Layers of Us

Chapter 59

The two walked into the grand hall, hand in hand, as the soft notes of a romantic melody filled the air. Couples were already swaying gracefully on the dance floor, lost in their own little worlds.

Ram looked at Tripura with a mischievous grin, his eyes glinting with warmth. He extended his hand to her, bowing slightly for added flair. “Shall we, wifey?” he asked, his voice smooth and playful.

Tripura couldn’t help but smile at his theatrics. She placed her hand gently in his, her heart fluttering for reasons she didn’t want to admit. “Of course, Mr. Kapoor,” she replied softly.

Ram said, his voice low and sincere. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to steal my breath away.”

Tripura chuckled softly, her cheeks tinting pink. “And you, Mr. Kapoor, are impossibly charming when you want to be. I should be cautious.”

Ram smirked, pulling her a little closer. “Oh, you should be. Because tonight, I’m feeling particularly reckless.”

Tripura smiled and replied, "I saw that few moments ago" and laughed softly, while Ram just admired her.

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The music shifted into a partner – changing dance. With everyone moving and swapping partners, Tripura found herself standing before Vikram.
He extended his hand, and she placed hers lightly on his shoulder as his hand rested gently on her waist.

The dim lighting provided them the cover they needed for a hushed conversation.

“Ready, Vikram?” Tripura asked softly, her eyes scanning the room to ensure no one was paying attention to them.

“Yes, Bhabhi,” Vikram confirmed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Are you sure about this, Bhabhi?” he asked after a moment, concern evident in his tone.

Tripura nodded firmly, though her expression was heavy with the weight of her decision, “This will work Vikram, but it will hurt him. Or, if I may say, it could destroy him completely. But, it has to be done, Vikram. And when it does, I need you to be there for him at every step. Promise me that.”

Vikram’s throat tightened with emotion. “You’re doing this for him, but what about you, Bhabhi? I can see it. You’ve started falling for him. You love him dearly.”

Tripura’s lips curved into a sad smile as she let out a quiet, humorless laugh. “I told you, Vikram… this time, it’s not him but me who will get hurt. I’ll manage. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on him and be the support he needs.”

Vikram’s heart clenched at her words, but he nodded solemnly, understanding the depth of her sacrifice.

Before either could say anything more, the music shifted, signaling another partner change. Tripura offered him a fleeting smile before stepping away.

As she moved across the dance floor, she was drawn back into Ram’s arms. His joyful, carefree smile was a stark contrast to the storm brewing in her heart.

With a smirk, he leaned forward and captured her lips in a sweet, tender kiss.
Closing her eyes, she surrendered to the kiss, savoring the moment she knew would never come again.

Her heart screamed as she kissed him back, pouring every unspoken emotion into that kiss. She memorized the way his lips felt against hers, the way his hands held her so protectively. She let herself feel the love she had kept buried deep inside, even as tears threatened to spill.