𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕥

140

Intimacy

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Enaku yennamo idhu enakaga porae trip madhiri theriliye?

( I dont feel like this trip is for me?)

Neha teased Siddharth, who deadpanned at her, twisting his lips as he continued to bathe Kaatupoochi. She laughed, enjoying the playful banter, while she hung the clothes on the rope to dry. They were in the backyard of their house, surrounded by the warm afternoon sun. The sound of water splashing and the soft rustle of clothes in the breeze filled the air.

Pinna? Nee anga poiruvae, adhuku nadhuvuka enaku bore adhikadhu? Appo na yen academy ku pogama vera yenga poradhu?)

( Of course, you'd wouldn't be home and I would be bored , where else would I go if not for my academy?)

Seri seri, na nambiten

( Of course, I totally believe you)

Neha joked as she glanced over her shoulder and saw Siddharth and a drenched Kaatupoochi, both pouting at her. She couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head at them. The sight of her husband and their cat looking so pitiful was too adorable to resist.

Siddharth smiled, but little did she know that he, on his side, was needing help. He could see his concentration wearing out during his practices, and he noticed that his biking charms were starting to wear off. He had to catch them back, especially with a race nearing. The looming competition was adding to his stress, making him anxious about his ability to perform.

It would be in the middle of this break they're taking, but deep inside, he was worried. He found himself struggling to reignite that touch, realizing what racing had cost him and his family, particularly his wife. The joy and thrill that once drove him now seemed like a burden. The thought of getting back on the track stirred a sense of dread, knowing the pain it had already caused.

Neha finished drying the clothes, and when she turned around, she found Siddharth lost in thought, his fingers mindlessly playing with the tub of moderately warm water in which Kaatupoochi was desperately trying to escape. She chuckled at the sight of the drenched cat, but her smile faded as she noticed the distant look in Siddharth's eyes.

Siddharth?

Neha walked over to her husband. She proceeded to move the small tub they had for their cat and, as usual, sat on Siddharth's lap, which was their customary position when they bathed Kattupoochi together. However, as soon as she did, Siddharth's breath stiffened. Neha looked back and saw him averting his gaze from her, hesitance clear in his darting eyes.

Slowly, she withdrew herself from his lap and chose to kneel on the tiled floor instead, realizing that Siddharth was not ready for the intimacy yet. Neha had noticed this shift from a long time ago, observing it in the little things. Yes, they kissed and hugged, but she could feel the intimacy notched down. She could see him avoiding and struggling from taking things further.

At first, she thought that he was putting her health and comfort before his needs, but gradually she realized there was more to it. Siddharth seemed scared and anxious about taking a step towards intimacy, staying away from her in that way. Neha felt a pang of sadness as she recognized his fear. She missed the closeness they once shared and was determined to understand and help him overcome whatever was holding him back. For now, though, she focused on the task at hand, trying to keep the atmosphere light and supportive.

Siddharth guiltily avoided Neha's gaze as she finished scrubbing Kaattupoochi. His phone rang from inside, so he excused himself and went to answer it. Neha carefully wrapped the cat in a towel, carried him inside, and saw Siddharth on the phone, likely talking to his coach. She set Kaattupoochi on the sofa and walked over just as Siddharth finished the call.

Yennachu?

( What happened?)

Coach konja neram vara sonnaru ma, na poitu vandharen

( My coach wants to see me Neha, I should go)

Siddharth looked worried causing Neha to frown, she placed a hand on his shoulder as he was collecting his things,

Yedhavadhu prechanaya?

( Any problem?)

Therilama, ponnadhan theriyum

( I'll only find out after going there)

Neha watched Siddharth struggle with clasping his watch in the wrong direction, a sigh escaping her lips as she gently stopped him. Taking his hand in hers, she carefully unclasped and re-fastened his watch correctly. With a smile, she tiptoed and wrapped her arms around his neck, noticing his visible discomfort, which tugged at her heart. Despite the hurt, she maintained her smile and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

As she did, Neha felt Siddharth visibly relax, his tension easing against her. She sensed a subtle shift in his demeanor, a slight calmness settling over him. Gently, she released her embrace, her heart heavy with concern yet hopeful for a breakthrough. Neha hoped that these small gestures would help him feel a bit more at ease and slowly mend the distance growing between them.

I'm sure it's nothing, don't stress yourself Siddharth

Siddharth managed a small smile and nodded, fully aware that his distance was causing Neha pain, but unable to push past the guilt that clung to him. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before walking away. As Neha watched him leave, she felt a pang of sadness, understanding how deeply he was affected by their situation. Standing by the main gate, she realized that Siddharth needed this break just as much, if not, more than she did.

Siddharth had been shouldering everything she couldn't, which likely explained his emotional distance. Neha resolved to help him work through whatever was troubling him, knowing they needed to face it together. As she waved goodbye and turned around, her gaze fell on Kaatupoochi, who was now caked in mud from the garden. Neha couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, realizing her furry friend had managed to add a bit of unexpected chaos to her day.