|| Ishkara OS : A final goodbye|| An Ode to Ishkara

AN/ I had started writing this when we didn't know the Ishkara track was ending. I had given up on it and stopped writing. Then I was told to continue writing and leave it up as a fitting goodbye to what could have been. I thank that person for doing so, and I thank a dear friend for sharing this story. It is a long piece so forgive me all the errors and mistakes. Even after rigorous rounds of editing, I am sure there is plenty left. And it would be nice to hear from all the fans that wanted this ship but were not lucky enough to get it.

Goodbye, and enjoy reading.

A final goodbye OS

Ishana tucked away a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the mirror gleaming back her hidden smile that she chose to conceal even from herself. Her heart ticked along the dial of a steady clock, where anticipation was her only observable symptom, and time, the only disease. After all, she had spent the last two days in much a similar fashion, waiting for her beloved husband. Yet Ishana Oberoi continued to stare back at herself in the mirror. Hoping her own silent company was enough to pass her time by, not caring how narcissist it may have seemed to someone else. It wasn't that the house or its people didn't accept her, they did. They would be by her side at her one call. But it was more that she never truly felt like that she even deserved them after all that she had attempted to get away with. Time was at no race with anyone, but Ishana felt it was with her. Two years ago when she had laid eyes on Omkara her goal was just to seek her own family refuge, but never to surrender in his love. Yet life had other plans for her.

The second Dadi had set her eyes on Ishana both of them knew that Ishana would be here to stay. Maybe it was the glint in her eyes that made Dadi believe her without a question, or maybe it was just Dadi's ability to peep into her sincerity. She could see beyond what others could in her, and maybe that was her reason to stay in Om's life. Ishana wasn't sure which of either it was, but she was grateful either way.

Just then breaking her silent reverie she heard her mother-law peer into her bedroom, "If you plan to have a contest with the girl in the mirror then let me tell you, that she would loose." Ishana turned her head revealing her hidden smile, and then arching her eyebrows in amusement, "I don't think so Mom, the girl in the mirror is a little too perfect I say." Pretending to be hurt she revelled in her momentary shot of vanity, her favourite pass time.

Jhanvi in a bemused state shook her head to the side disagreeing, " then I'm glad that my son has the unfortunate curse of finding perfection in things that are imperfect." Ishana looked away, knowing a little too well that Omkara was built to mend broken shards. And always by his own default. After all, he had hand picked Ishana's broken life to walk on a better path with him instead.

Jhanvi voice pierced the room once again, this time perking Ishana's ears sharply, "the wait shouldn't be too long now since he is returning tomorrow morning."

Then Ishana slowly mirrored a smile that had crept up on Jhanvi's face as well. Ishana wouldn't lie but hearing the news suddenly burst a sensation of butterflies, unleashing all at once into her stomach. The mere thought of him returning back to her was enough to have her experience a blushing effect.

Jhanvi then further leaned into the wooden pane of the door, slightly more amused at her daughter in-law's sudden shyness. And then even slightly more entertained at her flushing face. But looking deeply into Ishana's eyes at times would confound her to the extent that she prayed Ishana was blessed with better luck in marriage than she was. How does one survive an institution that was designed to fail at all cost? Yet it never once seems to lessen any human desire at resisting a shot at that happy ending?

Jhanvi at the very least hoped that her son would always remain a better man than her husband ever was. And especially, a better father when it came to his children. It was hard not to see herself in Ishana at times, a girl trapped inside of glass, fragile enough to shatter completely and render herself useless.

Ishana's craving for dance had led her to a Mumbai studio to teach five days week, keeping her busy enough yet not fall into their household's mundane lifestyle. It was something that made her happy, and Om saw to it that no one would object. It would always tick Jhanvi that even though Ishana was always chirpy, she was still unusually restrained, bright, yet almost forced to hinder. But what always concerned her was her overly active mind, always full of too many ideas and dreams, but really never anyone to ever listen to them. If that didn't remind her of her own self, she didn't know what else possibly could.

Jhanvi never believed for a second that Om didn't love Ishana enough, or care for her because she knew he did. In fact more now than ever before. Bringing her into their home he stood by her side ready to reflect any harm that was to come her way. After all, he knew what Anika had to go through not too long before. But at no point was he delusional that everyone in his family was going to welcome her the same way he did, but he promised Ishana to stay by her side through it all. He promised that one day they would all love her no less than him. It was a promise Jhanvi knew he would never break. Om never answered to his family on how both of them had met, too well aware of the discomfort it brought his wife. But he had alluded enough that even if the circumstances were not ideal, they couldn't be better now. His love for was not blind, rather he loved her for all she had planned to hide. What more could Ishana think she needed?

All of these things clearly made Jhanvi hold her son with absolute pride in front of the world, yet it still irked her that Om never paid close attention to her like she did. Attention to the peculiar, yet quite significant things that one could easily miss. Just as Tej had always done with her, a much too valid reason for her worry.Om was unconsciously always too lost in his own fictitious world that he never really noticed what Ishana's real skills'. Something Jhanvi could notice even with a few traces Ishana had accidently left. Jhanvi could notice on occasion that Ishana appeared one particular way to everyone, but kept a suppressed version of herself at bay. Almost as if she was scared of her own self. Her tastes didn't make sense, like being a regular reader of The Economist in her leisure time. Then there was her unusually high attention and knowledge of stock markets and share prices, along with being a little too mathematically sound when it came to everyday financial matters. Jhanvi could clearly see what others couldn't. Ishana's calculative side was always so eager to help when it came to doing Anika's catering accounts, at first it caused a surprise to Jhanvi, but later it made her realise that it was child's play for Ishana. The worst was when she saw Ishana overhearing Tej and Shivaay on their discussions about future projects and strategic investment plans. Ishana's throat would usually try and unleash something, maybe a suggestion. But it would also retrieve just as fast so no one else would notice; no one except Jhanvi.

It also unsettled Jhanvi that even Shivaay and Rudra behaved a little differently with her. It wasn't that they were rude or cold, but Rudra would hesitate to approach unlike he could with Anika. He always chose to be restrained, and at times even a little closed off with his sense of humour around Ishana. Shivaay, on the other hand, wasn't exactly dismissive of Ishana, but neither was he exactly joyous of her presence as well. Or it was just the matter that he wanted to show it.

If it was anything then Jhanvi could see that were both a little indifferent with her, not cold, just indifferent. Jhanvi loved Shivaay and Rudra just like she did Omkara, hence she never questioned their distance, just like she never questioned Om's love for Ishana . But it was blatant enough for her observant eyes to see that something was separating them. Though it was much comforting to know that Omkara and Shivaay had changed nothing in their relationship, the love each brother had for the other was pure as ever. While Omkara and Rudra had become even closer with each other, a little to the point where Rudra believed he was the verge of losing Om every day. But it was a unity amongst the three brothers had that reassured her that they were okay, yet it was Ishana's role what confounded her the most.

While Jhanvi's thoughts kept leading her deeper and deeper into a dark pit, it was Ishana voice that broke her dive abruptly, "you probably miss him much more than I do, I can't ever possibly compete with that." Jhanvi's eyes blinked at being brought back to the present, straightening herself she regained her focus as well as her posture. "That may be true, but right now the chance of you being on his mind and not me is most likely." Ishana's smile flattened, afraid that she had offended her mother-in-law for taking her place.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." If there was one thing that scared Ishana more than anything, then it was becoming a disappointment in front of Om's family. Trying to change her ways and becoming a better human being was all she focused on, and the only real family members she had who didn't know of her past were the ones she needed to be on her side.

This was also the only thing Jhanvi could never understand about Ishana, her need to always be over apologetic. Even a casual joke could not be reciprocated by her without fearing the repercussions. Jhanvi then instinctively walked into the bedroom to close-in the proximity her and Ishana. While Ishana on the other hand, tried to remain calm and turned on her chair to face the wrath from her mother-in-law.

"Why do you always worry so much about offending people? Aren't we your family?"

Ishana pleasantly shocked at her question softened her worried face in relief. She did know that they were her family, yet she also knew that each family had its own set of expectations. Just like the ones her own father had from her.

"No, no, all I wanted to say was that it's nice to have a mother waiting for you back home, Omkara's just really lucky to have you as his mother."

Jhanvi's smile sadly curled inward, an alcoholic and a pushover was no role model she thought. But then again she was talking to a girl who had neither a mother nor a role model. From what Jhanvi had gathered her father was a gambling drunk while her mother had passed away when she was too little to remember, leaving very little behind for Ishana to latch onto.

Bringing her hands forward she clasped Ishana's hands tightly, her voice a little authoritative, but filled with enough concern to show she meant every word. "I can't say for others, but I don't just tolerate you in this house for Om's sake Ishana. You are my daughter just like Priyanka is. You never ask for much and I don't know why? Maybe because Om is enough for you. But just so you know, if you ever reach out I'll be standing here for you just like I am for him."

Ishana could physically feel her caged heart slowly melt free, she wasn't sure exactly what to say to her, or even what to feel, but the feeling of affection seeping inside her felt good. She felt good for the first time without Om's presence in this house.

Realizing the time Ishana quickly reached for her purse.

"Where are you headed? Om's given strict orders not to leave." Jhanvi said authoritatively. Ishana looked away, "the doctors have said as long as I am only instructing I'm fine. Don't worry Mom he knows that I am going to go, please don't worry."

Jhanvi hated when Ishana tried to plead her way through these things, her big doe eyes never failed to succumb others. "Beta please just stay at home."

***

Ishana spent the rest of her day lost in a daze, even her class had left without her even remembering to say goodbye at the end of their lesson. Jhanvi was not at all pleased with her decision to go to the studio, but she ensured security and drivers were with her at all times. Ishana had to make sure that none of them interrupted her class, as it was the only time she could breathe without Omkara presence. And she didn't intend to lose this part of her life at any cost. She stood mutely in her studio, just to gather herself in the romantic silence and come to terms with her uncertain future. Her thoughts never really left her free, rather they continued to consume her like no one else ever could. Whether it was guilt or shame, or plain loneliness, it was all still there. No matter how much Om tried to take it away and tell her that she was okay, she didn't know if she really was.

Reconciling with Omkara even after trying to deceive him was one of the things she had never imagined being a possibility. Months after their confrontation the last thing she had expected was for him to be standing at her apartment door. Confused and anguished all she remembered was his sharp gaze, sharp enough to cut through the hardest diamond but yet not her eyes. She still didn't know why that one day he was there, or why that one moment did he come to see her? What could have possibility dawned on him to see her face, considering the speed of his life shouldn't have ever been affected by someone as small as her.

Omkara was slow to move, but he had waited until both her father and her sister left the building to speak with Ishana personally. He had wanted to see her all alone. Ready to demand answers, answers that only she had. A woman who had reeked disgust for all the principals he ever stood for was today they only answer to his conundrum. A thought that made him painfully laugh at his own misery. Yet it was also true that he had nothing really to say to her, or maybe rather everything to say to her. After all, she had revolved the axis of his world with just words alone. The effect of which he saw play out to a disaster in his home.

Won't you invite me in? Omkara asked with an evident trace of venom in his voice.

She almost wanted to smirk back, but her eyes responded back with a feline sharpness that was ready to protect her hurt ego. How dare he come this far to her house, and for what?

"You know there is something called the police, who I'm sure will be excited to know you as well as your family after your little car stint against us."

Om's voice remained hard with no sign to back off.

Ishana didn't know how serious he was with his bluff, but she knew him enough to not call the police. Om's scale of justice was always a little different.

She stepped to the side to let him in, and then immediately locked the door making sure not to bear any eyewitnesses.

"Why are you here? Make it fast." Omkara walked over her living room, making himself settle down comfortably on her sofa.

Casually plumping down, he crossed his legs, leaned back, and became ready to absorb everything he wanted to face.

"Why me? What did you get out of me? What had I ever done to you that I deserved this?" His posture slightly broken down while his eyes softened a little in gaze, making sure to completely throw her off from her fierce guard.

Ishana becoming a little stunned by the simplicity of his question replied quickly. "Nothing."

She looked away not knowing what else to mention, he had in fact done nothing to her to deserve this. But it made her wonder what had she done in her life to deserve this as well? To deserve a father who wasn't threatened by the idea of her daughters deceiving people for a living, and that too under the constant risk of being trafficked for his debts. Hell even her own sob story didn't seem real when she recited it to herself, how would he ever believe it?

"Is that all you have to say?" His eyes begged for an answer.

She turned back to face him, "If it helps I never enjoyed making you suffer, I was just desperate."

His hands opened out as he spoke to respond to her, "why didn't you just ask me? If you wanted help, why didn't you just ask me by telling the truth?"

She let out a breath that she thought she never held onto, "because it isn't easy! How can you not understand that?"

Omkara stood up not being able to take it anymore, "my family are vultures at lying, my brother a master of deception. And my dear father, he is the mastermind of them all! How can it be so hard to run away from the truth? How? Hell, even my girlfriend turned out to be a publicity-obsessed creature who was using me. Why the hell are the things that you said to me coming true when you're a liar yourself? Out of all people, how could you have seen what I couldn't."

It had finally hit Ishana that why he was here, the gravity of what she had said back then had only just hit him. She looked at him and then took a moment before answering.

"It's because you need to have enough faith and understanding that they aren't bad people just because they are lying, to you or others. They are just in bad circumstances. Sometimes the circumstance has to weigh more than the truth Om. Your father loves you so he would go to any extent to protect his family, so what if he lied. Your brother is no different, his family will always come first for him. And as for your girlfriend, she may have tried to use you, but the causes she fought for could have been fought better with your name attached to hers. It's a matter of perspective Om, what's wrong to you, is right for others. The truth is never black and white Om."

Om stared back at her, not knowing what to say once again. She had stumped him all over again, and this time by defending his family.

He stayed silent hoping words would eventually form sentences in his mouth, yet nothing appeared.

"Go back home Om, stop being so judgmental over your family because they do love you. At least they are lying to protect you, which is much more than what I have. Your girlfriend gets on my nerves but even I can see that she loves you. Just go back to them."

And he did. He left as soon as their conversation finished, but instead he started something much newer between them, which was probably a little too early to call friendship but dissolving the anger between them. After that day he did indeed open up to everyone in his life, he tried to understand that the truth wasn't always everything and most of all that Ishana was much more than just an alarm in his life. Things with Ridhima never consecrated into anything special, even after his final attempt to rescue their relationship. While on the other hand, Ishana had started to slowly creep into his heart. The realisation had struck both of them at unusually the same time, a day neither would dare to forget. The day they had realised that both of them had miserably fallen in love with each other.

Ishana sat annoyed on the stool not being able to hold a laugh at the ludicrous sketch Om was making of her. He himself couldn't stop laughing at the caricature he was amidst drawing, all the while she couldn't stop pulling faces, allowing him to exaggerate it even more, to look even more ridiculous. Om's laughter slowly wavered off as he stood up to get his tools sharpened in his backroom. Mockingly telling her "stay still with that mortifying face you've made." And she just laughed pulling a tongue at him in return.

He had begun to unusually invite her over and distract himself for the sake of his own life. But he had also forgotten that she wasn't just a distraction anymore, she had become more than a friend. They would never discuss their families with each other, a rule they had both unknowingly made. Instead,they wanted to cherish the benefits of each other's company that defied the laws of the world they came from. In each other's presence, they had become people that didn't necessarily have to have a past ever to lean on, nor a future to stand by. At least, till that day they both thought they didn't.

Omkara's workshop was a little on the outskirts of the city, isolated from most of the metropolitan disturbances. For the last few months his visits to this workshop had become frequent, and so had Ishana's company. But unknown to both Shivaay and Rudra, Ishana was making appearances at Omkara's request. Causing both of them to tail her and then to catch her red-handed spawning her plan, vowing to make sure that she didn't destroy Om's life again . They reached his studio and without much patience barged in, only to see Ishana casually sitting on a stool with a grin plastered on her face. Shivaay's blood boiled at just her presence let alone her ability to smile with such nonchalance, without even thinking he marched forward to drag her out.

Ishana physically felt her arm pull apart from her back, making her abruptly yelp in shock and turn to see Om's elder brother pulling her off the stool.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Was the first time not enough that we let you walk free, and here you are... Ready to steal from our brother again? What an imbecile cow!"

Before she could even respond Rudra was ready to attack her with the same ferocity. "This time we are going to make sure that you get away from our brother for good. Do you seriously have no self-respect at all? You come in here, thinking you could scam him off with some 90's sob story? So what is it this time? An abusive boyfriend?" Shivaay interrupted immediately to correct him with his signature sarcasm, "Rudra she's already used that one. It will probably be more dramatic this time, like molesting father' or coked up sister'."

All the while Shivaay's hand had a vice like grip on her wrist, pulling her roughly towards the door in hope that she hadn't made any contact with Omkara as of yet.

Ishana's eyes were overbearing with the need to bleed tears. The way she was being humiliated was something she had never allowed anyone to hold over her. But here she was, still quiet and not attempting to defend herself. Her heart clenched at hearing the made up stories she was being assumed to use for gaining sympathy from Omkara. But she also realised the crippling reality of how low in fact she was in their opinion.

Though Ishana never left the thought that maybe if she were in their position she would have done the same. She knew they were protecting their brother, they had every right to do so.

Closing in on the door she finally heard Om's casual voice coming forth, "here, I have them sharpened can we please continue, or do you want to take a break?" His mind still occupied by the tools in his hand, completely disregarding the empty space in front of him.

As Om walked forward he felt the empty space forcing him to trace his eyes ahead, shocked to see Shivaay and Rudra pulling Ishana forcefully away.

"STOP IT!" and that was all Om said. His voice echoing inside the room, bringing it to a standstill, and then immediately freezing Shivaay and Rudra momentarily.

"That is no way to treat a woman and let alone one that I invited. Let her go, both of you."

Om's voice was laced with seething anger, and his demand was straightforward. Shivaay let go of her at once, while Ishana stepped further back from them all. Om noticed her distance with a saddening fear growing on her face. His heart thrashed hard at the possibility of having lost all the trust he thought he had built. He was hurt.

"What's the need for all this?" His eyes firm on Ishana, who lowered her gaze to face the floor.

Shivaay looked bewildered at his question, "she tried to scam you, and lie to you? Yet you're asking us? We just got you back Om, we really can't see you go through hell like you did the last time with her."

Om's face-hardened with fury, turning to his brother he couldn't comprehend the double standards and hypocrisy he held. They were going to be in for a long discussion.

And they did. They had begun an argument. And then they fought for their principles. Arguing in hope of that the other would eventually understand, and that gravity would finally take effect.

But Ishana had clearly heard enough, and before either could notice, she moved up to leave and return back to the city. On normal days Om would usually be the one to drop her back home, but today to her displeasure she relied on the bus. She walked for miles until she could found a bus stop, and eventually after changing a number of routes she finally made it back to her apartment building. Shuddering at the realisation that it was already midnight. And then remembering that Mona would be mortified that she hadn't returned.

Her journey back home was long, and her only time to seriously reflect. To wilfully understand that her heart had unknowing started to desire something that was completely out of her bounds. Omkara could never be hers.

But it also astounded her that when had she wanted him to be hers in the first place? How, and when had he snuck into her heart for her to realise this? Was it her realising that his brothers made their message crystal clear to her that they had absolutely no future. Ishana knew that she would have to stop dreaming someday, and that day was today. The only problem was that she had never realised when she had started to dream.

Exhausted and tired from her journey she made her way towards the security guard to finally enter her building. But in a moment of haze, she had a strong hand pulling her into a hard chest. Unpleased with the behaviour people seemed to believe was acceptable, she geared to scream out loud and bring notice to the guard on duty. But her nose sensed a cologne that she had left just hours ago. Omkara's eyes driven with rage, piercing into her shocked ones. She had never expected him to wait for her here, and that too why?

"Where the hell were you?" His voice was low, yet hoarse, an unknown stern authority laced all over it.

Ishana eyes bounced from his eyes to her hands caged in his chest. Regaining her lost voice, "my presence was clearly not wanted. I didn't need to be humiliated more than I already was. So I just left. What more did you expect?"

Omkara looked back, partially in horror and partially in disbelief.

"Were you deaf that you didn't listen to me? Or what I had to say about you? I have been waiting outside your building for the last three fu*king hours, wondering where the hell you were. I couldn't even comprehend where the hell you possibly went, or if something happened to you, and this is all you have to say to me for leaving?"

Ishana in all honesty, didn't want to deal with him right now, especially after realising that this was never going to mean anything for either of them. Why fight for each other when all at stake was a meaningless friendship. A friendship they both had gotten habitual about. In simple terms, it was just unhealthy. The reality was that he was never going to mean anything for her, and nor she for him.

Omkara's grip suddenly became a little tighter alerting Ishana that she was still in his hold. He didn't want to be threatening, that was the last thing he wanted after seeing the way Shivaay had touched her. But a surge of possessiveness took hold over him, and he needed her to see it as well as know it.

"Please let me go, my sister would be worried that I haven't returned home yet."

Om stood and stared in disbelief, "I called you countless times, kept relentlessly calling until my phone lost battery. You have a father who was probably worried sick about you, yet the only person you can use in this argument is your younger sister? What do you take me for?"

This time, Ishana didn't wait to come back with a thoughtful response, she just fired back.

"My father is probably drunk and fast asleep somewhere on our living room tiles. As for you, your concern is great but I always make sure to never get used to something that has no intention of lasting. And yes my sister is the only person that cares about me, so me not returning home would only matter to her. Now leave my hands I need to go back inside."

Om's eyes slightly eased at breaking her indifferent demeanour, but only just. He had never asked her about her family, or how and why they operated the way they did. In all honesty, he didn't know her well enough at all. But he realised one thing today. He wanted to, he wanted to know everything about her. She had attracted him like a moth to a flame, how could he possibly leave her now? Either he was here to be burnt with her in his sight, or simply extinguish inside of her.

He knew his brother Shivaay would eventually come around, and he would make sure at all costs that he did. Even Rudra wouldn't stress his brain too much towards hating someone, he loved his brother more he that he had hoped. Om at the very least had faith that he could turn both of them around. But then Om questioned himself. Turn them around for what? A friend? Wasn't that too much effort just for a friend? Her disappearance during their argument had hit him like a wall of bricks, letting regret and guilt seep deeper into him. But it was also the second he saw her gone nothing else had mattered anymore. Neither Shivaay's useless rebuttals, nor Rudra's concern. He just took his car and he left to search for her.

Ishana walking out on him felt far worse than it probably ever should have because he had expected her to trust him enough to fight for her. Then why didn't she wait? Why not let him fight? Why did she just have to leave him like it didn't matter who won? His eyes became occupied with searching the road and reluctantly settling for the only place where he knew she would eventually have to come; her home. Waiting was the worst part for him, it made him passive, and it unsettled his heart, a heart that was ready to burn in agony for not knowing where she could possibly be. The guard had thankfully become an acquaintance, at least enough to tell him that she hadn't returned home yet. So he reluctantly leaned against his car to wait at her doorstep.

"I can't leave you, that's the thing." Om said quietly.

She didn't want him to continue so she tried pulling away, pushing if need be to be free of his grasp. Even with an attempt at pushing against his chest making her just fail miserably instead.

After all, he had no right to do this, no right to say this to her when it was something that would never hold. He would never hold. His life revolved around the love he had for his brothers, and she would never even be a part of that choice. She knew he couldn't say anything that would ever make her believe that he needed her. And neither would she expect him to.

With another push against his chest, she finally felt she could run free, yet his hands yanked her back into him. Reminding her that he wasn't done. Both welcomed a silence where the only sound that radiated in the air was of their rugged breathing. A silence that needed to be broken at all costs.

"I love you." His voice lingered into a breeze that brushed against their bodies.

Their bodies lit even with the slightest chill passing through their skin, igniting each every possible cell along the root it had set. His eyes momentarily closed to ease the pace of his heart, and then to allow for an ever slow growing patience to wait for her answer. While her eyes simply refused to meet his, fearing he would see her answer without her saying it.

His eyes then snapped open with the patience ending abruptly, her fragrance becoming too much to inhale. His fingers instinctively curled around her wrists that had previously tried to escape. For a moment his eyes were dazed and confused but before they could clear, he lightly pulled her face up with just the brush of his nose. And then he just stared intensely into her eyes, letting his own clear up. His breath was shallow and his fingers kept tightening around her slender wrists. Ishana swallowed nervously knowing he was going to kiss her now. Neither of them were strong enough at that moment to resist the pull they shared, then how could she deny him now when she wanted it to. The second he had realized she needed him to his lips captured hers, heat unfolded inside her and slowly reaping through to her limbs. Her knees giving up just relying just on his strong grip. Om's lips parted with hers and she willingly allowed him in. His lips trailed across her lower lips drawing out a moan of pleasure, just before taking both of them again between his own moment of ecstasy. Her body quivered in his hold, "I love you too." She finally said.

And there in that moment he had finally admitted it to her. He was in love with her. The shortest sentence oddly filled with more conviction than she had seen in him even when he tried to stand up against his brothers for her. Getting married was incidentally a step neither felt they had rushed into, since the revelation of loving each had taken away all the shock, leaving only an abundant amount of love between them. Om at that point had completely become aware of Ishana's financial problem's, and also her father's disturbing battle with alcohol. But terrifyingly the worst revelation was discovering that the encounters she had narrated to him as physical abuse from her boyfriend were in fact, beatings from a group of goons threatening to traffic her and her sister. Om's blood frantically boiled in worry upon discovery this. It was safe to say getting Shivaay involved was his best solution to ensure their safety. It also allowed Shivaay the time to understand the severity of her situation that had resulted in such desperation. He still had a guard up against her, but he had also made peace with her. And most importantly he had come to terms with the love she held for his brother. Rudra also saw the carnage Ishana's life was in, and immediately refused to pass any more judgments against her. He wasn't exactly thrilled by his brother's decision to marry her. But he could understand that both of them had something similar to share, which was that they both of them were the products of broken homes, seeking refuge in each other.

One would recall their wedding as the smallest functions the Oberois had ever bore witness to. Om may have announced that he wanted to marry Ishana earlier, but he never revealed a date. On the day of their wedding he simply decided that it was it, and just like that, he had asked his family to come along, but only with blessings in their hearts. They had both chosen a night to get married, and they had both chosen a mandir, and that was all they needed. Dressed in a simple red and white Gujarati sari she stood out against the night sky, an image no camera was allowed to capture except his eyes. Her father as emotional as any father would have been, crippled even more giving away his daughter to a man who had actually saved him from all his suffocating debt. He knew Om never did it for him, but only for her. Yet his emotions refused to handle himself.

On the other hand, Om stood his ground by never actually coming to ask for Ishana's hand in marriage, rather he came with a threat demanding that it was either this marriage along with rehab or simply going to prison. A threat Ishana didn't exactly approve of but understood the necessity it carried. But it was really Mona's heart that melted Ishana completely rather it reduced her hysterically to tears at end of their ceremony. She didn't want to leave her sister, especially with an unstable father who she had spent her entire life protecting from. Om had promised a watch full eye on them both, and even decided that Mona would live with them during her father's rehabilitation. But it never made leaving her sister any easier that night.

On Om's side, Tej had to be convinced by Jhanvi to attend, there was no way that she was missing her son's wedding. While Priyanka and Anika couldn't be happier for Om. Shivaay and Rudra were also both beyond joyous by then, but they refused to let it show on their faces. They had made a pact to slowly let Ishana know that she indeed was their family, but till then they wanted to play a little with her for the stunt she had pulled against them. Never the less they had both vowed to look out for Omkara and Ishana from now on. Pinky was oddly surprised at the suddenness of the news, but after managing to survive Shivaay's decision to marry Anika she knew this would be a walk in the park. But it was Dadi who was most elated, partly because she knew Om never talked about Ishana much before getting married, which to her meant that he felt conflicted about her for a while. And that was all she needed Om to find. Someone that would challenge his every perception of the world.

That evening stepping back into their new bedroom Ishana felt her knees going weak. She was sick, but she refused to tell him. She was selfish maybe, but she refused to hurt him. Climbing into her bed she covered the sheets up to her neck, slowly allowing the warmth to fill in. Her body shivered from the fever that struck during the day, contracting her muscles painfully with a wild chill running through her. Pulling up the sheets even further she pulled even the blanket and tucked her head inside to escape the cold. Not knowing how long her body would keep betraying her before it would finally settle. Merely ten minutes would have gone by before her bedroom door opened, and a man stepped inside.

"Ishana Bhabhi?" Rudra called from the doorstep.

He could see a lump curled up in blankets on the bed, but heard no response in return. Rudra had seen her at the Puja that evening. She didn't look well at all and neither did she speak to anyone in the family that day. She was quieter than usual, and Rudra didn't want to hold back from talking to her anymore. She needed someone, and he felt it was enough. But by the time he decided to go up to her, she had quickly disappeared. He could remember seeing her barely stand up during the Puja, yet only he was the smart one to actually notice her weakness in a house where all of them thought he was the idiot. She was also paler than usual if that was even possible, and he even saw her hands twitching involuntarily while taking the prasad. It was enough to say he had every reason to worry, and especially with Om out of town and not returning until the next day. He didn't know what else to do.

Rudra at that moment wasn't sure if to call Om and inform him, or just go up to her himself. He hadn't even properly spoken to her so what would he even say? Should he be the one saying something?Gathering his courage he knocked on the open door speaking again, "Bhabi? Are you okay?"

This time, he saw her body twitch under the blankets, not being able to hold himself he walked over to her. Only to be mortified that the covers were on her face, making him wonder how was she even breathing.

"Bhabi it's me ,Rudy. Bhabi are you okay? I saw you at the Puja, you didn't seem well. Should I call the doctor? Should I call Mom?" His voice quaked with growing concern.

This time, his questions were responded back with a glad, yet small voice.

"I'm fine Rudy, just need to rest a little, I'll be okay. Please close the door on your way out, it's making me cold." Rudra face surprised that she had replied so normally,knowing he hardly spoke to her. It only made him genuinely lost on what else to do. She clearly wasn't okay and she refused to let him help. Calling his Mom and Om was the only option left.

Rudra then crouched down on his knees, closing in on her, not knowing if she was even facing him, "Bhabi, I know you're not okay. You never say it, but I know you're not. I know I haven't been the best brother Bhabi, but I promise from now on I will. Bhaia loves you too much, he won't be able to live if anything happened to you." Rudra made his last plea before leaving and closing the door as she requested.

Ishana was stunned hearing such words from Rudra, knowing how much he probably meant it because he wasn't the one to mince his hatred. Yet she couldn't come up to say anything back, her body still strained with feeling the strong chill, only making her curl up even more to find some sleep.

Rudra may have left her room, but he was surely not going to back off and get off her back. He knew she needed help, and he was the only one who could do it. Without wasting much time he walked up to his mother, informing her that Ishana bhabi was inded quite sick. He reluctantly called Omkara, explaining everything he saw and how he had wanted to help. Omkara wasn't exactly far from the city but he rushed back at once knowing his wife was unwell, and if Rudra had called then this was ought to be serious.

The doctor had come and left, by the time Omkara reached. He had prescribed his set of medications and asked for her to come in the morning for more tests. Jhanvi had explained it all to Om even after his countless requests to repeat every single word again and again. Om could feel it in his heart that this wasn't good. Why else would she keep brushing away her heath and not tell him. They had barely been married over a year then. But keeping the worry aside he walked towards their room.

Seeing her curled up just as Jhanvi described made him stand silently wandering what to do. Then he slowly climbed inside the covers to find her tiny body at the edge of the other side. As soon as his hands made contact her pulled her in towards the middle, making sure she didn't just fall off. Ishana was immediately startled but weakly turned to see the intrusion. Her eyes wide open with her breath slightly uneasy. She knew he wasn't supposed to come back until tomorrow, so she had guessed that it was probably Jhanvi and Rudy that were be responsible for this.

"Why didn't you tell me you were sick." Om asked in a whisper, still loud enough for her to hear.

"It's just a fever it will go away, I don't see why you all made such a big deal about it. Normal people get fevers, they take a few medications and the next morning they are completely fine. There was no need to call the doctor, I'll be fine by tomorrow morning." Her voice was slightly tired but the shiver slowly dying down, knowing well his warmth was radiating against her much more.

Om brought his hand over to cares her cheek softly, his breath slowly washing over her, and his hand finding its way to secure her waist. "Stop lying to me today Ishana. I know when you lie to me now."

And he did. Ishana kept smiling as she thought back. Exhaustion hitting her finally, she sat down on the floor. She could see from her class window that it was getting late, her driver was probably impatient by now. Reluctantly getting up to turn off the lights she head towards the door. Her gaze fixated on the floor, refusing to see the man who was there to take her back.

Her eyes caught a glimpse of his shoes, as he casually leaned against the door waiting for her to finally acknowledge his presence.

"You need to stop daydreaming." He said with a lop sided grin.

She smiled back but quickly leaned in to cup his face.

Pulling him slowly towards her, "my day-dreams are never better than my reality." With that she snaked one hand around his neck. An unusual urgency started taking over her, as if time was running away once again.

"You were supposed to come tomorrow? Mom told me." Om brought his forehead forward, resting it against hers.

"How are you feeling today? And why are you still dancing when I strictly said no? You need to be resting." His voice left with only concern, making her slighly cringe.

"You said I could still come, who said I was dancing." He quickly stopped her, "that was before, not now. Dr Anil said strict bed rest." He hated her ignorance at taking care of herself. She wasn't a child anymore. She was supposed to know better.

Ishana just ignored his words like he always hated, but instead she slowly she leaned in. Closing the distance between their lips inch by inch. Her eyes never leaving his, while Om found it difficult to breathe in the anticipation that his lips would finally touched hers. Sliding his eyes shut Ishana moaned softly, a sound that fired his blood and pulled her in further to deepen the kiss. Her lips opened beneath his devoted ones giving him just the access he craved, much more than he deserved he thought to himself. For all the problems surrounding them, today he was just going to kiss her. Why did happiness carry such a huge price? Why did the end seem daunting, why was the heart ready to cripple and cry in pain. Why did she have to do what she always did, and not let her selfishness, or rather selflessness go? But he equally hated himself when she did this to him, like she put up a mirror to face the reality. A mirror to look him in the eye that she was his choice, and his responsibility. He hated that he had leave her for days, but he hated that she missed him so much. But mostly he hated that she would loose hope all too quick if he wasn't there. He hated that without him, she was... just nothing.

"Can we please go home?" She asked ending their kiss.

To which his eyes unknowingly glistened.

"Please let's go home. "

The end