Layers of Us

Chapter 88: Saibo ❤️

The light filtered in like honey— slow, golden, and lazy.
Birds chirped faintly from somewhere beyond the curtains, and the room was wrapped in warmth and quiet.

Tripura stirred, her body stretching ever so slowly under the blanket. A content little sigh escaped her lips as she nestled deeper into what felt like a very warm, very firm pillow.

But then— something felt off.
Not the pillow.
Something... hard.

Furrowing her brows, she shifted just slightly, her cheek brushing against smooth skin.
She opened one eye lazily.

And then—
Realization hit.

Her face was resting on Ram's bare chest. His shirt was wide open with buttons undone, probably thanks to his usual restlessness!

Before she could react, Ram's voice cut through the quiet, soft and sleepy:
"Good morning, wifey," he said, grinning. "Slept well?"

He winked, clearly way too smug for someone half shirtless and caught red-handed.

Tripura rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop the smile that curved her lips. She gave a small nod and-shockingly-snuggled deeper into him.

Ram chuckled, the low rumble vibrating through his chest.
He gently stroked her hair, fingers moving in lazy patterns.

She mumbled, "How come you're up this early?"

Ram smiled, brushing back a lock of her hair.
"When I've got my beautiful wife snoring away on my chest," he teased, "how can I sleep? I'd rather just lie here and admire you."

Tripura chuckled, eyes still closed. "So cheesy, Mr. Kapoor."

"Can't help it, wifey," he grinned.

And then-in one swift move-Ram rolled them over.

Tripura let out a surprised yelp as she was suddenly pinned beneath him, her hair splaying across the pillow, her eyes opening slowly to meet his.

He hovered over her, not pressing his weight but definitely not planning to move.

Ram leaned down, brushing her hair off her face.
"Okay now... let me sleep."

He dipped his head, resting his face in the crook of her neck, warm breath brushing against her skin.

His arm snaked around her waist as he sighed, halfway on top of her now like a massive, clingy cat.

Tripura giggled softly at his ridiculousness, wrapping both her arms around his neck and gently massaging the back of his head.

She whispered, "You're still heavy."

Ram mumbled, face still buried, "Built with love, baby."

She laughed again, fingers threading through his hair, completely at peace.

And then-
Knock. Knock.

Tripura stilled.
Ram didn't move.

Knock. Knock.

Tripura sighed, still not opening her eyes. "Must be Bhoomi..."