Chapter 3. Smiles in Pain

Chapter 3. Smiles in Pain

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It was all new experience for Denzel. It was not his first time being an escort, but no one ever treated him like Cyrus was treating him. No one cared about him being hungry or need anything. They would treat him like a pet they bought and surely he was a pet to them. As they had bought for a night.

But here it was Cyrus, making sure not to make loud noises because the girls were sleeping. He made sure Denzel ate the food properly. And even if he insisted, he asked Denzel to wait in the lounge while he did the dishes.

"You want some coffee? Though I don’t think you should have caffeine, how about tea"? He asked from the kitchen. Although Denzel wanted to have a cup of frothy steaming hot coffee, Cyrus was right. He opted for tea with a slight blush. Cyrus chuckled softly and in no time he served him with tea and a black coffee for himself.

"Mm. Master. H.. How do you want me to... Serve you"? Denzel said in a low voice holding the cup of tea. Cyrus looked at him for a while before going back to kitchen.

"Have these fruits. These are good for a mother". He handed him a plate of mix fruits. "And what’s with Master, hmmm? Call me Cyrus or Cy". He said in a warm tone. Denzel was looking at him with his big bambi eyes. Astonished. Surprised. Shocked. Cyrus could read his eyes well.

"But. But you have paid for me. I am supposed to serve you. You are my master. You bought me". He couldn’t stay quiet now.

"Well. Yes I paid for you. But i didn’t buy you. I want to set you free". Cyrus replied in a serious tone. Denzel was confused again. Cyrus sighed. He knew Denzel won’t sit in peace until he was satisfied.

"Hmmmm. Okay. How about you have a quick look to see if your angels are sleeping or need anything. And come back". He said. Deznel looked into his eyes and walked to check on his princess. They were sleeping peacefully, with a full belly and comfortable bed.

Denzel came back and nodded at Cyrus that everything was fine. Cyrus heaved a sigh and began telling him about the day in the bar.

/*Flashback*/

"Win I have a plan. I need your help. But I want to know if you want to save your brother in law from your brother or not"? Cyrus asked Win in a hushed voice.

"Don’t call him my brother, sir. He is a beast. A monster. He only cares for money. When Denzel, my brother in law was pregnant even then he would make Denzel to work in the club. When the girls were born, he didn’t let Denzel see them for two days. I had to beg him on his feet with a condition that I will make Denzel agree for the bidding or else. Or else my brother had hired four men to rape me as a punishment and torture for Denzel because he loves me more than my own brother. That’s the reason my brother beat me today too.

Denzel is weak from the birth and lack of food and care. But still he is here today for my sake. And I can’t do anything". Win was crying again looking at Denzel crying holding his daughters.

"You can do so many things. That’s why I asked for your help. Now listen. My friend is a commissioner in police. I will take few pictures and videos of your brother torturing Denzel and will send it to the commissioner in police. Once I secure Denzel and his daughters, the police will raid here.

You have to bear a little but the police will keep you safe and you will come to me later. Okay? Meanwhile the police will arrest your brother in law. Once he is under arrest, I will prepare the divorce papers for Denzel to be free of him. I will come at the time of bidding and will make the highest bid to take Denzel out for maximum days to secure him and his daughters.

Will you help me in all this? And please don’t tell your brother in law about anything. I will tell him myself". Cyrus laid the whole plan and Win nodded his head quickly.

Cyrus took lots of pictures and videos of a tortured Denzel, his husband and the club and sent the details to his friend in Police. He talked to him in details about the plan. When they have to come? Who to arrest and how to make sure that the man doesn’t come out of the custody. And get the amount back to Cyrus that he would place in the bidding.

Everything was according to his plan. He made the highest bid. He took Denzel with him because he knew his money will be back to him and even if not, it didn’t matter. He took Denzel and his daughters with him and right on cue, the police raided on the club.

It was a chaos. Win's brother tried to run away with the money but Police didn’t let him. They sealed the club with the accusations of human trafficking, illegal drugs, smuggling and lots more. The plan was dope. And it was executed perfectly.

Win was taken under care and Cyrus was informed that Win would reach him by morning.

/*Flashback ends*/

"So this is what happened". Cyrus fell silent after telling all. He heard faint sobs that turned into full blown cries. Denzel was sitting clutching his chest. He seemed to be in pain.

Cyrus quickly moved to hold him. He wrapped his arms around the fragile body. He didn’t know if Denzel wanted any of it or not. He did all on his instincts. But now he felt guilty. Maybe he should have asked Denzel before the raid and all. He was rubbing circles on his back. Denzel was hiccupping badly. He waited patiently to know what Denzel wanted now.

"You. You thought so much for me. For us. I am nobody to you. Why to waste your time and money on us, Mr. Cyrus". Denzel said in between his tears. Cyrus felt relief inside. At least Denzel didn’t disagree.

He wiped his cheeks, giving him time to settle down.

"Denzel, it’s not about being somebody or nobody. It’s not even about the money. I told you I will get every penny back, and even if not, it doesn’t matter. What I saw was enough for any person with humanity, to do what I did. Win told me everything. And that was more than enough for me to do what I did.

You deserve a peaceful life. A life full of colors and laughter and especially your daughters. They need your attention. Your time. Your care. Bye the way, what are their names"? Cyrus asked with a little smile.

"Nattarine, Nattasha and Nattarika". Denzel told with all the love in his voice.

"Beautiful names. Okay. How about you make a list of everything the girls need. Clothes. Cribs. Stroller. What else? See I don’t have any idea about babies so write down everything and then we will go shopping tomorrow. Okay. And note down the things you need too. Meanwhile, for your stay, you can live here as long as you want. You don’t need to work anywhere. Like I said your priority should be your daughters.. Did you go to school"? Suddenly Cyrus asked.

"Well I have studied till high school. I wanted to be a doctor. The man, my uhhh husband, he was my friend. My senior. He told me he loved me and he would help me in studies. I didn’t have any family. I am an orphan. So his love was a cool breeze in my lonely life. Win, he is so cute and loving my fluff ball. But it was all a nightmare.

I wanted to study further but I was forced to be a stripper. To be an escort. So I have been in the club for past 4 years. Serving people. Now I forgot if I ever had any dreams". Denzel said with a sad chuckle. His eyes were brimming again with tears.

"You have me now Denzel. I will make your dreams come true. But for now just think about getting strong for your daughters. Once they turn 1 year, I will get your admission again. You will be the doctor you want to be. Okay"? Cyrus patted his head softly.

Just then they heard cries from the room. Cyrus looked at Denzel and they both chuckled.

"I.. I get the girls". He said sheepishly.

"Take the milk carton from fridge. Drink milk every time you have to feed them. And then bring the girls out. I will set up the blankets here. This way you can keep an eye on them while watching TV or talking to me". Denzel thought for a while before agreeing. There were lots of things he wanted to talk about. And it would be easy if he brings out the girls.

He was in the room, changing and feeding the girls when he heard a door bell. He came out of the room after some time. With the girls secured in his arms. Since the girls were bit tiny he could manage to hold them all together for a short distance.

Cyrus had placed blanket bed on the carpet that he placed the girls on. Cyrus motioned him to come to sit with him. He was hesitant to see new faces. It was Cyrus's friend from police department.

"Denzel, he is my friend Max from Police department. The one I was telling you about. He wants your statement regarding the abuse and torture. But we can always delay if you are not comfortable". Cyrus saw Denzel licking his dry lips in nervousness.

"No need to be scared, Denzel. You are safe with us. We can always record statements later but I would prefer the early it goes. Plus as per Cyrus instructed, we have filed the complete custody of your girls under Cyrus as guardian. This way no one can hurt them. Your, uhmm brother in law Win, is safe with our fellow officer. He will bring him here in the morning.

And Cyrus, here is your money. All safe. I should get going its late. Will have a word in the morning. Also Denzel, do let me know when you are ready to record your statement okay"? He left after bidding his goodbyes.

Denzel was in deep thoughts looking at his daughters when Cyrus approached him.

"What are you thinking? Hungry? Though it’s late at night still we can go for a snack". Cyrus asked in a soft tone.

"Don’t you think it’s too much that you are doing for us? What do you want from me". He said with a sharp tone.

Cyrus looked at him and then smiled softly.

"I don’t want anything from you. If I wanted I would have. I want you to stand strong. Be independent. Live for your girls. I just want to help you. But you are free to decide for your life. I would just suggest you to stay here for a week to gain strength and then decide whatever you want". Cyrus said and moved to the floor where the girls were sleeping with their pacifiers in their mouths.

He kissed their foreheads and turned to his room as Denzel said he wasn’t hungry to have anything.

**********

Cyrus woke up at his usual time. He took bath and got ready to go to work. It was his routine since he came in this apartment. Breakfast, lunch dinner all at cafe. He exited the room and only then he remembered that he was no longer alone at this place.

"Good Morning, Cyrus. Going somewhere"? He saw Denzel in the kitchen. Making breakfast. His lips curled upwards.

"Uhmm. Yes me... I am actually owner of a cafe. Just around the corner. I bake cookies, pastries, cakes. So". He scratched his non itchy nape.

"Wow, really. I love cookies. But less sweet". Denzel clapped his hands in excitement making Cyrus chuckle.

"Louis loves them too". He said and instantly fell quiet. His eyes turn cold.

"Louis? Who Louis, Cyrus"? Denzel couldn’t help but ask.

"No one. So where are the princesses"? He changed the topic. Denzel subtly noted it down.

"There. Laying on the blanket bed. Breakfast is ready. I am sorry I didn't ask you. But I thought if I have to live here, I should chip in my share in house chores". He smiled warmly and Cyrus smiled too. He felt happy at his decision.

"Did you fed them? Did you take milk"? He took his chair asking Denzel who nodded his head.

"Yes. I... I took juice".

"Good. Now how about you get ready after breakfast. Change the dolls too. We will go to cafe. Let me brief my chefs today.  And then shopping. What say? Got to do some grocery too". He made a plan. Denzel agreed too. They finished their breakfast and Cyrus was on call as Denzel got ready and changed the girls too.

They settled in the car comfortably. It was good that Rover was spacious. Cyrus was thinking to install car seats too.

Denzel was impressed with the cafe. It was like a mini food point. He tasted almost everything. Cupcakes. Sandwiches. Milkshakes. And now he was taking deep breaths in the car trying to digest the food. Cyrus tried to hide his face but ended up laughing. They were currently at a workshop to adjust car seats for the girls.

"Yeah laugh. I won’t go to shopping and I won’t eat anything now". Denzel was sulking, making Cyrus laugh more. But it was all fake and soon Denzel ended up chuckling too. He was contented. After years he smiled genuinely. 

Shopping with Cyrus was chaotic. Denzel had to handle 4 kids. Cyrus held two girls in his harness allowing Denzel to freely buy things. He turned with a onesi to check for Nattasha and Nattarine but Cyrus was not there.

He looked around the shop but no sign. Denzel felt his heart stopped. His girls were missing. He left everything at the shop and went out frantically looking here and there. But he couldn’t find Cyrus or his girls. He was holding Nattarika to his chest tightly, looking around with tear shedding eyes.

"Denzel"!!!! He jumped in fear and turned around only to find Cyrus standing with surprised expressions. "Hey what happened"? He wiped the tears only to be hugged tightly by Denzel.

"Where did you take my girls? I was so scared. I thought you took them away". Denzel was crying badly. Cyrus wrapped his arms around him gently. He was ashamed of what he did.

"I am so sorry, Denzel. I actually got a call from Max about Win and there were poor signals so I went there to take call. I thought I will be free soon but he was telling me about the non-bail able warrants for your husband and i lost time. I am so sorry". Cyrus calmly explained making sure Denzel was calm.

"It is okay, Cyrus. I was just scared". Denzel pulled off embarrassingly.

"I understand. It is my fault anyway. Let’s finish shopping now". He held his hand and took him to the shop again.

***********

"Cyrus, please take this". They reached home after lunch outside and packed dinner for home. He had just changed when Denzel approached him with some cash.

"What is it"? Cyrus raised his eye brows.

"My savings, Cyrus"!!! Denzel said with head hung low.

"And"? Cyrus stood up this time.

"Please take it".

"Why? And where did you get these savings"?

"Umm sometimes the customers would give me some money that I secretly kept with me. You bought so many things for us, also I have to stay here so..." Denzel was looking at him with bit hesitant eyes.

"Keep this money with you. I didn’t buy all things for repay. Also I didn’t ask you for any rent to stay here. Keep these for your girls. And next time I won’t listen to all this stupid things. Got it"? Cyrus said in a bit irritated tone. Denzel was standing and not looking at him.

Cyrus sighed tiredly. He held Denzel by his shoulders and made him sit.

"Look Denzel. We don’t know what the future holds for us. I will help you to stand on your feet. To be strong and live your life independently. This money, is yours. Your hard work. Keep them for the girls. I would suggest you open an account for them. As their guardian, I will chip in for them. This will help them in future. You getting my point"? He softly asked Denzel who nodded in understanding.

"Good. Stay here as long as you want. But you are not obliged to do the chores. You have to make sure to eat properly. Rest and spend time with your baby girls. You can use and do whatever you want in this apartment. May be it will turn to a home for me. Where I know I can return to have three angels to brighten my day. You can go anywhere you want to. And here. I forgot to give you this". Cyrus handed him a latest phone.

"All packages installed. My number is saved. I have your number too. Use it. You are not bound here but I would prefer if you just inform me. Is it too much to demand"? Cyrus asked hesitatingly. Denzel looked at him with his doe eyes and hugged him tight.

"Cyrus, how many times are you going to make me cry? I don’t deserve all these things? I am dirty. Filthy. Used. Why are you doing this for me"? He was sobbing in his arms..

"Denzel, you are pure. As pure as an angel. You are not a burden to me. Make this place a home to live. And I will make sure to provide for you. We will see how the things turn for us. But I promise I will always be your side. Do you trust me"?

"Of course Cyrus. This will be my home. And you are the one I owe my life. I trust you. Forever". Denzel held his stretched hand and Cyrus smiled in contentment.

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Tabby