This chapter is crucial and gives an insight about Gulf's mother rin's life and forward changes a the way Gulf's life would be seen.

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I woke up next to Gulf and saw him sleeping. He felt warm but his fever seemed subsided. Mae came in with tray containing breakfast for both and his medicines. I freshened up and came back to room just to see mae was trying to speak to Gulf while he was just crying with his head hung low cocooned up near the head rest.
Mae looked scared he was not allowing her to touch him. She couldn't even hug him to soothe. Mae is a doctor and she knew forcing might result in him closing up forever.

At this time i was seriously clueless would he allow me to touch him. What should i talk to him? Till now whenever i met him he was the anchor for my unsteady ship of feelings. He has helped me a lot to stabilize myself. After yesterday's incident he was broken but crying was not good for his health. I had no other option so i made my way to the bed and sat on it.

Mew: Gulf

He didn't respond but i could hear his cries which hurt me. I tried to touch him but he withdrew. He started coughing harshly may be due to crying and hiccuping. Mae got close and he struggled to get out of bed and away from her. He knew mae but wasn't able to adjust to her touch he could feel he was being pitied. May be he was unable to accept the incident that happened yesterday. Finally i caught him close still keeping him on bed he still struggled but i felt his intensity lowered may be he didn't want to hurt me. Unexpectedly the word slipped from my mouth.

Mew: Honey

He stopped struggling as i uttered that word he snapped his head towards me. After a long pause he spoke for what seemed like an era of silence.

Gulf: It's Gulf.

Mew: Hmmm, i know but i will call you honey. (Just diverting changing the topic)

Gulf: why??

Mew: Because i like it. I gave you a new nickname as you are my best buddy now.

His mind was getting diverted. He just nodded and accepted i felt stupid but i was okay till he was getting better by my small stupidity. Mae also looked relieved she didn't mind my stupidity at all she knows i have the habit of nicknaming things i love.

I signed mom and she placed the breakfast on a small table. You get freshened up he alighted and went towards the bathroom i saw him wearing my clothes which looked like hung on his lean body. I asked if he would like some toast bread and jam he just nodded in no. Then i asked him for some cereals with warm milk he just nodded.

Mae: Gulf, do you usually eat cereals?

Gulf: Yes

Mae: Don't eat it, if you want anything else tell me i will make it for you. Cereals are not good for your health.

Mew was looking between his mae and Gulf but he didn't object because he knew his mae was a doctor and a caring mother.

Gulf: I will just have a toasted slice of bread.

Mew: I have an idea how about honey bread would you like it.

Gulf just nodded.

I took a slice of bread and applied generous amount of honey to it. Also, made a mental note honey cannot eat cereals. Also, I know he likes honey just as sweet as him. I gave it to him he barely ate two bites.

Then he rushed to the bathroom puking his gut out. I got him back to room after cleaning and flushing the mess behind. That's when i observed my over sized cloth had got wet. Mom had already got some of my old clothes which would fit him for time being.

He is utterly weak i can hardly feel his body weight on mine. He sat on edge of my bed mom stood by our side she gently caressed his face while he held onto my hand. Then mom gently hugged him from otherside i can see a relief and happiness on her face while i can see tears streaming down honey's eyes. We sat their like that mom then just turned towards us standing in front she still was holding Gulfs head as he had hugged on to her waist. She hugged both of us simultaneously. No word's spoken still everything was conveyed in one gesture.

I can say this is the happiest moment because honey can find solace just like me in mae's arm. He would surely get well soon and stay with us as a family. She then made him lean on bed adjusting pillow behind while i still sat on his side. Gulf looked at mae with hopeful eyes and spoke

Gulf: Is my Mae fine?

Mel: She is under observation.  (Mom lied)

My mom sat by him on otherside and gently hugged him and held his hand but he didn't pull out or refrained. He was accepting the reality now.

Gulf: Aunty, can you please tell me the truth if she would make it.

She gently squeezed his hand while she was trying hard to be strong.

Mae: God is in need of good people so may be this time it's your mae.

Gulf: Can't God just leave her for me. I don't have any one else. I just...

He understood but wished if it could be changed. He was crying i can feel his hand shivering in my grip.

Mae: You are my strong boy Gulf. We all are there with you.

Gulf: Can i meet my Mae once?

Mae nodded her head in negative looking at me.

Mae: She is kept under special observation no one is allowed to meet her but I will try  for my little handsome and get permission to meet her.

She left to make some call....

I made him drink a little juice. He was not ready but looking at me he hardly drank a sip.

Gulf: Bear, don't you have problem with me staying here? I heard aunty and uncle saying they will keep me here with them.

Mew felt he heard something wrong because the voice was very soft and low. Still he kept gazing at the little kiddos tear stained face.

Mew: Come again

Gulf: Sorry i just

Mew held his fidgeting hands...

Gulf(sighing): That day i heard the story you told me about the bear and the human kid.  You said that i would surely find the bear someday and till then as a friend you will stay by my side. Be assured even if you don't allow me to stay with you all here still you are that bear in my life. Not only because you saved me yesterday, it's because you are that one person who gave me a friend when i myself felt that i was supposed to be a loner all throughout.

Mew: I accepted you as a friend even before the day i saw you at the ground but now you are my family. I know i have been very late to come and seek your friendship but i will make it long for us. You are just like P'Thorn and P' Thanya. I will protect you forever and you will find me always standing by your side.

He extended his thin hand to show me his little fragile figure

Gulf: Pinky promise..

I smiled at his baby gesture but entangled my finger with his giving him a true promise. I know i am still a young boy and he is a kid but a special kid.

Gulf: Bear, would you request aunty to let me just once meet my mom.

Mew: I would okay now take this medicine and sleep.

Gulf: You won't mind me calling you bear will you.

Mew (warm smile): As long as you are happy you can call me whatever you like.

Mew ruffled Gulf's hair lovingly passing on his smile. He gave him some pills and a glass of warm water. Gulf took his medicine and lied on the bed.

Mew tucked him into warm comforter and went to speak to his mom.

While Gulf was in deep thinking.

Gulf POV

Mew phi,  you are not the friend who would wait for that bear to come in my life. You are the bear in my life phi i trust you and you proved it time and again. The day i joined the school after struggling with my life the only thing that gave me peace is you.

I kept on being around you hidden from everyone. I am weak, pathetic  bastard, idiot who can't help himself but you are perfect and i look upon you. Some day i wish to be something useful for you phi.

The day i saw you for the first time i felt a connection to you. When you came to my house with needed notes I can not tell you how happy i was. I would do anything to keep you happy. I am really alone can you be my best friend forever phi.. Thanks a ton for being my bear...He closed his eyes allowing sleep to take over.

Mew's Pov

Mae and por got permission for us to meet Gulf's mom. They took me along because mae wanted me to be with Gulf.

While we walked along the long corridor only the sound of footstep and heartbeats can be heard. Smell of medicine lingered with a dead silence. Gulf was by my side walking all lost he always seem like he is thinking. He is very weak emotionally, physically, mentally something is bothering him. How would a person be whose complete life is at the brink of shattering. Mae made us wear apron, gloves, mask. She wanted me to not go inside but hell no i am not leaving honey alone so, lost she got us both ready.

Then she turned towards us.

Hey, little handsome you are my strong boy you can't see mommy face to face. We will get you in there (she said pointing at a room). Mummy will be on the bed just a curtain barring you both. He just nodded, Mae turned to my side

Mew, be with Gulf don't allow him across the curtain. I can only trust you.

I also nodded and then we were taken into the room which was filled with sound of machines. A curtain barred us from seeing on to other side but i could see there was something dome shaped under which aunt p'rin body was covered. Not to mention it smelled horrible my stomach was hurling. Por stood just behind me and mae stood on the right to Gulf who was holding my left hand with his right.

Gulf seemed uncomfortable but he can't control stuttering he spoke

Gulf: M....mae

P'rin: Gulfie, are you okay?

Gulf: I am fine

P'Rin: Gulfie, I am going to be away from you, hope you don't trouble aunt Mel and uncle suppasit as they would take care of you in my absence. I don't have to ask you to be good boy because i know you are a good boy.

Gulf: Mae, please don't go... please be with Gulf... Gulfff

Mae: Gulfie, you have to hold yourself together. I am not a good mae, i can never be yesterday they were there because of me to kill you.

Now, this was like a bomb on all of us. They were there for Gulf means if i wouldn't have taken him into hiding they would have killed him. It's unbelievable what are you living Gulf.

Mew couldn't hold Gulf as he strongly pulled himself. Mew staggered his father held him while Gulf parted the curtain and stepped on otherside. Mew just watched Gulf's eyes widened as if he had seen ghost before he can see his father had closed his eyes.

Mae pulled Gulf back who left a painful scream, she immediately closed the curtains. Mew's father left him immediately as he struggled hearing Gulf scream. Mew went ahead to hold on to Gulf who was gasping.

P'rin: (not realising he had seen her burnt body): I could never be your mae you loved me but i kept you as a responsibility. Please forgive me Gulf for my bad behaviour towards you. This is my punishment for my behavior.

At this moment i didn't know if Gulf is hearing anything. I could feel him gasping loudly out of fear.

Gulf: Bear...bear...

Mew could feel him loosing and then Gulf ran into the bathroom puking his life out. Mew also rushed behind him. He stood behind caressing his back kneeling behind as Gulf puked in the commode. Mew's eyes were filled upto the brim he pursed his lips so not to cry. Gulf stopped and looked with his red painful eyes towards Mew.  At that instance i knew something was wrong.

Mew(softly): Honey, I am right here.

Gulf was leaning on me.I felt like turning the world upside down right away. I could do anything just to take away this hurt but i knew i can do nothing.

Gulf pulled and went in for second round he puked turning the water into crimson colour finally which got Me afraid while he let his body loosen going into unconscious state i called for por and mae who came in and took gulf from my arms. I felt frozen in place, finally gathering courage and after flushing and cleaning myself while i was about to step out of the bathroom.

I could hear aunt P'rin asking what happened to Gulf. I needed to be strong, hell my voice wouldn't obey. Not in the hell i have to do it. Before i came out i heard mae entering the room.

Mel: Rin, I think you shouldn't have told anything to Gulf. It's also my mistake he saw you in this state. How would he forget all this.

Mel said being in utter dismay.

Rin: Mel, it's not your mistake i am sorry i got selfish and wished to tell him his truth. You know he is not my baby.

Mew who heard this went blank he decided to stand and listened to their conversation. He knew evaesdropping is bad but nothing is right or wrong when it is about his honey.

Mel: We know he is your baby kept in orphanage and then you adopted him back as legal procedure. It was not your mistake Rin you were young and such mistakes happen at that age. You don't want Gulf to know this ever i respect your decision Rin.

Rin: It's a lie...

Mel: What??

Rin: I was been paid to raise Gulf. Before me taking him in he was kept in an orphanage which also served as a boys boarding. That little boy went through hell lot of torture. When i got him he was pathetic having gone through some bad abuse. I never tried to help him even after i got him.

I could hear my mom gasp while aunt continued....

Rin POv

2 years back i received a phone call while i was working at your hospital they told me that they know me and want me to take care of a kid called Gulf Kanawut who stayed in little angel orphanage. I first laughed out but then that person confirmed my family details and also told me he knows everything about me.

I have a family back in krabi island which i have not disclosed to anyone. I am staying here with new identity with you all for past so many years because i was held in medicinal drug peddling case and my license as nurse was put under scrutiny. So, i couldn't work anywhere in krabi. To take care of my family i took up a job as Rin which is my middle name while my complete name as per certificate is Riona Rin chivaree.

It was also an escapade to have a free life.  That's when i met you and Mr suppasit you both gave me job and with money from my last job i rented a house on the outskirts. You and i were in same college so it was easier to not scrutinize my documents saying a sad story of loosing family due to my mistake of falling in love and being in need of a job. As in medical college mostly everyone called me Rin you never doubted and it was easier to take that name instead of Riona. So, no one get's into my old identity i was very happy with new life.

As you all didn't know anything about my family or license cancelling.  When i received that call i was scared of letting out my new identity. Also, the person meant no harm he was ready to pay me a huge amount i weaved a lie into lie of my new identity that i have a kid and as i was young when i gave birth to Gulf i kept him in orphanage. Then soon i also told i am going to get him here you supported me and also got admission for Gulf.

I knew orphan kids are not allowed in the current school therefore i presented him as my son. For his name i lied he takes his father's family name while being separated i still retain my old name.

2 years back when that person called me i could only see money. I was clueless but then a lawyer came to me who Chauffeured me to the orphanage. Lawyer didn't come into the orphanage but gave me some files and said confidently to go ahead.

When i went I saw this little boy around 8 years of age tied in a dark room. His clothes were torn due to assault. Lawyer had got me legal custody papers which stated me as guardian of the kid therefore the orphanage cannot stop me. They tried some connect but lawyer had already told me what is to be done. So, i acted accordingly getting Gulf's custody.

When i told him i was his mae he was like on seventh heaven and kept on calling me "mae save me" and me getting him out was like i became angel in his life. Therefore whatever i did to him he never complained or bothered me. He had severe nightmares and sedated himself by crying. I never hugged or sang lullaby to him. He hugged pillow to sleep many nights when he was sleepless. Therefore his health never improved and he started becoming more lethargic and slept on day basis.

I still didn't want to fall into this mess but the person gave enough money to my family so they could have a comfortable life. So, i decided to take in Gulf but live separate life. He was just like any other furniture in the house for me.

I got Gulf with me but never loved him. He was just an unwanted burden in my free life. I needed to keep the facade just for the sake of money i was getting. I neglected him in house but he preserved me. I always observed he just craved for love which i never gave him.

Some days I got my boyfriend home in his presence that man slapped him and i never said a word to him. Many cold nights i have forgotten him outside the house when i made out with my boyfriend. I have forgotten to feed him but he never forgot to cook or clean the house. My concern infront of you all was just a facade.

Only thing i know is he is an unwanted child whose childhood was completely stained by his family, orphanage, me...He was kept in hospital for a month when i got him from orphanage. Then,  his aunt liz and cousin brother pete looked after him. His aunt looked least bothered but that boy really cared for him.

They couldn't take his responsibility as his uncle didn't want any involvement with the kid. I don't know their reasons. Yes, but i know they are related to gulf from his mother's side. She also sometimes send some used stuff like toys and clothes for him.

Mew's face had turned red he was unknowingly crying. Now, he remembers why Gulf's room held few used toys. Tears stained his face he didn't knew how to react. He stood their unable to move he felt like his legs were giving up so he held on to the wall and leaned on it.

Mel: How you can be so insensitive towards such a innocent being?

Rin: I am ashamed may be that's the reason i am getting such a miserable death.

Mel: Does he have a family?

Rin: I don't know but the person who gave me his responsibility seems eager to pay anything to keep him alive. Only his lawyer does all the talking and even he doesn't have any information about the person.

Mel: Did the people who assaulted you behind Gulf?

Rin: Hmmm... I got greedy for money so therefore when they called me to confirm that it was the child taken from little angel orphanage i didn't deny. That day they confirmed their arrival to take him and i thought it's a good opportunity to get rid of him. When they came and caught me looking at him begging for my life i felt what a bitch I am that kid was trying to save me i was giving it for sacrifice.

The man who held me didn't know Gulf therefore he waited for someone else to join.  Then when the other men came Gulf was not their and they said his identity is sealed therefore they won't be able to find him easily. They pestered me to tell where he was so i just said i called his caretaker and he took him away. The person smiled and said even if they caught Gulf they won't have kept me alive either and then they pour petrol burning me alive.

Mel was stunned with all the truth that she heard. In that moment clicking of the door caught her attention and she saw a disdain Mew coming out. She immediately rushed and took him in a hug. She was a tall lady and her son almost reached her shoulder in length. He was her priced possession whom she treasured the most.

Departing from the hug mew wiped away his tears with back of his hand.

Mew: Mae, we would never give away gulf even if they try to get him away.

Now, at this instance it was a very big question. Knowing that he is been sheltered and someone else hold's right on that boy. Also, keeping him meant danger if the people could do this to Rin who was a reckless fearless lady. Mel was just a shivering leaf with her family to be taken care of.

There was a knock on the main door and as Mel asserted, a man walked in. He would be in his 30's looked elegant wearing a expensive tailor made suit. Neatly set hair, alluring physique and charming smile. He would surely be a womanizer his fragrance was mild and mystique for any woman around. He looked at the elegant doctor who stood in front of him with keen eye on the boy who stood by her side. His face was covered with attitude he very gently started the conversation.

The man: Hello Miss Rin, Hope you your injuries are not bad and you would recover soon.

Rin: Is that Mr.lawyer? she said drowsily as she was drained of her energy by now.

Lawyer: Yes Miss Rin. Hope master is fine.

Rin: Hmmm...Are you hear to take him back

Lawyer: Depends on his health his majesty is not in country. So, he is my responsibility i would preferably put him back in boarding school. (Turning to mel and the boy who stood there cluelessly staring at the conversation being unfold)Doctor would you mind if i talk to her in private.

Mel: No sure please i was just making a move.

Before Mel moved Rin spoke.

Rin: Please stop Mel, Mr lawyer she is the one who is taking care of Gulf. You can conversate with her. I request not to send back the child to that place where he already went through so much torture.

Lawyer: Miss. Rin the arrangement from where you got master was not arranged by us. We just wished his safety and i assure this time we have got the best boarding where only high profile kids study afterall he is the precious one. Even we have got restraining order issued so there would be no issues in future he would be safe.

Now, mel spoke

Mel: Can you assure 100% safety of the kid?

Lawyer: Excuse me come again please.

Mel(forwarding her hand for a handshake): Hi, I am doctor Mel, Gulf kanawut's pediatrician and Rin's friend. Also, right now Gulf is under my care.

The lawyer was stunned with approach of this lady. She was strong headed independent women who has worked hard for her achievements now this thing had caught up her amusement specially because her baby was involved in this. She was not going to let her guards down specially when it was about a child's life.

Lawyer gave a gentle and professional handshake. He was trying to calculate what was going to happen further but stood clueless and decided to follow the suit.

The man introduces himself: I am Aaron Nathon lawyer by profession. I am in charge of master Gulf Kanawut's legal assets. Also, the one who is assigned for his safety and security. I would be taking him back soon.

Mew took in sharp breath as his heart beat strangely. Fear was building in his heart.

Mel:(calmly) Can we talk somewhere else if you don't mind? We are disturbing the patient.

Lawyer just glanced in the direction of the curtain from where no voice came. Mel looked in that direction and then spoke.

Mel: Miss Rin is under sedatives currently she has dosed off, but it's also fact that she won't make it for long. As she has around 80% 3rd degree burns. She is alive just because of the machines.

This lady was quite something the way words easily slipped her mouth without any hesitation. It gave an picture of stubborn attitude of the lady. They moved from the place towards Mel's cabin while Mew also followed them. On the way mel softly like a loving mom cajoled mew also asked him if he wished to eat or drink anything.

Lawyer was keenly observing her every move that's the work he get paid for. He adjusted rado on his wrist checking the time before entering the cabin behind Mel.

As Mel took her chair lawyer sat across the table. While Mew silently climbed the stool and sat on the bed that was kept next to a window on whose sil a vase with beautiful white flowers were neatly arranged.

Mew's brain was reeling with all the information received. He sat quietly looking out of the window towards the hospital garden which just had few people. He wanted to get back to gulf but these new found information had got him scared that he would have to let his honey to be taken away....

Was this the start to a friendship?

Or an end to the newly found relationship?

What would be life ahead be like for mew and gulf?