Yeah! Now, I'd like to know why you didn't tell me that you would come back today?" asked Kevin gently. He turned her around to face him and then looked her straight in the eyes. It had been almost a month since he last saw her. He found that she had changed a bit. He now could see a more mature and enchanting woman as compared to the cute girl who left some time ago.
"To give you a big surprise, of course! Do you like it?" She quickly avoided his gaze after saying those. She couldn't help but feel shy with the intimacy that suddenly seemed to occupy the place.
"You want the truth? I am more scared than surprised! You really should have called me in advance. I could have picked you up at the airport," said Kevin with great affection. He reached out to wipe the beads of sweat off her forehead then pinched her rosy cheeks softly.
"I know how busy you are with your work. Besides, I'm very much capable of coming back on my own. You see, I am home safe and sound!" Leena replied while smiling shyly. With his big warm hands still resting on her waist, she felt a kind of nervous excitement that made her muscles stiff.
"How is your thesis then? Did you get it completed and passed?" asked Kevin worriedly. He feared that she had to go back to school again since she said previously that it would still be some time before she finished her thesis.
"Yes! It is all completed. Congratulate me, Kevin. And I think I deserve a gift!" declared Leena with her eyes flashing with pride.She was actually thinking about the beautiful necklace she saw in his suitcase not long ago and was trying to remind him of it. She wanted to know whether it was for her or not desperately.
"You have my earnest and warmest congratulations. As for the gift, well...I will give you my heart, okay?" answered Kevin teasingly. He said those words on purpose to see whether she would still push him away.
"No way! It is not a gift at all!" Leena's face began to burn like mad after what he said. She was clever enough to read between the lines and knew that it was, in fact, his invitation to do something unspeakable.
"Are you sure? It is now or never, Miss," asked Kevin with a wicked smile while giving her a meaningful look.
Gosh, I forgot the soup!" Leena cried suddenly. "The dinner is almost ready. You should go and take a shower now unless you want to eat with dust all over you. Look at you. What have you done today? Crawling on your belly or what?" She freed herself from him and went back to the stove in an attempt to dodge the topic. She didn't refuse him nor did she give a clear answer.
You've got it. I had to do the demonstration for those new recruits in my company. It was it that made me look like this." Kevin sighed. Urged by their repeated requests, he gave in and demonstrated a whole set of basic skills for them, which was rare for him.
"Take a bath and freshen up then. Hurry up, the dinner will be ready soon." Leena pressed. Kevin wanted to continue the conversation but was pushed out of the kitchen by Leena. She stood at the door, watching, and didn't get back to set the table until Kevin went upstairs with her two huge suitcases.
Kevin instantly frowned soon as he lifted her things. They were very heavy and seemed too much for a petite girl like Leena. He wondered how she managed to bring them home with her slender arms. It was such good news that she was back though and he was somehow cheered up just by seeing her face. She had really given him a pleasant surprise.
After a quick shower, Kevin went downstairs in his dressing gown and his hair was still wet. Leena had already laid the table and was sitting as she waited for him. She smiled when she saw him come down.
"Why so many dishes? They must have taken a lot of your time," said Kevin with a concerned look shortly after he sat down. He was surprised to see the tableful of delicacies but then suddenly grew worried about her. She must be exhausted from the long flight. She should have been sleeping instead and not in the kitchen to prepare him a lovely dinner. Her acts were making him confused. Shouldn't she be acting like a spoiled brat? Could a rich young lady be so good at cooking? He didn't think so.
Well… not really. You know, no matter how long it takes, I won't feel tired if I'm doing it for you." Being a lively and outgoing person, Leena was humorous and liked to make jokes. It was hard to tell whether she meant what she said or she was merely teasing him.
"Does it mean that I can eat delicious foods often in days ahead?" asked Kevin. He felt quite touched by her words though he got no clue if those were true. It was already a blessing to have her around and enjoy the feast tonight after all.
Consider it done. I'm thinking of turning you into a real butterball. That way, no women will find you attractive and try to steal you away from me," said Leena playfully. She adopted a seemingly jokey manner, therefore, making it difficult for others to tell if she was serious or not. She hoped to draw the secrets out of him without losing her pride in that style. That was exactly what she wanted.
Don't worry. No one can take me away from you even if you don't fatten me up. I'm your husband, surely I will not pay attention to those ordinary women after I set eyes on you." Kevin was quite amused. He had seen through her and known that this cunning girl was putting his loyalty to test. It didn't bother him at all and he just decided to play along.
"Ordinary women? So, you mean if a stunner turns up, you will throw yourself at her feet immediately?" The woman continued fishing for his true feelings as she passed the soup to him. She was even looking at him provocatively.
Well...you can say that again. If that is the case, I suggest that you keep a close eye on me to make sure that no one lures me away," answered Kevin before taking a sip from his soup. His face was bright. He had never had soup since Leena went abroad. He really couldn't afford the time to make soup for himself. Plus, life became pretty dull when he was alone at home thus, he was in no mood for meals and would always grab a bite after work.
"Easy. And just so you know, I will even give you elaborate dowries when you leave me." Leena said with a grimace while pushing his favourite dishes towards him. She was acting like a good wife.
Why dowries?" Kevin looked up at her in confusion. Shouldn't she try hard to win him back?
Why not? I have been feeding you and taking good care of you, treating you like my child, if not husband. Though you are an ungrateful one all these years, I should not break the convenance. Just take it as my blessings for you two." Seeing Kevin's face darken at her words, Leena smiled slyly.
You little rascal. Why not just say that you are planning to kick me out of the house? Besides, may I remind you that we have been married for less than six months, so don't make it sound like you have taken care of me for years." Kevin shook his head. The truth just sunk in, and he really could do nothing with her crazy ideas.