Happy Birthday Shabzie!/Ever Ever After/Ch 15 P 16 - Page 4

S! Next two chapters coming up for you! I've tried to rewrite a bit as I wasn't too happy with the way this was written....but still! here it is!
xoxo:-Nonee

Chapter 4

Six months later…...

Preet was still staying with the Kapoors and he was attending school with Shabz and Nate. He was still a very quiet boy but life with the Kapoors had wrought good changes in the boy.

Shabz, Preet and Nate were practically inseparable. Nate had to be dragged back home by his mother almost every day and as a treat, the kids stayed together on weekends, either at the Kapoors or the Archibalds.

Preet had taken to calling Shabzie, Zee and it had stuck. Shabz and Nate took to calling Preet, 'P' and since Nate was already short for Nathaniel, they decided to let Nate stay untampered.

They were playing one of their make believe games in the garden, dressed up as Red Indians. Shabz, as usual, was upto the most mischief and was making the loudest war cries.

"How do I tell him Anand?" Dee asked her husband, as they sat on the little sun terrace overlooking the garden, sipping on some ice tea. "I can't bring myself to see that desolate look on his face again."

"But Dee, we have no rights over Preet. He's Lalit's son and when Lalit finally gets back here, we cannot keep Preet here."

"He doesn't even want Preet living with him. Anand, Lalit hates the boy. I've told you this before. Lalit blames Preet for Gayatri's death. According to Lalit, the reason Gayatri died was because Preet insisted she stay back and read him a bed time story that night."

And apparently, their family astrologer back in India had predicted that Preet will be unlucky for Gayatri's life. That's why he had wanted her to have an abortion. But Gayatri refused to hear any of it. It's been six months, Anand. Six months! Not once has Lalit wanted to speak to his son. And now, suddenly, he can't wait to have Preet back with him."

"Well, he is his son Dee, be reasonable. He's all Lalit has now."

"Yeah! Right! And this has nothing to do with the fact that Gayatri has bequeathed all her shares she inherited from her father to Preet. Not to Lalit. Do you even realize how much money is involved here? It's Oil and Utilities. That little boy can buy and sell half of New York at this moment! Trust me, Anand, Lalit's not doing this out of love. He's just biding his time until he can get his hands on the money. If he thinks he can continue with this callous treatment of Preet, he is in for the biggest shock of his life when he gets here."

"Dee, don't get yourself all worked up. After all, he will be staying very near us. You can check up on him all the time. Maybe Lalit wants to bond with his son. Maybe he's regretting his outbursts."

"I'm so worried about Preet, Anand. He's Gayatri's son. He would always be dear to me on that account. But, he's so special, such a darling, such a wonderful boy, that even if he wasn't Gayatri's son, he would be just as dear."

Anand Kapoor placed his hand on his wife's. "Darling, don't worry. I'll speak with Lalit, okay."

"I'm joining you for that conversation. I'm not going to be just an onlooker. If Lalit mistreats Preet, he'll have to fight me every inch of the way. I am not going to sit back and watch that child go through any more misery. He blames himself for his mother's death. He feels neglected by his father. Can you even imagine going through something like that? He's just six years old, for God's sake! Anand!"

"Dee, listen…"

"The first words he spoke to me Anand, the very first words – 'Don't send me away.' That's what he told me." She placed her palms against her forehead, elbows against the table. "And Shabzie! She's going to be so upset. She thinks Preet will live with us forever."

Anand laughed, "That's one good thing that happened. Shabzie's not such a spoilt little princess anymore. She wants to share everything with Preet now. Has she gotten Pebbles back by the way? I never thought I'd see the day where Shabzie willingly gives Pebbles away."

Dee nodded, tears shining in her eyes, "Yes. Do you know, ever since Shabzie lent Pebbles to Preet, there's been this special bonding between them. Shabzie thinks Preet's the cat's whiskers. The other day he got a little squirrel to jump onto his arm for Shabzie to touch and feed nuts to. Shabzie can't stop talking about it. While I was tucking her in last night, she was telling me all about it."

"And she tells me stories these nights. All these make believe tales that the three of them come up with. They have created for themselves a magical, wonderful land of mythical creatures. You should hear some of them. Amazing! In any case, my story telling days are over, I think," she finished, a fond look in her eyes.

"They are adorable, the three of them," Anand agreed, smiling back at her.

"Do you really believe Anand, that Lalit is repenting his behaviour and wants to keep his son close to him now?" she asked him anxiously.

"I believe we have to give him the benefit of doubt darling. In any case, we will speak with Lalit about this. Rest assured! Don't worry love, we'll make sure Preet's happy with Lalit."

Both adults didn't realize they had an audience. A solemn boy who had been looking for a Frisbee that Shabzie had told him was in this very room. A little boy who felt suddenly scared and overwhelmed. Father was coming to get him. Finally. Had Father forgiven him finally. He so desperately wanted Father to forgive him. Could Father love him someday. He'd do anything if Father would love him back.
…………………………..

Next Chapter for you S!

Chapter 5

"Son, come, let's go home," Preet looked up as his father walked out of the study, a smile on his face.

Lalit Juneja had arrived suddenly, a week prior to his scheduled arrival and the adults had been talking in Shabz's father's study for the past hour.

Dee looked at Preet's pale face. She walked towards him and hugged him tight. "I'll come and see you every morning. And you'll come here after school every day. And you'll spend weekends with us. Okay!" she whispered in his ear.

Preet nodded, wishing he could read his father's face. These were the first words he'd spoken to him since his arrival.

He walked up to Shabz's father. "Thank you Uncle A. It was really nice of Aunty D and you to take me in," he said politely. Anand Kapoor hugged him and ruffled his hair. "It's not so far away, right! Practically, next door neighbours!"

Preet nodded, a small smile on his face.

"Where's Shabzie?" Anand Kapoor asked his wife quietly.

"I know where she is," Preet said with a quick look at his father. "Father, I'll just say 'Bye' to Zee, Percival, Galahad, Alice and Heather."

"Alright," his father replied, "hurry up though. I have to go for a meeting in a bit."

………………

Preet climbed the rope ladder to the tree house, clutching Draco in one hand.

Shabz was leaning against the window, peering out. Pebbles was lying next to her.

She turned as Preet climbed in.

"I'm going to miss you so much," she told him sadly.

"We'll see each other in school every day. And every evening after school. And Aunty D says we can spend weekends together. Nate, you and me. Don't be sad Zee."

He sat down next to her and placed Draco in her lap. "Draco says he wants you to smile at him. Or he will cry!"

A little smile dawned on her face. "Don't cry Draco, I'll miss you so much."

"He's not going anywhere Zee. He told me he wants to stay with you. He wants to make sure you are never sad again."

"You're really giving Draco to me!" She looked at him, her mouth open with surprise. "Why! The other day, Nate wanted to take Draco home for a day and you threw such a tantrum!"

"I don't throw tantrums Zee. You do!"

"I do not throw tantrums!"

You know you do Zee!"

She stamped her foot, "I do not!"

He smiled. "Besides, Draco told me he wanted to be with you. That's the only reason I'm leaving him with you. Take care of him, will you."

She picked Pebbles up and handed it to him, "And Pebbles will take care of you for me. And Pebbles will shout at Uncle L if he's mean to you."

Preet shook his head, "Father smiled at me today Zee. He doesn't look angry anymore."

"Anyway, I've got to go. Father's waiting. I have to say bye to Percival and Galahad and Alice and Heather."

"Okay. Promise me you'll come up with more quests for our Knight-Dragon games with Nate."

"I will, Princess Zee," he bowed slightly and she giggled.

"And you'll come over every day?"

He nodded and turned to leave, casting a last look at Draco.

"And I do not throw tantrums," she told him grandly, "I just express my opinions." She had heard the line on one of the television shows her mother used to watch and felt all grown up using it.

Preet rolled his eyes and pulled her along to the rope ladder. "You first," he told her.

"Naturally," she told him, shaking her head, "The Princess has to go first."
………………….

Lalit Juneja watched his son walk towards him, the little girl in tow. The reason his beloved wife was no longer with him was walking towards him, a smile on his cursed face and he couldn't do anything about it. Not at the moment anyway, he thought, recalling the conversation he had just had with the Kapoors. Well, he would let the boy come of age and then he would act. Revenge, after all, was a dish best served cold. Besides, he could now kill two birds with one stone. He rubbed his hands together and pasted a smile onto his face.
……….

And you are so awesome A! Thanks a million! Loads of BBB hugs:)
Love:-Nonee

Edit:Yeah! LJ is pretty despicable in this one...
Thanks for the comments A!*hugs*

I wanted to be first. *pouts*

BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! N! Two more chapters today? 😲 Awesome! You are writing this so well, specially the convo between my parents! See! That's what normal parents are like, not the deranged mothers they show on TV. :)

Ugh, stupid, stupid, stupid, Lalit! He is such a despicable creature. Gosh N, you really know how to make readers hate a character. But, on a happier note, Preet is just adorable, and I love how his first words in the house were "Please don't send me away." So pititful. Continue soon N!

--shabz

my spot! 😳 Will be edited tonight! 😃

*giggles*

First of all I was all sad about Preet going back with Lalit! 😔 He's going to be so mean to poor Preet again! *hugs Preet*

But I had to say I laughed at the line Shabzie said when she said she doesn't throw tantrums! 😛 Sounds SO like her! 😛😳

I really hope it all works out otherwise I'll be all sad! 😔 But I like the way you showed them all getting closer and stuff, very adorably written! 😃

Love,

Me! 😳

P.S. I always blush when I read Prem's name...nothing surprising N! 😛

Originally posted by: shabo24

I wanted to be first. *pouts*<br><br>BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! N! Two more chapters today? 😲 Awesome! You are writing this so well, specially the convo between my parents! See! That's what normal parents are like, not the deranged mothers they show on TV. :)<br><br>Ugh, stupid, stupid, stupid, Lalit! He is such a despicable creature. Gosh N, you really know how to make readers hate a character. But, on a happier note, Preet is just adorable, and I love how his first words in the house were "Please don't send me away." So pititful. Continue soon N!<br><br>--shabz<br>

Thanks so much S! I'm really glad you like it. And as I have only a few minutes at home today, I will get to just putting up the next part. Big hug:)
Love:-Nonee

Originally posted by: indiandoll89

my spot! 😳 Will be edited tonight! 😃<br><br>*giggles* <br><br>First of all I was all sad about Preet going back with Lalit! 😔 He's going to be so mean to poor Preet again! *hugs Preet* <br><br>But I had to say I laughed at the line Shabzie said when she said she doesn't throw tantrums! 😛 Sounds SO like her! 😛😳 <br><br>I really hope it all works out otherwise I'll be all sad! 😔 But I like the way you showed them all getting closer and stuff, very adorably written! 😃<br><br>Love,<br><br>Me! 😳<br><br>P.S. I always blush when I read Prem's name...nothing surprising N! 😛<br>

Me! Thanks so much. Means a lot! In a bit of a rush today and so this pathetic reply from me. Sorry. Will get back tomorrow and edit! Prem and Me! Yay!!!!!!!
Big hugs:)
Love:-Nonee

Next Chapter up for you Shabzie.....I've re-written this one in a bit of a hurry, so it's neither proofed nor edited. Sorry for any errors!

Just posting one part today. Just got home for a bit and have to go off again, so will put up the next part tomorrow.....Hope you like it! The party continues........

xoxo:-Nonee

Chapter 6

Four years later….

Ten year old Preet sat by the side of his goldfish bowl and peered inside anxiously. His goldfish wasn't moving at all. Inspite of his repeated taps against the bowl. His heart was beating very very fast and he felt like throwing up. He wasn't…he couldn't be….even thinking about that terrible possibility was filling him with dread.

Merlin had been a birthday gift from Aunt Anne, Nate's mother. And Preet had taken one look at Merlin and promptly fallen in love. Merlin was more than an ordinary gold fish. Merlin was a magical gold fish. He smiled at Preet, spoke with Preet, laughed with Preet and best of all, enjoyed being in the same room with Preet.

Why wasn't Merlin moving? Why? He had fed him last night and just before going to sleep, he had checked on Merlin. He had been fine. In fact, Merlin had even performed a fancy pirouette, which had left Preet chuckling and beaming with pride.

So much so that he had gotten on to the telephone and informed Zee about it. Zee, who was, at the moment, supremely enthusiastic about her ballet lessons (and from whom he had learnt quite a lot of ballet terminology), had been all for coming and seeing Merlin perform at that very moment. But, right then, his father had walked into his room and addressed him. Zee, who always gave his father a wide berth, had, after asking him in a hushed voice whether his father was in his room, decided that she would come and look in on Merlin in the morning, before school. She hadn't turned up though. Preet wished she would. Zee always knew what to do.

A noise caught his attention and he turned towards the door to see his father walk in. It wasn't often that his father came to his room. And here he was, back in his room for the second time in about ten hours.

"What are you looking at, boy?" he demanded. "Isn't it time for you to go to school."

"Father," Preet looked at his father anxiously, "Merlin's not moving. I don't know what's wrong. Father, can…"

"Who in the world is Merlin?" his father interrupted, "I came to return this to you. How many times have I told you not to leave your play things in the lounge below?" He carelessly dumped a box on the corner table and turned to leave.

Preet reached out hastily and caught his father's hand. "Father!" he begged, blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay. "Please, Merlin's my goldfish. The one Aunt Anne gave me on my birthday. Father, please help me. I'm afraid, I'm afraid that…"

"Afraid that it's dead!" his father said mockingly and Preet looked at his father, shocked. His father bent and looked inside the bowl. Then, he laughed softly. "But, it is dead."

Preet shook his head wildly, despair in his eyes, "Father, maybe, we can revive him. Maybe, he is not…He can't be….Father! I took good care of him, I…I….loved him! He can't die…He can't…"

"And that is the reason he's dead. Do you hear me?"

Preet backed away slightly, looking at his father disbelievingly. Did father actually mean….

"Why are you looking at me like that?" his father asked him mockingly. "Didn't I tell you? Didn't I warn you?" He laughed again and Preet backed up a bit more, unconsciously. There was something very disturbing in his father's face, his glance, his laugh…

"Anything you love Preet, will end up like, what did you call it, yeah! Merlin! Surely your little girlfriend helped you name it. With a name as fanciful, it couldn't have been anyone else."

"Father, you killed Merlin!" Preet couldn't get past that horrifying detail. "You killed Merlin! How could you father? How could you?"

"I just shifted the temperature controls for the water. It was too much of a shift for your fish. It was easy," his father told him softly.

"Why?" whispered Preet, shell shocked. "Why?"

"I want you to know how it feels," his father leant towards him and pulled him closer, "I want you to feel the agony of losing something you love. I want you to feel the pain I live with every minute, every second of my life. Pain that you have caused me. You!"

"Father," Preet struggled to free himself, "please…." His father suddenly let go of him, causing him to stumble backwards and fall against his bed.

He watched helplessly, tears in his eyes, as his father used the fire tongs to pick up Merlin and fling him across the room, "Dead Fish! Throw it away."

"And, remember, breathe one word of this to the Kapoors or the Archibalds…"

"I won't father. I gave you my word I wouldn't," Preet cried out, "Don't send me away to London to boarding school. I couldn't bear that. Please, I gave you my word I wouldn't say a thing to anyone." He was sobbing now, dry sobs racking his thin frame, "Please…"

As his father strode off, Preet rushed to pick up Merlin, lying against the wall and looked at him, tears rolling down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry Mamma," he said in between sobs, gazing at her picture on the mantelpiece nearby, "I know I promised you I wouldn't cry. But, but," he gulped, rubbing his fist fiercely against his eyes, "I loved Merlin so much Mamma. Father hates me Mamma, he hates me. Can't you come and take me away with you.…" his voice broke off as he cradled the gold fish in his palms and sobbed bitterly.

Which was how Shabz found him when she walked in a couple of minutes later.

"P!" she rushed to him, shocked, "why are you…? What is that..? Why is Merlin out of the water? How did……," she paused, looking at his face.

"He's dead, isn't he?" she asked him, horrified. She sank to her knees beside him, leaning forward to touch Merlin.

She looked at him, tears flowing down her cheeks, "How did he die P!?"

Preet shook his head, "I don't know," he told her haltingly, gazing at Merlin and avoiding her eyes. "I don't know!"

Later, after school…

Nate, Shabz and Preet sat in Shabz's garden, looking solemnly at a little mound in a corner of the garden. Shabz had placed some gardenias next to the mound. And Aunty D had painted a little plaque with 'Here lies Merlin. We love him.' inscribed on it.

Nate looked at Preet, after a discreet jab from Shabz. "P! As you know, I have three goldfish. Would you like …..

Both Shabz and Nate were surprised by the fierceness in his voice as he replied, "No, Never. I will never ever have a pet again. Never again!"
.............