Falling Softly

LUNCHBOX

Our bedroom echoed with the sound of the alarm, and I struggled to open my eyes, wanting to sleep a little more.

"Kavya," I heard his deep, sleepy voice. I opened my eyes and sat up in bed. He promptly went back to sleep. Checking my phone, I realized it was 5 PM.

Ah, yes, my motivated self set the alarm yesterday. I finally got out of bed, went into the bathroom, and freshened up. Igniting the gas, I prepared tea for myself. Sitting beside the window, I enjoyed my tea with ease. The cold breeze made me feel really good and light.

I started preparing breakfast and lunch, dedicated to upholding my part of the bargain in our marriage. By the time he woke up around 7 am, I was bustling with a lot of tasks at hand. He came out of the bedroom and yawned big before heading into the bathroom.

I couldn't spare much attention as my energy was occupied by the housework. I made fresh poha and tea for him, setting them on the table. He emerged from the washroom, drying his hair. I couldn't help but look at him. Just like yesterday, our eyes met, and we exchanged smiles, and that was it.

I really needed some exchange of words, I thought to myself. "Can you give me your tiffin box?" I said. He looked a bit surprised but handed me his tiffin box. I had researched different meals yesterday and settled on sabji, roti, curd, and vegetable salad. It was a lot of work, but I got it done and felt proud of myself. It exhausted me, but it was worth it.

As I finished up and cleaned the kitchen, I felt him pass by toward the exit door. I wanted to say goodbye, but before I could reach the door, he was gone. I stood there in the living room, disappointed. I didn't understand what the deal was with this man. He acts like he cares but shows nothing, says nothing. I felt like I had been living alone in this house on my own.

My mood lifted as I received a call. I had forgotten to call Maa today in the hustle and bustle of meal prep, and I was proud to tell her about it. I glanced at the phone—it was an unknown number. When I picked it up, it was a recruiter calling about the job I applied for. We set a time for my interview, and then I hung up the call.

Excitement and nervousness hit me simultaneously. While I was confident in my skills, it had been some time since I last had an interview. I called Maa and discussed everything with her. The day was passing happily until I had my lunch. I realized I forgot to add salt to the sabji and shook my head in disappointment. My phone buzzed with a message from Aaryan: "Please send me your resume and email." I messaged him about the interview call I had today and sent him my resume as well. It's common to apply to multiple places.

I was exhausted by the afternoon and slept the whole evening. Later, I opened my laptop and prepared for the interview tomorrow. I made dinner and caught up with some of my friends.

The doorbell rang, and I jumped a little as I went to open the door. It was him again, looking tired with messy hair. I made space for him to come in. He set down his bag and freshened up. I stole a glimpse of him while he was drying his face and blushed and got caught looking at him—every single time, I said to myself. He placed his tiffin on the kitchen counter. "Lunch was good," he mentioned. I shook my head in disbelief.

As we sat down for dinner, he pulled out a package of Manchurian—OH MY GODDD, my favorite dish! My eyes lit up with happiness, and I was literally jumping with excitement after so many days. I served us both, and we enjoyed our dinner.

"Do you want me to come with you to the interview?" he mumbled. I was taken aback. Where is this man every time? Why does he come out for a few seconds a day, totally ignoring me the rest of the time, and then suddenly show this much care? I wasn't complaining, though. But I didn't want to be a burden to him.

I was well capable of handling pressure situations, and interviews weren't new to me. I smiled and placed my hand on his, to which he hesitated a bit. "It's okay, you must have work. No need to take unnecessary leave," I said. I so wanted to hug him, but I controlled myself. I wondered why he hesitated so much to even talk to me.

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