Layers of Us

Chapter 101: Suhagraat Reloaded🌶🔥

The car rolled to a halt outside their new home — their first step together into a world that was theirs.

Tripura leaned against the seat, her eyes half-lidded, and let out a huge, unguarded yawn.

Ram chuckled softly, reaching out to brush her hand.
“Baby, you okay?”

She only gave him a tiny smile, nodding, too tired to form words.

Hand in hand, they walked to the grandly decorated doorway, where the entire Kapoor family was waiting — fairy lights twinkling, marigold garlands swaying gently, and smiling faces greeting them with warmth.

Krishna maa stepped forward, thali in hand, her eyes glowing brighter than the diyas around. She circled the couple with the aarti, whispering blessings under her breath, and touched both their heads lovingly.

“Khush raho, mere bachche,” she murmured.

Beside her, Neha bent down and placed a small kalash filled to the brim with rice. Krishna maa’s voice rang clear:
“Beta, with your right foot, topple this kalash inside. It signifies prosperity, abundance, and love entering this house.”

Tripura’s tired eyes softened into reverence. She slightly lifted her lehenga, just enough, and nudged the kalash forward. It tilted gracefully, scattering rice on the marble floor, as though blessing the home.

Ram’s eyes, however, weren’t on the kalash. They were on her. On the way she carried herself — even exhausted, there was such quiet dignity. Such grace.

Next, a wide plate filled with crimson water was placed before her. Tripura glanced at it curiously, almost amused, assuming it was sindoor dissolved into water.

Krishna maa’s gentle voice guided her,
“Beta, now step into this. These footprints will mark the beginning of your journey here. You are the Lakshmi of this home.”

Tripura nodded quietly, and before she could adjust her lehenga, Ram crouched slightly from her side, lifting the heavy layers with utmost care.
“Careful, Tipsy… slow,” he whispered, his arm steadying her.

She gave him a fleeting smile — tired but full of love.

Tripura stepped onto the plate, the cool liquid enveloping her feet, staining them a deep red. With careful steps, she walked forward, leaving behind vivid, delicate footprints on the white marble floor. The imprints looked like little blooms following her inside — soft, permanent reminders that the house was no longer just a structure, but a home.

Krishna Maa’s eyes misted over.
“Shubh. Bahut shubh.”

But just as she was about to ask the couple to sit for more rituals, Ram’s gentle voice cut in.

He wrapped an arm protectively around Tripura’s shoulders and said softly,
“Maa… can we do the rest tomorrow, please? She’s exhausted.”

For a moment, Krishna Maa looked at her son — the tenderness in his tone, the way he guarded his bride. Her heart swelled with pride. She nodded with a smile.
“Thik hai, beta. Tomorrow. Tonight, you both rest.”

Tripura’s eyes instantly darted to Ram — gratitude laced with love. He squeezed her hand once, as if saying always.

They were about to leave when Vikram and Neha swooped in dramatically, grabbing Ram by the arm.
“Arrey Ram! Before you vanish with bhabhi, there’s something super important we have to tell you!”