Layers of Us

Chapter 56

The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, gently waking up Ram and Tripura. The room was still, save for the quiet hum of the world outside. It was the morning of the wedding, but for the moment, time stood still.

Ram opened his eyes, finding Tripura nestled close to him, her head resting on his chest. He smiled softly at the peaceful sight of her, the woman who was his forever. The warmth of her body against his made his heart swell with love and protectiveness.

He lightly brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, his fingers grazing her soft skin. Tripura stirred in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes to meet his gaze.

For a moment, they both simply looked at each other, taking in the beauty of the morning and the moment, unspoken feelings swirling between them.

Ram (whispering softly):
"Good morning, my love."

Tripura blinked and smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him. She playfully poked his chest with her finger, still a little sleepy but filled with warmth.

Tripura (teasingly):
"Good morning, Mr. Kapoor.
I could just stay like this forever."

Ram's heart skipped a beat as she said that. His hands gently cupped her face, leaning in to kiss her forehead, lingering just a little longer than necessary.

Ram (his voice low and tender):
"I wouldn't mind that either, Tripura."

But as the reality of the day ahead hit him - wedding preparations, family, guests - he couldn't help but feel a little reluctant to let her go.

Ram (playfully, with a teasing smirk):
"But we can't stay in bed all day, can we?"

Tripura sat up slightly, moving to get out of bed, but Ram was quicker. He caught her wrist gently, pulling her back toward him.

Ram (seriously, yet lovingly):
"Wait, don't go just yet. I need one more thing before you leave."

Tripura raised an eyebrow in playful curiosity, her lips curving into a smile. Before she could respond, Ram gently guided her back to him, his lips brushing her forehead first, then tracing down to her eyes, and her cheeks. He placed soft, lingering kisses, each one more intense than the last.

Tripura felt her heart race as the warmth of his lips seemed to set her entire body alight. Her breath hitched, and she was about to speak, but then his lips moved down to her neck, planting soft, lingering kisses there too.

His lips found hers in a passionate kiss, slow and deep, as if neither of them wanted it to end. It was a kiss that held everything - love, longing, and promise for the future. Time seemed to pause as they lost themselves in each other.

Just as their kiss deepened, a loud knock on the door shattered the intimacy of the moment.

Voice from outside (excitedly):
"Tripura! Come fast. You have to be present for the rituals!"

Tripura pulled away, her breath coming in shallow bursts. She looked at Ram, her cheeks flushed, her body still tingling from the kiss.

Tripura (laughing, a little breathless):
"You're impossible, Mr. Kapoor!"

Ram smirked, clearly enjoying how flustered she was. He leaned in to kiss her forehead once more, his fingers trailing down her arm.

Ram (grinning):
"I'm not letting you go without one more kiss, Tripura. You're mine today, tomorrow, and forever."