Chapter 4

"Ashwin. Ashwin". Jagger was too shocked. Even when he knew what Ashwin was about to say. Still. He felt his heart crashed. Someone killed him alive. Stabbing his heart. He held Ashwin tight in his arms. He was crying out. Hiding his face in the crook of his neck, a grown up man, a professional psychiatrist for more than 5 years was crying. Holding a fragile boy in his arms. 

Noah hid his face in a crying Ford's arms. It was too much. 

"Jagger, take him inside". Ford managed to voice out in a choking voice. "I have recorded it all". He patted Jagger's shoulder. 

Jagger picked Ashwin bridal style and took him to his room. 

"I am sorry kid. This is the last time you will cry. I will make sure that bastard will not be free for long. I promise baby". He softly kissed his forehead before standing up. But his shirt was stuck.

"Dad... Don’t leave me". Ashwin mumbled in sleep tugging his shirt. 

"I am not going anywhere Ashwin. I am here with you baby". Jagger leaned on the bed taking him in his arms. 

"Dad". Ashwin opened his eyes. Jagger smiled at the baby snuggling more into him.

"Yes baby. Hungry"? He asked racking his fingers in the soft locks. Ashwin nodded. His eyes twinkled. 

"Let’s go. Uncle Noah and Uncle Ford have made food. Your favorite". He held Ashwin to take him downstairs. But Ashwin was too excited. 

He was screaming food food all the way. Jagger chuckled. 

"What’s food? What’s food"? Ashwin entered the kitchen. Though they had planned outside earlier but canceled it. 

Noah and Ford looked at Ashwin and then Jagger who nodded subtly. 

"We have spaghetti, fried rice. Crispy pork. Fried chicken. And coke". Noah said holding his hand to take him to the table.

"Yayyyyy I want food. Lots of food. Then I want to play. Will you play with Guppy? Will dad play"? He batted his eye lashes. 

"Yes we all will play. Dad will play too. Now eat". Ford softly patted his head to start eating. They all were smiling listening to the little bird. 

The noon passed quickly. Ashwin was still in subspace. They let him play. As long as he was happy. Swimming. Running. Hide and seek. And now he was shivering wrapped in the blanket sitting by the fire place. 

"Choooo". He sneezed again cutely and Jagger busted out laughing. 

"Bad Daddy". Ashwin pouted looking at him laughing off. 

"Sorry baby. Daddy is sorry. Come here. I will keep you warm". Jagger tried to hold on his laughter. He was cutely sulking but none the less he scooted to Jagger. He felt at peace. 

The food was ready. Ashwin wasn’t cool with sea food so chicken for him with hot chocolate. He was happily snuggling with the boys. Though they were in the mid of their professional discussion, Ashwin would understand sometimes and sometimes he would just sip his drink. 

Jagger felt his shoulder getting heavy. He saw and smiled to find his baby sleeping. He carefully took the half cup of hot chocolate from his hands and carefully leaned him in his embrace.

"Noah. Your friend Max is a lawyer. Contact him". Ford said. Speaking in a bit low voice. 

"Yes I will but I need Ashwin's consent. Plus Jagger. I think the man; George has more in his sleeves". He turned to Jagger who nodded. 

"He has a thing for sex with boys less than his age. Night stands or keeps. But he is into it. We can expose him. What do you say"? Noah asked Jagger who was pondering. 

"Actually I was thinking the same. But I need to talk to Ashwin first. Or else he will feel betrayed that maybe I teamed up against him. By listening to what Ashwin said, the man is into alcohol and sex. A worst combination.  And it has triggered Ashwin to slip. 

I want to explore this side of him. How about we go shopping tomorrow. Toys. Stuff for him. Let’s see how he reacts". He presented the idea and Ford approved with a little reluctance.

"Seems like someone is having fun being DADDY". Noah winked as he saw Jagger lovingly caressing Ashwin's cheeks. 

"Shut up". Though Jagger tried to sound irritated, but he ended up being pink. And he knew he was screwed. 

************  

Next day was started with so much energy. The boy named Guppy was running around in the mansion. He was excited as soon as Jagger mentioned they would go shopping. 

"Toys toys toys. And I need crayons. I need color books". He was counting on his fingers while Ford was combing his hair. He was freshly bathed after Ford made sure that his wounds were covered properly to avoid water and infection. 

"Let’s go". Noah came but just then he got a call from his assistant to review a plan before Monday's meeting. 

He growled in frustration. Ford rolled his eyes too.

"Jagger I guess you have to go with Ashwin. I have to talk to my manager". Noah said. Jagger nodded his head in understanding. Work comes first. 

"It’s okay Uncle Noah. I will bring ice cream for you". Ashwin said. Ford looked at him and pointed at himself in a questioning look.

"Owh. You are staying at home too. Is Uncle Noah afraid of monsters"? He asked innocently. Jagger stifled a laugh but failed. He burst out laughing looking at the flustered face of Ford and Noah grinning ear to ear. 

"Oh no Ashwin. Your Uncle Noah loves the monster". Jagger held his hand to lead him outside still laughing. He turned just a bit and winked at both. Ford flipped him with his middle finger.

"Okay… So what do you want"? Jagger asked Ashwin once they reached the mall. 

"Ice creammm. Lots of ice cream". His eyes were glittering with joy. 

Jagger chuckled. He ruffled his hair. 

"Okay ice cream it is". The ice cream stall was near a toy shop. While Jagger was ordering Ashwin's favorite flavors he glanced at the kid who was starring in the shop. He had attached his nose to the wall like a baby excited. 

"Do you want any toy"? Jagger asked him. Handing him his cone. Ashwin almost nodded a yes but shook his head. The glow in his eyes disappeared. 

"Guppy. Look at me baby"! Jagger held his chin. "Who am I baby"? He asked in his warm tone. 

"Daddy". He replied innocently. "Not Dad but a friend of him like you told me. But you take care of me like Dad. So...” 

"So. Since I am your Daddy. You are supposed to tell me if you want anything. Okay. So tell me what do you want? But we have to quickly finish this ice cream". He signaled Ashwin to finish his cone. He was so excited to finish the cone and get the toy. Lapping and slurping he was a mess and Jagger was laughing at him. 

He cleaned his face and took him inside. 

"Wowwwww. Daddy. It’s soooooo biggggg. Sooo many toyssss. Wowww". He was squeaking with happiness. The salesman was smiling too. 

Ashwin was standing in the middle of the shop. Holding one then grabbing other. Comparing his favorites vs. in demand. Jagger was just observing. He could see the turmoil...

Ashwin wanted to have three. But he handed him one. 

"What? You don’t like the others"? Jagger asked him. He could see him sad. 

"No. I want. But uncle won’t like". He was again sad. 

Jagger sighed. Damn the man had did enough damage. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. He had to execute the plan he made with Noah and Ford. 

No matter how much he loved being the daddy, he wanted Ashwin. But let’s slip it. 

                                     

"Baby. How about you pick the toys and keep in the room in Daddy's home? Whenever you come you can play as much as you can"? He tried to coax and it worked magically. 

"Really Daddy"? He screamed in joy before hugging him tight for a while. And the next moment Jagger was laughing on the couch looking at the boy trying to lift all toys he could. The manager of the shop signaled the shop keeper to guide him and take as much as toys the boy wants. 

The next stop was coloring books. Stories books. The cartoon movies. Lots of colors. Crayons. Paints. Ashwin just needed to point and Jagger would hand over his black card to the cashier. 

Their car was filled with all the colorful items Ashwin bought. And now they bought Lunch for everyone and ice cream as Ashwin had promised his uncles. 

Ashwin was sitting in the passenger seat happily talking to the teddy bear he bought. It was kind of big. He told Jagger he would hug him to sleep if he was scared. 

Jagger was happy. Very very happy. 

**************

"Wow so many beautiful things. So beautiful toys. Can I have one please"? Ford played with Ashwin who refused to even have dinner to play. It was Jagger who told him bit sternly that he can only take one toy to table for dinner and then he can arrange his things in the bedroom. And he can play tomorrow. 

Ashwin pouted a bit but agreed to his daddy. 

"Noah. I think I need to meet George". Jagger settled on the couch, rubbing his forehead, after Ford had left with Ashwin to arrange his bedroom and change his bandages.

Noah nodded in understanding. 

"Ashwin"? 

"I am waiting for him to slip back. I don’t want to forcefully shift him back. I need to talk to him. He is scared. I am afraid he won’t let me. But we need to buy time. And it’s only possible if we take steps. I need his consent to proceed with law suit. It’s complicated. The man is a real bastard. He has totally destroyed the boy. He can’t express. He can’t ask. Today he wanted to buy a toy but he was scared that his uncle would scold him. 

He only bought once he was sure that I won’t let anyone harm him." Jagger sighed. Gripping his head in his hands. Noah tapped his shoulders indicating that Ashwin is back.

"What happened Daddy? Daddy tired"? He held Jagger's hands. 

"No baby I am not tired. Did you arrange the room? Did Uncle Ford steal any toy"? Jagger asked him playfully and Ashwin giggled. 

He showed his thumb to Ford who was faking a pout. 

"Owh Ford. Bad uncle. Dont take my baby's toys. Or I will ask Uncle Noah to punish you. Okay Ashwin". He turned to Ashwin who was gladly clapping. 

"Yes. Uncle Noah with spank Uncle Ford. Like Uncle spanked me... Like he spanked me... Like". And he was scared again. 

"Hey Ashwin. Look at me baby. Look at Daddy. No one will ever touch you or spank you. Ever. Daddy will protect you baby. Look at me baby". Jagger held his face to look in his eyes. But his eyes were blank.

"Ashwin baby". 

Ashwin looked at him with horrified eyes. 

"You won’t spank me. You won’t hurt me. Please don’t. It hurts. Don’t hit me please. I will do anything you ask me. I will not choke. I will not throw it. I won’t cry. Please don’t hit me". He was screaming covering his ears. 

Jagger bit his lips hard. He clearly understood what Ashwin was telling. The choking. The gagging. Throwing. Oh god. He felt like vomiting. His eyes were stinging with tears. It only added to the sins of that bastard. He had to do it as soon as possible. But for now his concern was Ashwin. 

He hugged him tightly, despite his wails and screams. 

"No one can dare to even touch you Ashwin. I promise baby". His kissed his head his forehead to calm him down. Whispering sweet words. But as he thought, Ashwin fainted again. These panic attacks always weaken him so much that he would faint. 

Jagger picked him up to his bedroom. Noah and Ford were following too. Jagger put him in the bed tucking in the duvet. He put his favorite teddy beside him and just sat beside him.

"I think he will wake up Ashwin. As a grown up". Noah voiced his thought. Jagger nodded in understanding. 

"I know. I want to have a word with Ashwin too". He pecked his forehead before leaving for his room. 

***********

As expected, Ashwin came downstairs in the morning as a 19 years old. Jagger, Noah and Ford were at the table waiting for him at breakfast. 

"Uhmm... Morning ". He greeted them; he was looking exhausted and tired. 

Ford smiled at him. Pointing him to take his seat.

"Morning boy. What do you want for breakfast"? He uncovered the dishes. 

Ashwin settled with fried rice and sunny side. He was about take a bite when his phone chimed indicating a new message. 

He checked his mobile. His brows furrowed for a while and then he relaxed. 

"Everything okay"? Noah asked. 

"Yes. Apparently my freedom is extended to three more days". He handed his mobile to Noah. George was not due for next three days. Saying that he would need to stay here. 

Jagger sighed in relief. Or else it was his last day of stay. And definitely the time in sessions was too less to discuss and execute the plan.

They had breakfast in joy. Teasing and laughing. 

"Ashwin. Would you mind if we have some talk"? Jagger asked once he was done with dishes. 

Ashwin looked at him with his bambi eyes. Awaiting. 

Jagger softly smiled. Racking his hair. Pecking his forehead. They were sitting on the carpet in the lounge. 

"I know I should have asked for your permission first but.. I can still undo if you are not in favor. But first I need to know, how much you trust us. Not as your psychiatrist. But as a friend or ". Jagger asked holding his hand. 

Ashwin was confused for a while and then scared. He had trust issues. He would never make any friend. But he did trust Jagger. Even Noah and Ford. It scared him if Jagger gonna leave him too. 

Jagger could see the struggle inside Ashwin. But he didn’t push. 

"I…" Ashwin licked his dry lips. He would stutter every time he was nervous. "I... I trust you all ". He managed to say. 

They all were relaxed visibly. 

"Okay. Although I knew many things when Dr. Thompson handed me your case. But. Spending time with you we got to know more things about your personality. I need your cooperation and calm reaction. Okay"? Jagger asked and he nodded. He was panicking inside.  

"Ashwin. Baby calm down. I don’t want you to slip in your little self. Please can you do it for me"? Jagger instantly hugged him. He was praying in his heart for Ashwin not to slip. He felt Ashwin inhaled deeply before pulling off. 

"Okay. I am okay". He replied in a calm tone. 

"Your parents died and then George, your uncle took care, or pretended to be your guardian. Right. But it all changed when the Will from your late father was presented. Right"? Jagger asked and Ashwin nodded. He was calm much to Jagger's approval. 

"Since he couldnt have his hands on the property and money he started to abuse you. Mentally, physically and sexually when you were a kid. Right"? Jagger again asked and Ashwin shut his eyes tight before nodding a yes. 

Noah gave him water that he sipped. He didn’t know what Jagger was going to do with this information. But he knew his heart. He knew he could trust him. 

"He would get drunk. And would assault you. Force you. Beat you. And one night he raped you". Jagger said. Ashwin let few tears fell off his eyes. It was still painful.

"He either sexually forced upon you or raped you again after our first session. Ended up beating you worst. Is it"? Jagger asked. 

Ashwin winced.

"He... He did... Did". 

"Okay. He raped you. Again. For how many years"? Jagger asked. His jaw clenched. 

"Mo... More than 8 or 9 years may be". He said choking on his tears. 

"Okay. That proves he is pedophile. Okay. Now you have to listen to what we have planned. But trust me. Nothing and no one can ever harm you. Okay"? This time Ford spoke and Ashwin nodded. 

Noah showed him his mobile. All videos. And confesses of Ashwin. His wounds. The blood. Ashwin's confessions in his subspace. Everything. Ashwin hid himself in Noah's arms. Crying bitterly. 

"Before we explain our plan. We want to know if you want to escape from all this? You will get all your property your money. Everything as per will. You can either live on yourself with guard ofcourse. Or you can move in with us. You can continue your study. So what you want"? Noah asked him.

"I don’t want to live with him. I don’t want anything. Give him everything. But take me out. Please ". Ashwin fisted on Noah's shirt.

"We will take you out Ashwin. And why to give everything to him? It was earned by your dad. Do you want him to abuse more children with the money in his hand? Why you want to give him power? I promise you. You will be free of him soon. With everything that your dad planned for you. Okay"? Jagger said. Ashwin was just looking at him. 

"I know you must be thinking why I am doing all this. For you, a client. Believe me I never did in my 6 years career. I never involve myself in all this stuff. But you. You seem to be a part of my family since the first time we met. You need to be here. With us. Smiling. Laughing all around. Demanding for anything you like without hesitating or scared. 

Me, Noah and Ford, for us you are like our own kid. Need to be protected and make sure to keep happy. I don’t want to impose on you. I don’t want to trade your freedom with the any conditions. It would be totally your decision once you are free from him. You can choose the life you want. But we will always support you. Either you select to live with us or not. You understand right"? Jagger was praying in his heart. He knew Ashwin would not trust anyone so easily considering the life he was living. He was scared if Ashwin had misunderstood him. 

They were sitting holding their breathes. Noah and Ford were praying inside their heart for Ashwin to choose Jagger. They knew somehow, somewhere, Jagger had fallen for him. 

Ashwin looked at all of three. 

"I......" 

Their breaths hitched. 

***********

Tabby