Layers of Us

Chapter 87: Her Past💔

Next day -

The garden had transformed into a dream - swing sets covered in jasmine, brass urns filled with rose petals, dhol beats echoing in the air. Every guest was dressed in hues of green and gold.

Tripura stepped out of her room and the world slowed for just a second.

She wore a stunning deep mehendi colored georgette saree, clinging like a second skin.
The blouse was backless with delicate strings. Her hair was left open in soft waves, cascading down her back.
A tiny bindi, bare neck, kohl-rimmed eyes, and that signature don't-mess-with-me confidence.

And she walked like the universe was her runway.

And Ram saw her.
From across the courtyard, his laughter with some of Palash's cousin fading mid-sentence.
His heart stopped.
And for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

The other side, all the ladies sat in a beautiful row on floor cushions, hands outstretched, bangles tinkling, the scent of henna thick in the air. Laughter and gossip floated like music.

Tripura sat beside Bhoomi, watching her giggle with the artist while her palms slowly filled with intricate swirls.

Tripura smiled. "Aww, my baby girl's hands look soo pretty!"

Bhoomi turned to her. "And what about you, madam? No mehendi for the ex-twisted-ankle queen?"

Tripura rolled her eyes, stretching her arms. "Thinking about it."

Bhoomi smirked. "Let me guess. You're waiting for someone to beg you?"

Tripura gave her a sarcastic smile. "I don't need begging, darling. I need peace."

"Peace doesn't come wrapped in a sexy mehendi color saree with your ex staring at you like he forgot how to blink."

Tripura threw a flower petal at her. "Shut up, Bhoomi."
They both burst into laughter.

-----------------

Tripura spotted Palash and Aditya sitting in a corner with henna cones, drawing each other's names clumsily into their palms.

"Really?" she said, walking up to them. "What's going on here?"

Aditya beamed. "This is love, Tipsy. This is commitment."

Palash looked at his shaky attempt. "This is also artistic murder."

Tripura snorted. "You both are ridiculous."

Palsh grinned. "You want me to write 'Ram' on your palm?"

Tripura blinked. "What?"

"Or Devansh?" he teased.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah right! How about none?"

Aditya leaned toward her, wiggling his eyebrows. "But you are glowing today. Something's up."

"Highlighter," she replied coolly, flipping her hair and walking away as they whistled behind her.

Moments later-

Devansh spotted her heading toward the snack table and intercepted her with a bright smile. He slid an arm around her shoulder in a side hug.
"There you are, dulha's bestie," he said. "No mehendi yet?"