Layers of Us

Chapter 117: Dil kya kare

The morning arrived peacefully.

Early sun rays slipped in through the slightly open curtains, painting the room in a warm golden glow.

Outside, the weather looked like something straight out of a dream-calm, fresh, almost inviting.

And inside...
The air conditioning hummed gently, wrapping the room in a cocoon of comfort, the sheets still holding onto the warmth of the night that had passed.

Ram was the first one to stir.

His eyes fluttered open lazily, adjusting to the soft light... and within seconds, a quiet smile spread across his face.

Because of her.

Tripura lay beside him, sleeping peacefully.
On her stomach.
Completely unguarded.

Her face serene, lips slightly parted, looking so soft... so unaware of the effect she had on him even in her sleep.

The duvet rested lightly over her, barely covering her back, and that's when it hit him-

They were still in their birth suits from the night before.

A soft chuckle escaped him.
"God..." he murmured under his breath, amused, fond.

He shifted closer.
Slowly.
Carefully.
As if even the slightest movement might disturb the moment.

He leaned in just enough to feel her breath against his face.

For a second, he just stayed there.
Watching her.
Taking her in.

He didn't have the heart to wake her.
But at the same time...
He couldn't stop himself either.

His hand lifted slowly, his knuckles brushing softly against her cheek, tracing the softness of her skin.

And then he leaned forward...
And pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Tripura stirred.
Just slightly.

A soft, involuntary smile curved her lips, as if her body had recognized him even before her mind did.

Her eyes fluttered open slowly.
And the first thing she saw-
Was him.
Already looking at her.
Already smiling.

"Good morning..." she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Ram's smile deepened.
"Good morning, wifey."

She blinked at him for a second, then narrowed her eyes slightly, curiosity peeking through.
"What were you doing, by the way?"

Ram raised a brow, clearly enjoying this.
"Was just admiring my wife..." he said casually, his gaze softening, "...and her beauty wrapped in innocence."

Tripura let out a soft laugh, shaking her head slightly.
"Abhi bhi mood mein lag rahe hain aap," she teased, her tone light but her cheeks giving her away.

Ram didn't miss that.
"Tumse dil kahan bharta hai, Mrs. Kapoor," he replied smoothly, winking at her.

A faint blush spread across her face.
"Behave, Ram," she said, trying to sound stern-but failing.

Ram leaned back slightly, folding his arms behind his head, completely relaxed.

"You know, technically..." he began, a teasing edge returning, "I should be the one asking you to behave. Especially after last night... huh?"

Tripura's eyes widened just a fraction before she rolled them, turning her face slightly away.

"Well, don't expect that to happen often," she replied, trying to regain control.
"I might react otherwise too... which is the classic behavior of every woman."