Twinj FF:A Modern Fairytale part 5 pg 2

"Choti... Choti wake up... It's your first day to college."

"Chachi... Please five minutes more?"

"No... Wake up... Your college is a long way from here."

Sighing to herself Twinkle woke up. How could she explain to Chachi why she wanted five minutes more in bed? How will she make her understand that she had just interrupted a wonderful dream? It was the same as always. She smiled to herself as she thought about that.

She was walking alone in the woods when he came and surprised her. They talked, laughed and danced till it was dark and she had to go home. He pulled her close to him, leaned close to her and...

"CHOTI..."

"I am coming... I am coming..."

Twinkle quickly got ready and rushed down. She knew her Chachi always liked to be punctual.

"Oooh... What a lovely smell? What are you making, Chachi?"

"Your favorite... Roti and Bhindi ki sabji and yes I made the roti with ghee... And the dessert is Kheer"

"Chachi... Why did you do this much? You could have called me... I would have helped you"

"Dear... Dear... Now don't get angry. Sit down and eat. I would have called you if I had any difficulties."

"Accha... No difficulties? Then from where did this burnt mark come from?"

"Woh... I... uh..."

"Chachi... Why don't you ever allow me to work? You treat me like a princess when I am not even one. "

"You are a princess"

"Uh?"

"You are MY princess, dear"

Twinkle looked at her aunt and her bright eyes filled with tears. She hugged her and kissed her warm cheek.

"I love you, Chachi"

"I love you too, Choti... Now hurry up and tell me how it is"

Twinkle nodded and took a piece of the food her aunt had so lovingly cooked for her. The taste was horrible as usual. The rotis were over burnt and the sabji was too hot to eat.

"How is it, Choti?"

"It's perfect Chachi... The roti is marvelous and so is the sabji. I love it"

"Oh... Thank you. Try the kheer and tell me"

Twinkle tried the kheer and tried to hide her smile. Her aunt had put salt instead of sugar again.

"This is the best kheer I have ever tasted"

"I am so glad you liked it... I have never cooked before you came into my life..."

"Chachi... You are an expert now. Okay... I must leave. I mustn't be late the first day"

"Of course... Goodbye love... And remember... If anyone asks you your name... Tell them it's Rose"

"Goodbye Chachi... mwaah"

Blowing a kiss and waving goodbye, Twinkle rushed off. Merryweather turned around trying to hide the tears. Her little girl had grown up. Now it was only a matter of a year or two and she will be gone from her life forever. She sighed silently and went to throw the food she had cooked into the dustbin. She knew it was very bad. If only she could learn to cook better.

...

"Dadi? Why are you working? I told you to rest, didn't I?"

"Mahi... When did you come? And this... is not work... Only a few small vessels to wash"

"I'll finish them... I could have easily done it... Why did you have to do all this by yourself? You were shivering from fever yesterday"

"Sweetheart I said I am fine... Now stop scolding me and tell me... Anything interesting happening in the castle?"

"Well... Prince Kunj is going to college for the first time today... So the entire palace is buzzing with activity... Take this, do this, bring that and so on"

"That's great... Now that the youngest is starting college, it won't be long before His Highness the King will name his heir to the throne"

"Hmm..."

"What are you thinking?"

"About college..."

"Your dream?"

"Yes"

"You found a way?"

"I talked to Yuvi..."

"Shh... Call him Little Master"

"No one is here now, Dadi"

"Even walls have ears. We must not take any risks. What did the Little Master say?"

"Well he couldn't talk to me... The King wanted to see him... but I am sure that he will find a way as always"

"Yes, the Little Master has always been kind to us... Oh Mahi, I only wish that I was able to do something. If only your parents were here all your dreams would have come true and you would have been happy"

Mahi stopped her work and went to Dadi. She slowly knelt down beside her and took her wrinkled arms in hers.

"Dadi, I AM happy now. And don't you ever think that you did nothing for me. Who took me in when no one else would? Who fed me by going hungry for days? Who worked so hard to give me time to study? Dadi it was you. If I have these dreams then it is only because you taught me to dream. You have done so much for me, Dadi. And you think I am not happy? I am the happiest girl in this kingdom"

"And I am the proudest Dadi in this kingdom..."

A loud bell interrupted their conversation.

"I have to go. Oh dear, I didn't finish the dishes."

"I'll finish them. Now go... I think the Little Master is calling for you"

"Yes... I think so too. Don't strain too much"

Placing a small kiss on her Dadi's old cheeks,Mahi ran to do her duties.

...

Kunj slowly entered his mother's room. It was beautiful yet so melancholy. He looked at the large bed in the center of the room. He went near it. There she was lying on the bed as she had been lying for the past fifteen years without moving a limb.Kunj looked at her and wiped a lone tear off his face. It was all because of him.

He had been three years old when a war had broken out between them and the Gupta Kingdom. Being very little he had not known what a war meant. He had escaped the nursery and run out to see what was happening. His mother had rushed out trying to catch him and had slipped and fell off the terrace. The memory of his mother falling was still fresh in his mind. The family had accepted that it was an accident but he couldn't forgive himself. And the guilt ate him every day as he had been his mother's pet when she was healthy. No doctor was able to cure her and so she stayed completely paralyzed not able to move a limb.

"I am sorry, Ma. It's because of me you are like this."

He slowly took one of her lifeless hands in his and kissed it.

"Will you get up today, Ma? Today is my first day to college. I need you so much. I want you to get up hug me and say that everything will be fine. I want you to say you forgive me for making you suffer. Oh... Ma... Will you please get up today?"

Kunj put his head on her bed and sobbed loudly as a little child crying for his mother. He wished that her lifeless hands would once hug him and comfort him. But they couldn't. Had he looked up, he would have seen the tears flowing down from her closed eyes. He would have known that his mother was doing what the mothers round the world do when they didn't have any other way to comfort their child. She was crying with him.

...

part 3 to be posted soon

Chapter: 3 Best Friends

Yuvi walked up and down in his room trying to think of what to say to her. He didn't want to hurt her. Why must he always be the one to say such difficult things to her? He sighed a little and tried to compose himself Come on, Yuvi you can do it, it is not very difficult. After all she is your best friend. She will understand.' Hearing a knock at his door, he went to open it. Seeing her standing at the door with hopeful eyes, he felt his heart break a little. But he hurriedly composed himself. He pulled her in and locked the door.

"Why did you call?"

"Mahi... uh... I... uh... talked to Papa about you joining the Royal College"

"Yes... And what did he say?"

"Well... uh... He said that the college is only for the royal family and the families of knights and courtiers and not... uh..."

"And not for SERVANTS."

"Uh... yes"

"That's what they told me when I asked them"

"I am sorry, Mahi... I..."

"Of course... I know you will never say a word against His Majesty. "

"Mahi... listen... I..."

"What listen? Are you going to say that you are sorry my dreams are broken and you can do nothing about it? Or are you going to say that even though you are a Prince you can do nothing for your friend? Oh... wait a minute... What friend? I am only a servant... What a fool I was to think that you actually thought of me as your FRIEND? What a..."

Yuvi had been listening to her in growing anger. He simply hated it when she talked without listening to him. He had had enough. He pulled her closer to him and twisted her hand behind her and held it tightly. With another hand he covered her mouth. Mahi tried to remove his hands but she couldn't. He held her firmly.

"Never ever question the fact that you are MY FRIEND. Now if you have got THAT clearly in your mind, will you listen to me now?"

Mahi freed herself from his grip. Her eyes filled with angry tears. She simply hated it when he tried to dominate her. She rubbed her wrists that had grown slightly red because of his strong hold.

"Did I hurt you bad?"

"What does it matter?"

"Don't be silly. Now sit here"

"No, I am going"

"Mahi, I said SIT"

Yuvi knelt down beside her and rubbed her wrists gently with his thumb. As he had often done in his childhood, he placed a soft kiss on her wrists. And Mahi felt her stomach do flip flops inside her. Now she won't be able to refuse him. Oh, these stupid funny feelings. He looked up at her. She blushed a little and looked away.

"I am sorry, Mahi. Forgive me"

"Hmmmph"

"Okay... I understand. You want another kissy?"

"No, No... Stop teasing, Yuvi"

"Accha... Then tell me that you have forgiven me"

"You can't always hurt me and get away with it"

"I know... But you were the one who started it"

"Okay, just forget it. Now I have to go. I have work in the kitchen. I get it... Kitchen is my destiny"

"No it's not... I have an idea"

"Idea?"

"Yes and that is what I have been trying to tell you"

"Oh... Why didn't you just say that before?"

"I would have... If you had let me"

"Oh... Sorry, Sorry... Now tell me what is your idea?"

"Well... As a Prince, I can take one... uh... personal assistant with me to the college. And they get to be with the Prince in class rooms and everywhere. Generally Princes don't take anyone with them as it is old fashioned. But I can take you with me as my... uh... "

"Slave?"

"No... No..."

"That is what it is Yuvi, whether you use the word or not. I won't be your slave"

"Come on, Mahi... Don't make such a big fuss"

"Fuss? Yuvi, it's a question of my dignity and pride. I won't"

"Mahi, don't you trust me? I'll never treat you badly"

"Of course, Yuvi. I know you. But the world doesn't"

"When did the world become greater than your dream? The Mahi I know will not stop at anything. Her DREAM is her WORLD"

"I know Yuvi. But..."

"No buts Mahi. If you come with me you will be able to learn and all your dreams will be fulfilled"

"You are tempting me too much Yuvi. What did the King say? Have you asked him?"

"Yes. He agreed"

"He did?"

"Yes. He cannot say no. I am free to choose my own... assistant. Though he did say that he was surprised that I wanted an assistant"

"Yuvi... Do you think that this will work? Will I be able to study after serving you?"

"Of course, I do all my own work. You only need to concentrate on studies. Now get ready fast. You are coming with me"

Mahi got up to go. As she reached the door she stopped suddenly and turned. She saw Yuvi looking at her with a smile. She ran to him and gave him a tight hug.

"Thank you for everything, Yuvi. You are a true friend"

Yuvi was surprised at her sudden hug. It had been a long time since they had hugged and he had almost forgotten how she felt in his arms. He slowly put his arms round her and hugged her back.

"Mahi... Your dreams are mine too... Remember? "

She pulled back a little and looked at him with a smile and slowly nodded her head.

"Now, go. You must be ready by nine and it's already quarter past eight. And please keep that smile on your face. You are finally going to COLLEGE."

"Yes... as a slave"

She said the last part to herself and left the room.

...

Sid felt his heart break a little when he saw his little brother crying his heart out. He remembered how he had promised to his mother on Kunj's first birthday party never to let anything hurt him. From then on he had been his protector and best friend. He had solved all his problems. But this? He just couldn't make him understand that it was not his fault. He went and put his hand on Kunj's shoulders. Kunj looked up at him. He wiped the wet tears off his face.

"Chotte, it's time. You need to go and get ready."

Kunj just nodded his head and went out. Sid looked at his mother's tears. He silently wiped them off.

"How long are you going to just cry with him, Ma? When are you going to get up and tell him not to worry? We have told him so many times that it was not his fault, but he needs to hear it from you. He need you, Ma... We all need you... I need you... Please wake up."

...

Precap:Twinj first meet.

Chapter 4: The Click

The room was filled with students, some standing, some sitting and some simply running around. Twinkle stood at the door feeling nervous. She didn't know anyone here and no one seemed to bother about her standing there. They simply ignored here and continued with their works. She looked at the slip she had in her hand. Room five was the room for the first year students. She was at the right place. She once again looked inside the room and saw a girl looking shy and nervous, sitting in a corner and smiling at her. She smiled back regaining some of her lost confidence and walked towards her.

"Hello, is this seat occupied?"

"No"

"I am Rose"

"I am Chinki"

They shook hands and smiled at each other. Twinkle knew she had found a friend in her.

"Uh... Where are you from, Rose?"

"You can call me Choti... And I am from the woods. I live there with my Chachi. Where are you from, Chinki?"

"I am from the city. From the woods? However did you get admission into this college? You know only the children of Lords, Soldiers and Kings can study here"

"Well... I believe my Dad was some sort of a great man."

"Was?"

"Uh... Yes. He is no more"

"Oh... I am sorry"

"It's okay, Chinki... Tell me more about yourself"

"Well... I am..."

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud commotion at the door. The entire class rushed toward the door.

"He's come... He's come..."

Twinkle looked at Chinki whose face suddenly glowed with excitement.

"Who has come?"

"The Prince"

"The Prince?"

"Yes... Didn't you know that the Prince is going to be in our class?"

"No..."

"Uffo... it was announced all around the town yesterday. Oh... I forgot you lived in the woods. Well, Prince Kunj, the youngest Prince in our Kingdom is joining the college today. I have never seen him. It is said that he is very handsome. Come let us go and see."

Twinkle let herself pulled along by Chinki. She tried hard to get a glance at the Prince, but it was impossible. He was surrounded by the excited students. She gave up.

"Come on, Chinki. We'll see him later"

"Of course not... Come..."

Twinkle sighed as Chinki pulled her through the crowd of shouting girls. Chinkii jumped up and down trying to see him.

"Chinki, let's go... I am sure we cannot see him now"

"But..."

"No, buts... There is still time for the class to start, show me around. Pleeease"

"Ok... Ok"

...

"It's time... we must be going"

"Just a few more minutes... Please Chinki... I so love this art room"

"Okay you stay here... I need to get some books from the library... See you in class"

"All right"

Twinkle looked around the room filled with paintings. She felt she was in some sort of a heaven. The beautiful art around her transported her to another world. One picture in particular caught her eyes. The picture was a beautiful painting of a wood fairy. Strangely, Twinkle felt that the wood fairy looked so much like her except for the wings and the crown. The place where the fairy was standing also seemed familiar. She went close to it and saw that the painting did not have the name of the artist inscribed in it. She couldn't understand why. All the other paintings had the artist name inscribed. She was so lost in the picture that she didn't see someone come inside the room and stand beside her.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it... uh... sorry, I didn't see you."

"It's okay... I come here every day to watch this picture"

"Do you know the person who drew this?"

"Uh... Not very much"

"Huh??"

"He was a friend of mine. But... uh..."

"You are not friends anymore?"

"Yes... Something like that"

"I wish I could meet him"

"Do you?"

"Yes... Oh... I have to leave. It's time for my classes"

"Okay... Uh... What do I call you?"

"My name is Rose."

Saying so, Twinkle left the room in a hurry. Kunj stood still looking at the picture. He had painted it a few years ago after having a vivid dream of her. No one had ever noticed it before. And now this girl, a complete stranger to him had looked so lost in his picture. She looked so pretty, no doubt about that and he had felt his heartbeats speed up, the moment he set his eyes on her. He felt confused. He didn't want to lose his heart to anyone but the girl of his dreams. But THIS girl had eyes exactly like the girl of his dreams. And she LOVED the picture of his dream. Kunj felt a tingling sensation down his spine as he remembered the way she had looked at the picture.

"As if she had known it for a long time... As if it was a sort of memory"

He looked at the open door from where she had just left

"Is it really her? Well I need to find out."

...

Twinkle hurried towards her classroom. Her mind was occupied with the thoughts of the stranger she had just met. His eyes seemed familiar. She tried remembering where she had met him before but couldn't recollect.

"Oh... well... Maybe he is one of those familiar faces. I MUST find the artist who painted that picture."

...

PRECAP TITLE :The Right Thing

Hello all, I am sorry I am late. I am not feeling very well so I didn't edit my update. I am sorry for this lousy chapter. I will try to make up in the next update. Rotten tomatoes and torn slippers are welcome. Do leave a comment.

...

Chapter 5: The Right Thing

Mahi came inside the class behind Yuvi. She looked around and saw that the room was very spacious and had big windows to air it. She looked at the benches and chairs arranged neatly in rows and wished she could be a noble to sit there. She knew she had to sit near Yuvi in a small chair. She didn't mind sitting near Yuvi but sitting as his slave would be kind of humiliating. She saw him talking excitedly with his friends and walked ahead of him by herself.

"Hey"

Mahi looked startled as a boy rudely stopped her. He looked at her up and down lustily.

"Who are you?"

"That is none of your business"

Mahi tried to move away but the boy quickly held her hand tightly.

"Leave me alone"
"Of course not. You cannot ask me to leave. This ornament round your hand tells that you are a slave and I am a noble. I can do anything"

Mahi tried hard to pull away from him and stamped hard on his legs. The boy yelled but didn't let go of her hands. He pulled her.

"I won't let you go"

Suddenly he felt a punch on his face. Yuvi stood there looking as if he would murder him then and there. He looked at Mahi rubbing her hands and gave him another punch.

"How dare you?"

"Oh don't worry, she is just a slave. We are allowed to do that to our slaves."

"She is MY slave. And I have often told you not to touch what belongs to me Shyam."

"Your slave? Sorry your highness. I didn't know she was yours."

"She is mine. If I ever see you near her again I will make sure your life is over before you even started it. Now run off before I do something you don't like."

Shyam ran off.Yuvi looked at Mahi still rubbing her wrists with angry unshed tears in her eyes. He slowly took her arm in his. She pulled away.

"Mahi, I am sorry. These things happen to slaves. You must stay with me always if you want to be safe."

"Yes... I can't be safe because I am a slave, right?"

"I can't do anything about it, Mahi. You must learn to adjust. After all it's you who wanted to study."

"Right, being a slave, I shouldn't have wanted to study. I should have stayed in the kitchen."

"I didn't say that..."

"But you meant that. Now open your ears and listen. I may be a slave but I do not belong to anyone. Not to you nor to him and nor to any fellow who tries to keep his hand on me."

"But..."

"Master, I need to arrange your books. Kindly excuse me"

"Mahi..."

Yuvi looked at her retreating back and sighed. If only he could make her feel better. And give her everything she deserved without hurting her.

"Did I do the right thing by bringing her here as my slave? Oh if only she understands that I am doing all this for her"

...

Twinkle sat next to Chinki and stood up with the class as the professor entered in.

"Good morning, students. I am Mrs. Gupta and I will be taking you History. Now I want you all to stand up one by one and introduce yourselves..."

She heard a knock at the door. And she turned to see Kunj standing there.

"Your Highness?"

"Sorry... I am late Mrs. Gupta"

"No, no... It's not a big problem. Where would you like to sit, your Highness?"

"Please call me Kunj..."

He looked around and his eyes met Twinkle's. Good, she was in his class. He could get to know her better. It may be hard but he had to do it. He saw that a seat was empty in the row next to her.

"I'll sit here, Mrs. Gupta. Thank you"

Twinkle looked at him and felt her heartbeats race up as he chose a place next to her. She tried hard to control herself. She must be looking for the painter who painted her beautifully and also painted the place in her dreams and not get attracted to this guy.

"I told you he is handsome."

"Yes, he is."

Kunj smiled as he heard her reply. He was going in the right direction. And he had taken the first step.

...

ok that's it i will post the next part in a half an hour.