Layers of Us

Chapter 75: A date!❤️

Tripura sat comfortably on the sofa, scrolling through her phone, completely engrossed. The morning had been playful and warm, and now she was just enjoying the quiet moment.

Ram, however, had other plans. He walked over and plopped down beside her, stretching his arms out lazily along the back of the sofa. For a few seconds, he just watched her, a soft smile playing on his lips. But when she didn't notice him, he nudged her lightly with his elbow.

Tripura, still looking at her screen, turned her head slightly and gave him a questioning nod as if to ask, What happened?

Ram leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "I love you."

Tripura froze for a second before turning to him, a slow smile spreading across her lips. Without saying a word, she placed her phone aside and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

Ram chuckled, hugging her back even tighter, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "That’s more like it," he murmured, holding her close as they sat there, lost in each other’s warmth.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, neither wanting to let go.

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Tripura sighed softly against his chest, feeling an odd sense of peace.
Ram, still holding her close, whispered, "You know, if you keep hugging me like this, I might just never let you go."

Tripura chuckled, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. "Is that a threat or a promise, Mr. Kapoor?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ram smirked. "A promise, Mrs. Kapoor."
She rolled her eyes playfully and moved to get up, but Ram tightened his hold, pulling her back onto the sofa.

"Not so fast," he said.

Tripura let out an exasperated laugh. "Mr. Kapoor, what now?"

He asked, "Wifey, are you okay?"

Tripura forced a small smile and shook her head.

Ram wasn’t convinced. Instead of pressing her for an answer, he leaned in and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss—slow, deliberate, and tender. There was no urgency, no rush—just the reassurance that he was there, that she wasn’t alone.

Tripura melted into his embrace, sighing as she inhaled his scent, the warmth of his lips dissolving the weight in her chest. She kissed him back, feeling the silent promise he was making—I’m here. Always.

When he pulled away, he left a few soft pecks on her lips before resting his forehead against hers. His knuckles brushed against her cheek.

Tripura exhaled shakily. "Mr. Kapoor... I—" she hesitated, her throat tightening. "I want to tell you something..."

Her voice cracked on the last word, and Ram immediately held her closer.
“I’m here, Tipsy. You can tell me whatever it is,” he murmured.

Tripura’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her fingers tightening around the fabric of his shirt. "I… I don’t know how to say it," she whispered, her voice breaking.

A single tear escaped down her cheek. Ram caught it with his thumb, shaking his head softly as if telling her no more tears.
"Take your time, love. I’ve got you," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to her aching heart.

Tripura inhaled shakily, her fingers gripping his shirt as if drawing strength from him. "I just… I don't know if I have the strength to say it, but I need to," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.