Layers of Us

Chapter 102: Shaadi Ke Side Effects🫠

The soft morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room.

Tripura stirred slightly under the covers, face still buried in the pillow, sheets tangled around her legs.

Ram was already half awake — lying on his side, simply watching her sleep.

Her hand was still wrapped lightly around his.

He smiled to himself, brushing a loose strand of hair off her forehead.

But before he could enjoy the peace too much — there was a soft knock on the door.

"Beta, uth jao," came his mother’s voice, gentle but clear.

"Today is Pehli Rasoi. Sab wait kar rahe hain."

Ram sighed, pressing a small kiss to Tripura’s knuckles.
"Good morning, Mrs. Kapoor," he whispered.

Tripura groaned into the pillow, pulling the blanket higher.
"Five more minutes," came her muffled voice.

Ram chuckled, stroking her back gently.
"Five minutes and your fan club will break this door down," he teased.

Tripura grumbled under her breath but finally forced herself up, blinking slowly like a very annoyed kitten.

"I hate traditions," she muttered as she swung her legs off the bed.

Ram just smiled innocently. "I love traditions. Especially when they involve you making food for me."

Tripura gave him a murderous glare over her shoulder.
"Careful, Mr. Kapoor," she said, voice low. "Your first breakfast could be poisoned."

Ram laughed, throwing his hands up in surrender.

~~~~~~

She quickly freshened up, changing into a soft, light yellow saree that her mother-in-law had left for her — simple, graceful, and comfortable.

She tied her hair into a loose braid, stuck a small bindi on her forehead, and slipped into simple gold bangles.

By the time she entered the kitchen, a crowd had gathered already — Ram's mother, Dadi, chachis, and a couple of giggling cousins peeking from the living room.

Tripura inhaled slowly.
She could do this.

She tied the kitchen apron around herself like she was gearing up for battle.

Ram leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her with an amused smirk.

"Don't worry," he mouthed dramatically, "If anything catches fire, I'll say it was me."

Tripura stifled a laugh and turned to the task at hand.

What She Cooked:
Suji Halwa, Poha — light breakfast, and Masala Chai — because obviously, no Punjabi household survives without morning chai.

Tripura stirred the ghee in the pan, adding suji carefully, the delicious nutty aroma filling the kitchen.

Ram kept sneaking glances, occasionally making exaggerated sniffing noises around her like a cartoon villain stealing a whiff.

"Mmm... biwi you smell better than breakfast," he teased, making her roll her eyes.

As she added sugar and cardamom, Ram tiptoed up and whispered conspiratorially,
"If you make good halwa, I'll officially declare you queen of the Kapoor kitchen."