Layers of Us

Chapter 57

The grand reception preparations were in full swing as Ram and Tripura retreated to their room to get ready.

The moment they stepped inside, Ram wasted no time and hugged Tripura from behind, pulling her close. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist.

Tripura smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. She asked teasingly, "Kya baat hai, Mr. Kapoor? Bohut pyaar aa raha hai aapko?"

Ram smiled against her neck and placed a gentle kiss there, sending a shiver down her spine. "Jis ki biwi itni khoobsurat ho," he murmured, "usse pyaar karne ka hi maan karega na." His voice was laced with affection as he tightened his hold on her, snuggling into her neck.

Tripura giggled, trying to wriggle free from his grip. "Ram, chhodiye na! Mujhe tayaar hona hai," she protested, her laughter filling the room.

But Ram didn't budge. Instead, he spun her around to face him and cupped her cheeks with his hands.
His eyes held an intensity that made her breath hitch.

Without a word, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, taking her by surprise. Tripura gasped softly at his sudden action but quickly composed herself, letting her hands thread into his hair as she kissed him back, her body melting into his embrace. His arms circled her waist tightly, pulling her even closer.

As they shared the tender moment, Tripura suddenly felt a warm wetness on her cheek.
Confused, she slowly opened her eyes, only to see Ram's closed eyes and tears streaming down his face.

Concerned, she broke the kiss abruptly, cupping his face. "Ram," she said softly, her voice laced with worry, "why are you crying? What happened?"

Ram opened his eyes slowly, his tears still flowing, and looked at Tripura with so much emotion that it made her heart ache. He cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing away her concern - filled tears that were threatening to fall as well.

He spoke in a soft, trembling voice, "Tripura, these aren't tears of sadness... These are tears of gratitude and love. You have no idea what you mean to me."

Tripura furrowed her brows, still unsure why he was crying. "But why now, Ram? Why are you feeling so overwhelmed suddenly?" she asked, holding his wrists as they framed her face.

Ram sighed deeply, trying to collect his thoughts. "You know, Tripura," he began, his voice slightly cracking, "when we started this whole 'pretend' drama, I never thought I'd fall for you this deeply. I never imagined that I could love someone with my entire being. But you... you showed me what love is without even trying. You changed my life, and I'm scared, Tripura. I'm scared because I don't want to lose this, lose you."

Tripura's heart softened at his words. She placed her hand over his, stroking it gently. "Ram, why would you lose me? I'm here, aren't I?" she said, her voice gentle, but her words seemed to evoke a deeper emotion in him.

Ram shook his head and said, "It's just... you're so perfect, Tripura. You're strong, beautiful, and compassionate. Sometimes, I feel like this is all a dream, and one day, you'll realize you deserve better and walk away. I don't know what I would do without you, Tripura. You're my life now."

Tripura's eyes softened, and a small smile formed on her lips. She gently pulled his hands away from her face and held them tightly. "Ram Kapoor," she began firmly, "you listen to me and listen carefully. I am not going anywhere. This isn't some dream; this is our reality. I don't care about your fears or insecurities. What I care about is you, and right now, I need you to stop crying and trust me when I say that you're enough for me. You're more than enough."