Chapter 3

Morning rolled around quickly, the clock had already struck half past four in the afternoon. Mona was at home doing household chores, lifting the clothesline, and then hurrying to cook a meal. Sweat flooded her forehead, exhaustion attacking her body because after coming home from school she immediately did her chores.

"Ahhhhh, finally done too. I have to take a shower, my body is so sticky," Mona monologued and then entered the room and performed the ritual of cleaning herself.

After taking a shower Mona went to the living room, waiting for Arka while lying on the sofa. Slowly she drifted off, exhausted, into dreamland until the clock finally struck seven. The doorbell rang but she was still asleep, irritably Arka took the spare key from the car and opened the door.

"Where's that damn girl!" Arka cursed, stepping wide and then her eyes caught Mona fast asleep on the sofa.

"Damn it! This girl is sleeping so well," Arka growled and kicked Mona's leg, startling the girl into sitting up.

"What's wrong, Brother-in-law?" asked Mona, still not a hundred percent awake.

"What's wrong, what's wrong! You're like this, you're coming home and instead of welcoming me, you're going to sleep," Arka said in a loud voice.

"Prepare my clothes and coffee!" Arka ordered, making Mona get up from her seat.

"I've prepared your clothes, I'll leave you to brew coffee first," Mona said, bowing her head and stepping into the kitchen.

Mona immediately prepared coffee and picked up biscuits for snacks as well. With careful steps, she carried the tray. Arka had changed his clothes and was sitting on the sofa.

"This is Brother-in-Law." Mona put the coffee and biscuits on the table, then hurried to the kitchen to put the tray away.

By the time the coffee was half gone, Arka's stomach was already clamoring to be filled. She walked casually to the dining table, looking at Mona who was washing the fruits. Arka looked at the food, then glanced at Mona.

"Mona!" Arka called out, making Mona turn around.

"Yes, Brother-in-law?" asked Mona looking back at Arka's face, and then she immediately looked down again.

"Buy you some chicken satay, here's the money," said Arka, handing over a red sheet.

"But Mas, I'm cooking chicken soup, and it's raining outside too," Mona squeaked to get Arka's attention.

"Don't argue, buy twenty skewers, using the motorcycle in the garage. Don't be spoiled, there's a coat, wear it!" Arka ordered and then stepped into her office.

Mona languidly grabbed her raincoat and headed for the bike. She started to drive the two-wheeled vehicle through the rain. The water was falling so hard that it was difficult for Mona to see the road. She gave thanks when she safely reached her destination and quickly ordered chicken satay.

"Uncle, twenty skewers of chicken satay," Mona pleaded and quickly took shelter.

The clock struck half past nine, and she finally arrived home. She quickly made her way to Arka's study, where she could see the man was working on something. Mona still hadn't taken off her coat until the rainwater dripped onto the floor.

"Brother-in-law, here's the satay," Mona said, thrusting the satay in front of Arka.

Arka took a quick glance and then resumed his work. "Throw it away! I have no appetite, you took so long. I ate at eight o'clock earlier," Arka said with an innocent look on her face.

"Patience Mona," Mona inwardly exclaimed while stroking her chest.

"Why are you stroking your chest, you're upset!" Arka exclaimed, making Mona startle and shake her head.

"No, Mona is not angry. I'll just eat this, it's a shame to throw it away," Mona joked, only to get a snort from Arka.

"Whatever!"