I pushed open the library door before walking down the stairs.
I hadn't gotten used to the main stairs yet, and besides, this was more like a shortcut. I walked towards the kitchen, feeling the turning feeling in my abdomen grow.
Now I was sure this wasn't just caused by hunger. It was probably a sign that my period came early, and now I have to suffer the consequences.
I finally reached the kitchen door but by then I had to sit on the floor because of how bad my stomach hurt. This was probably the worst cramps I'd ever had and it had to come today.
I sat there for a while rubbing my abdomen which did little to ease the pain. What I needed were some pain killers, but I needed to eat first, that's if I'd be able to stand up and prepare something .
I tried and managed to get up but I couldn't necessarily do anything since my abdomen still hurt badly. I stood there rubbing my stomach, trying to ease the pain when I heard footsteps . I knew who it was,the only other person that lived in this house other than me. I didn't bother trying to acknowledge his presence but instead just stood there trying to ease the pain that formed at the pit of my abdomen. I bent forward and held my stomach tightly as my black curls fell like a curtain to shield my face, when suddenly, the footsteps came to a halt.
I looked up to see Mr Kareem opening one of the cabinets and bringing out a pot and placing it on the stove. He was changed into a pair of pyjama pants and a white shirt. At that moment I forgot about the pain I felt and focused on Mr Kareem. Was he going to cook?
"What are you doing?" I asked . He stopped. I froze. He glanced at my direction.
"Cooking". He said a bit monotoned. I watched as he walked in and out of the store with just one thought crossing my, 'he can cook?'
"Can I help you?" I asked, trying to keep my posture straight and not make it sound like the walls of my abdomen are melting.
"No. I prefer cooking my own food". He said sternly without turning to look at me. Nice much.
I stood there quietly watching him cook. Maybe I'd just prepare something for myself after he's done cooking and take some painkillers.
He glanced at me for a second. "If you really want to help, then you can go set up the table". He said all of a sudden. I looked up at him but he was too busy chopping up an onion to even look at me.
"Okay". I said in a soft tone just as a piercing pain hit my stomach. I clunched my stomach tight. I'm pretty sure Mr Kareem noticed because he just sighed before taking the dishes and walking over to the table.
I wanted to stop him but the pain just somehow wouldn't let me. I couldn't let him have this impression of me being this little kid that can't do anything for herself.
I struggled to even take a few steps towards the dining table, let alone set it. I gave up once I saw him making his way back towards the kitchen.
He looked at me for a few seconds before finally speaking . "If you can't eat at the dining, I could take your food up to your room". He said blankly. How can you just casually take food your contracted wife's room during her period?
I was probably staring now cause he raised a brow. "Oh, that's not a problem. I can manage". I said as I slowly started making my way to the dining table. I sat down on one of the chairs after a few moments. I turned my attention to him. I watched him as he chopped up different ingredients and put them in the pot of boiling water. I couldn't help but notice every small feature about him as a thought crossed my mind, 'he was cooking for me'. Well not only me, but still, it made a small smile creep into my face.
...
I probably won't have known when he was done cooking or when he arrived at the table because my head was resting on the table the whole time.
I looked up when I heard something hit the table. I saw him standing by the edge of the table serving himself some soup. He placed his bowl back on the table before proceeding to serve me the soup.
I let him do his thing since it's not everyday your contracted husband would cook for you and serve you soup.
After he was done, he sat down on the seat opposite mine and started eating. I stared at him for a while. I don't know whether it was the fact that he was strikingly handsome, or the fact that he's being kind to me ( for the act of course), but something about this whole situation made me feel...content.
...
I woke up not so early the next morning, feeling a bit relaxed I guess.
Last night, after dinner, I came back to my room and turns out that my cramps reduced after eating, though it still hurt, it was a bit more manageable . I took some painkillers before sleeping and woke up this morning to the bright sunlight from the big windows next to my bed.
I reluctantly got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I made my way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
In just the few hours I'd spent in his house, I noticed that Mr Kareem didn't have any servants or maids. He did everything himself.
Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Mr Kareem already seated at the dining table having his breakfast. He was too busy sipping his coffee to even notice my presence .
Using this opportunity, I decided to sneak into the kitchen without earning his attention. I only took a few quiet steps towards the kitchen when Mr Kareem spoke.
"Where are you going?" He asked in a bored tone before slowly lifting his gaze to meet mine.
I froze in my spot before quickly composing myself. "I-I just wanted to prepare breakfast, for myself". I added the last part knowing he won't want food prepared by some random girl that saved his life.
He turned his attention back to the coffee in his hand before saying, "come and sit down". In a bored yet stern tone.
I was a bit confused but obliged. I walked over to the dining table to notice a teapot and some tea items on a small wooden tray.
"Take it". He said when he noticed me staring at the teapot, before taking a sip of his coffee. I gave him a small smile before slowly taking a teacup and putting a teabag inside.
I wasn't even yet done pouring the water from the teapot unto the teacup before he spoke.
"I'm going out today". He said, avoiding my gaze. I kept my head low and focused on the tea.
"You're coming with me to meet my family".
"...."