Falling Softly

TICKLE

Aaryan' POV

"I lost my job," I blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer. Feeling ashamed, I stared at the floor as my leg constantly moved up and down. I didn't hear anything; I assumed she continued walking outside. When I turned around, I saw her standing there, her arms crossed, her face showing mixed emotions.

She looked at the ceiling and shook her head before coming towards me. "I am sorry," she said as she sat beside me at the edge of the bed. I felt sorry for her, knowing the kind of husband she married—a man who lost his job and couldn't understand her. The thought of my father getting a heart attack upon hearing the news weighed heavily on me; it was a big deal for them, not fully understanding the dynamics of the big city.

I was too ashamed to talk about anything. I felt her hands wrap around me, and I gave in, hugging her back and resting my head on her shoulder. "It's just a job; you will get another one," she said as her hand fondled my hair.

"What do you think about me? What will your parents think? I can't tell my parents; they won't be able to handle it well," I spoke, breathing heavily, with trillions of thoughts haunting me. "You want to go home and leave me," I pushed her away a little. Her face displayed total surprise. "What?? Why would I leave you?" she asked, confused.

I got up and started packing her stuff, continuing to speak. "It's okay; you don't have to be nice to me. I understand I am a failure; nobody deserves a husband who can't even put food on the table," I said as I opened her suitcase and began putting her belongings in it. "Who called you earlier, your boyfriend? He will keep you happy; you deserve better."

"Stop talking nonsense!" She stood up, snatching the suitcase away from me. "Have you gone mad?" she screamed at my face. I felt like someone had unplugged me, draining my energy. I sat on the floor, folding one leg and resting one hand on my knee and the other on my head.

I closed my eyes and stayed there. "You don't have to tell them," I heard her voice, and when I opened my eyes, I saw her sitting in front of me, her back against the edge of the bed. The moonlight illuminated the room.

"To whom?" I said with a fake chuckle. "Your parents; we can manage on my salary," she said. "Why would you do that?" 

"Because we are married," she blurted out, pointing her finger back and forth between us. 

"I can't let you do that; it's my duty to take care of you," I shook my head. 

"Okay, then go away right now; find a job and don't come home without one," she pointed towards the exit door in frustration. "So what's my duty? Am I supposed to cook for you and take care of your kids? Then why are you letting me go out and work at some company?" she continued. 

"That's not what I meant," I said softly as realization crept in. I could see her calming down after a few seconds.

"And I don't have a boyfriend," her voice rose again. "Don't ever say something like that. It was just a colleague; I asked him to..." She stopped midway, and I wondered why. "I am sorry," I said. She handed me her water bottle, and I gulped down a good amount of water; my heart calmed down, and my breath slowed.

I broke the silence "You know what I am going to sue them"

 "What?" she was confused 

"They will pay for this, they can't get away with this" I was fully determined to get my revenge on the company, first thing the last three month salary and second abruptly fired me just like this.

 "Aaryan, you need to calm down" she spoke in worried voice, while her hand caressed my thigh.

"I think it's getting too tense; get up," she almost pulled me upwards. Before I could say something, I felt her drenched into my chest, her hands wrapped around me. I hugged her back, feeling warm and comfy, my worries starting to dissipate.

"Whatever you decide, I am with you, okay, but right now, you need a good night's sleep," she gestured towards the bed.

We got into bed, and I placed my hands on my chest, facing the ceiling. The room became silent within a few minutes. When I looked at her, she seemed to be acting asleep.

"You know when you hug me, I feel like someone is tickling me," I said aloud. 

"What?" she spoke immediately, with a little laughter. 

"I knew it.. you are awake," I turned towards her, my head rested on my hand, and lips curled up in a soft smile.

 "So, you like getting tickled or not?" she turned towards me.

It sounded like a trick question, basically If I liked the hugs or not "I do not like getting...." while I was speaking I could see her eyes getting big and mouth getting open, ready to throw fireworks at me "wait wait let me finish I don't like getting tickled but I don't know when It happens because of you, I feel its okay" her expressions went back to normal. I was about to laugh out load.

 "okay, so my hugs are just 'okay'.. like meh. you know what, why do I do okay things, i shouldn't do it" she is such a tease, I know she was pulling my leg. 

"Maybe, like if I feel the same tickle one more time, I can tell if it's okay or great" 

"Ah Aa, From now on you aren't getting any hugs from me, mister" she closed her eyes.

While I closed my eyes, I felt her head resting on my shoulder, I smiled and slept like a baby.

Thank you for reading, add a star it encourages me.