Bahadur (Watties 2022)

Chapter 40

Anastasia's face dropped, her fingers trembling as she noticed the seriousness in his tone.

" but"

"Hand me the gun Inaya" he commanded, whipping around I placed the loaded gun in the palm of his hand.

Next thing we know Anastasia is running out of the door, well limping. My body sagged in relief.

Ya Allah I really don't miss all the fighting.

Tearing my gaze away from the open door I glanced at Vladimir, he still has Khawlah in his arms.

When he's holding her he doesn't look threatening at all. Especially whilst her tiny hands are trying to grab onto his 5 I clock shadow.

"I must feed her" I whispered reaching forward, he ignored me and headed towards the kitchen.

He returned in seconds with a little bag.

"Take a seat" he ordered sitting back down, I don't know why but I obliged.

Vladimir placed Khawlah in my arms and kneeled on the floor in front of me.

"What-"

"Just stay still" he mumbled taking a plaster and wipe out of the bag, why is he doing this.

Vladimir gently cleaned my lip with the cotton pad before gently placing a thin plaster on top. His eyes locked on my lips for a little longer than necessary.

Butterflies zoomed through my stomach the longer he looked.

"Thank you" I whispered, Vladimir quickly stood up and left the room, um ok.

...

A week has passed in absolute silence.

Vladimir won't even look my way never mind talk to me,

He's either working or sitting with Khawlah in the living room and watching cartoons.

Whenever I'm around his face remains blank yet when I'm out of the room I can hear him cooing and playing with her.

I'm failing to understand why he's mad at me, what have I done wrong. He's the one cheating on me.

I shouldn't care I really shouldn't because this relationship isn't real, is a force's marriage. But tell me why I feel the need to make it work.

Is it the Asian woman in me?

I thought maybe after what happened with Anastasia we'd be ok but no.

Not like I.....care?

Dammit Inaya no.

Slipping on a white and gold salwar kameez I fixed my hijab and headed towards the kitchen for breakfast. Khawlah is still asleep so I may aswell feed her after.

Even after everything I still make him food, mum has always taught me to be kind, be good to the ones who aren't good with you, be kind to those who may not deserve it because you never know what they're going through.

I began making food, today's the day I speak to Vladimir, I can't let him ignore me any longer.

I need to know how everything's going back home.

Just as I placed the eggs and bread on the table Vladimir entered the room, he took a seat on the table and began eating straight away ignoring my presence.

Nerves racked through my body as I took a seat opposite him.

"Vladimir" I mumbled quietly, he glanced up at me unemotionally, without saying a word he continued eating.