Layers of Us

Chapter 86: Socho Kya, Sochu Main?🤔

Next Morning —

Sunlight spilled into her room like golden silk, stretching across the creamy marble floor and warming her skin as she stepped out of the shower.

Tripura stood in front of the mirror, gently adjusting the pleats of her bright red saree.
The fabric shimmered in the morning light, elegant yet understated.
The blouse was sleeveless, with pearl details along the neckline.
She paired it with delicate jhumkas, a dainty bracelet, and a hint of peach gloss on her lips.
Her hair was braided halfway with soft waves falling down, giving her the perfect blend of grace and poise.

Satisfied, she slipped into her stiletto heels, and made her way downstairs where the morning celebrations were beginning in the inner courtyard of the palace.

~~~~~~

The grand courtyard was bustling with energy - vibrant marigold flowers, colorful drapes, music in the air, and laughter all around.

And then she saw him.
Again!

Ram stood near the stage, dressed in a crisp white pajama and a striking light blue silk kurta with silver embroidery on the collar and cuffs.
His sleeves were rolled up just enough to show off the veins on his forearms - a detail she hated herself for noticing.
His hair was slicked back neatly, and he looked every bit the royal man he always could be.

"Why is he always so damn put together when I'm trying so hard to fall out of whatever this is..." she muttered under her breath.

Palash spotted her from afar and waved like a child, rushing toward her with Aditya in tow.
"Tipsy! Finally! What took you so long?" he pouted dramatically.

Tripura laughed, her earlier tension melting a little. "Excuse me, I'm still on time."

Aditya added, "Looking like a whole heroine today."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Only today?"

Palash fake gasped. "Oh ho, sass is back! Ram, come here! Look at your co-star."

Ram turned, his eyes locking with hers. And he smiled - soft, genuine, and without weight.
Tripura just raised her brows, giving a polite nod.

"Wow," Palash said under his breath, "this is going to be an interesting day."

And indeed, it had only just begun.

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Tripura stood by the edge of the garden, admiring the intricacies of the old palace wall, running her fingers absentmindedly along the ornate patterns.

"Tipsy!" a voice called out behind her.

She turned - and there he was.
Devansh.

He walked up in a crisp yellow kurta and white churidar, with aviators hooked into his neckline and that boyish grin that had a charm of its own.
"You're glowing in this sun, just so you know," he said, walking up to her.

Tripura chuckled softly. "Well, Jaipur does cast its magic."

Devansh didn't say anything at first. He just watched her - her ease, her poise, the quietness in her eyes. And then, gently, he stepped forward and opened his arms.