, tying her hair into a loose bun as she replied, "Good morning, Mr. Kapoor."

He handed her the coffee, and she accepted it gratefully, taking a small sip. The warmth of the drink and the effort behind it softened her mood.

"What's with all the bouquets?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

Ram chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I made my wife angry, so this is my way of making up for it."

Tripura couldn't help but laugh at his response. "But don't you think it's a bit too much, Mr. Kapoor?" she teased.

"Not at all," he replied earnestly. "I made a mistake, and I'd do anything to ask for your forgiveness."

Before she could respond, he reached for her hand, his touch gentle yet firm. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it.

"I'm really sorry, Tripura," he said, his tone laced with sincerity.

Tripura smiled softly at him and replied, "It's okay, Mr. Kapoor."

Ram shook his head, as if to emphasize his point. "I promise from now on, I'll never try to control you or your actions or force my thoughts on you. I just want you to be happy."

Her eyes softened at his words, though she didn't let her emotions fully show. She simply nodded and said, "We'll see about that."

Ram chuckled lightly, relieved that she seemed more at ease.

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After finishing her coffee, Tripura placed the cup on the bedside table and got up to get ready for the day. She was about to head to the wardrobe when she felt a sudden pull on her wrist.

Before she could react, she found herself crashing into Ram's arms, her face colliding with his firm chest.

Her eyes shot up to meet his as his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her even closer. She felt her breath hitch as his fingers softly brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"Tripura," he said, his voice soft but intense, "listen, I'm really, really sorry."

She maintained her composure and replied, "I said it's okay, Mr. Kapoor."

But Ram shook his head, his grip on her waist tightening. "No, Tripura. If it was actually okay and you had forgiven me, you'd talk to me normally. Right now, you're just... informing me that it's okay. I'm not that dumb, yaar. I know you, and I understand you way better than you think."

His voice cracked slightly as he continued, "I'm really sorry, yaar. Please. I can't be like this. You ignoring me... it's killing me alive. Please, Tripura, talk to me. If you're angry, hit me, yell at me, do whatever you want, but don't stop talking to me."

Tripura, who had been listening to him patiently, saw the raw vulnerability in his eyes and his voice. Her resolve softened as she slowly encircled her hands around his neck, bringing them closer.

"Mr. Kapoor," she began softly, "I'm not angry with you... and I'm sorry too." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I'm sorry for the words I used yesterday. I know I shouldn't have been harsh on you -"

Ram interrupted her by placing his fingers gently on her lips, silencing her.
"It's okay, wifey," he said with a faint smile. "I understand. But please, know one thing-no matter what, even if this is all pretending, every moment spent with you, every word, hug, and kiss we've shared comes straight from my heart. It's not just a part of the plan. It's real for me."

His voice softened further as he added, "It's okay if you don't feel the same for me. I've never asked you to feel it either. But... if even 1% of it is reciprocated someday, I'd be the happiest person alive. That said, I'd never force you to feel something for me. Ever. Hmm?"

Tripura smiled warmly at his words, her eyes softening. Without saying anything, she pulled him into a warm hug, resting her head on his shoulder.

Ram held her tightly, pressing kisses onto her head every now and then, murmuring, "How much I missed your hugs, wifey. I love you so much."

Tripura stayed in the embrace, letting herself feel the sincerity in his touch and words, her mind whirring with thoughts she didn't want to name.

Tripura broke the hug gently, taking a step back, but Ram wasn't ready to let go just yet. His hands slid back to her waist, pulling her closer once again.
She let out a soft sigh, resting her hands on his chest, her gaze meeting his.

"So, wifey," he said with a playful smirk, his tone teasing, "ready for the haldi function?"

Tripura raised an eyebrow at his smug expression and replied with her usual savage flair, "Well, I'm always ready, Mr. Kapoor. The question is - are you ready?"
She finished with a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ram chuckled at her quick wit, his smirk turning into a warm smile. "Touché, Mrs. Kapoor," he said, joining her in the laughter.

The tension from the previous night seemed to dissipate as their laughter filled the room.

For a moment, it was just them - two people sharing a lighthearted moment amidst all the chaos surrounding them.

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Stay tuned for the next update! :)