Falling Softly

JOYFULL SURPRISES

Kavya's POV

I opened my eyes and gazed at the ceiling. Reaching for my phone, I realized it wasn't beside me. I got up and stepped out of our bedroom, hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom. Why didn't he wake me up? I wondered. What happened to the alarm? I cursed myself for silencing my phone. Retrieving my phone from the sofa, I checked the time—it was eight in the morning. I had overslept again. Why did I silence my phone? I asked myself. I noticed multiple messages from my mom.

She must have been stressed because of me. I regretted everything I did last night. Feeling a bit lighter after a good amount of sleep, I prepared to reply to my mom's messages. Before I could start, I heard the bathroom door unlock. Rushing to the kitchen, I began preparing breakfast.

"Kavya, it's okay. Just pack the lunch. I'll have breakfast at the office," he said, noticing my panic in the kitchen. "If you're not feeling well, I'll have lunch outside," he added. I was puzzled. I liked doing this, but of course, I was super late.

"I'll prepare lunch in no time," I replied, continuing my preparations.

I packed the tiffin and set it on the table. My phone buzzed—it was Maa calling. I picked up the call and stepped out onto the balcony.

"Hello! How are you feeling? Did he say or do something wrong?" She blurted out as soon as I answered. "No.. Noo," I said impatiently. "Nothing's wrong, I was just overthinking everything last night."

 "Thank god," she said with a big relief in her voice "I miss you too." 

"Maa! How did you know that I was missing you?"

 "I am your Maa! I understand you better than you understand yourself. I must say, there's so much silence in the house, especially since your brother has gone quiet ever since you left."

 "Ohh! I wouldn't have thought, but I am missing our fights too," I laughed a little.

I finished the conversation and went inside, setting my phone on the fridge. As I entered the living room, I noticed the lunchbox was missing from the table, and so was Aaryan. I rested my hands on my waist, trying to comprehend his sudden departure once again. I ran to grab my phone from the kitchen and dialed his number, my mind racing with a hundred things to say. My heart pounded as I waited for him to pick up, ready to scold him, but as soon as I heard his innocent voice on the other end, I melted.

"Hello... Hello... Everything alright?" he asked from his end, while I found myself unable to utter a word. What was happening to me? "I.. um.. Yeah, everything is okay. Bye," I ended the call and immediately sat down, rolling my eyes in confusion.

I was taken aback when my phone rang again. It was from the same company I interviewed with yesterday, and guess what—I'm IN. I got the job. "You are hired," the voice on the other end said, and as soon as I heard those words, I covered my face with my palm, eyes widening with happiness. My whole body relaxed in an instant. I was literally jumping with joy. After ending the call...

How!! I don't know how. I didn't expect a callback after that okay-ish interview. It wasn't my best, but who cares—I'm hired! I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled for like half an hour straight. I thought of messaging him, but then decided to surprise him tonight when he's back. I called my mom, and while talking to her, I thought about checking the flat in front of mine. It wasn't locked, so I dared to knock on the door.

The same woman came out to open the door, the one I met yesterday, and I just jumped and hugged her, telling her the news. She was equally happy. She invited me in, and we had a good laugh over ice cream at her place. As I stopped at the door while leaving, I turned around, hanging onto the door frame with one hand. "I didn't catch your name," I said. How silly of me, I forgot to ask.

"I'm Priti," she replied. I smiled and returned to the house. Millions of thoughts flooded my mind, imagining all sorts of things. Just like yesterday, but today, they were all positive and happy thoughts. It's funny how quickly things can change.

Thank you for reading :) Add a star, it encourages me.