Ishkara SS: Rewarding Sacrifice (Completed) - Page 9

Originally posted by: mistofshadows

Neet,
As usual you made magic with your words. The plot dragged me in deeper and deeper and I couldn't get out of it despite the fact that I have an exam in the next half an hour.
Coming to the update...the plot line was really unique. This is a side of Omkara rarely seen. For him to leave his brothers whom he loves so much for Ishaana, I can't even imagine his love for her. And he really went all out to solve the problem of difference between them. He changed his identity and adopted her surname. How unique, rare and actually beautiful is that!
And this is the side of Omkara I always wanted to see. Thanks a lot for writing this and thanks for the PM too.
*Gun pointed at u*
You have to write an epilogue. I want to see the OhBros together and make it super looonnnggg plzzz.
Niki

Originally posted by: iiROSii

This is so heartwarming

Very first work on ishkara I read and instantly liked too

Great writer u r

And why are u even asking for the epilogue...just post it!

Continue soon and do pm me

Originally posted by: Muse1000

Its beyond words...👏 well written...waiting for your epilogue..😊

Originally posted by: thefangirllife

Loved this! Looking forward to reading more from you!

Guy's warning, this is a long chapter. Like very long. Firstly I apologise for the last chapter, I re-read it and it was terrible. There were so many mistakes that it made me cringe that how could I have put it up. I don't know if this is any better since it is longer I'm afraid I have probably made more errors. This the end so I hope you like it.

Neet

Epilogue

2 years later...

Ishana could feel Om's hand softly securing her waist even amidst his deep sleep. He subconsciously nuzzled up to her collarbone, laying flat against her shoulder blade and making it that ever slight difficult for her to move. She saw the alarm clock just before it would go off on her side of the bed, quickly moving her hand to turn it off before Om would be awake. Ishana couldn't help but smile at her husband's grasp over her waist, being married now for two years and she still couldn't get enough of him. She settled her eyes on his hair, still cut in taper style, a little to her disappointment. She was much glad at the return of his stubble as if ever so slightly prickled her shoulder because of his cheek. She lazily got up and immediately missed the warmth of their marital bed, only to start searching for her nightgown. She ended up settling for his shirt realising that gown was lost somewhere in last night's lovemaking rendezvous.

The air of Mussoorie contained chills that made it that much harder for Ishana to leave her bed every morning, but she did so in hope that the night wasn't far away. As the shower sprinkler turned on and she gave herself a few minutes to enjoy the running warm water, her thoughts deep into reminiscing the life they had built here.

When Om had initially brought her and Mona into their new home, things didn't take too long to ease in. It was comforting that it was just the three of them, and they all were in the need of deserving a new start. Mona had gotten busy trying to finish her last year of college, while Omkara had his new art studio all set up. Even though they all them knew Omkara wouldn't continue making art under the name that he was already successful with, they realised that this would be a more difficult journey for him. Om was happy about it, though. The new identity without his old surname had given him the opportunity to genuinely prove his worth. And that's how the once well-known sculptor, Omkara Singh Oberoi became just Om Patel; the beginner. His new signature leaving no trace of his old identity, signed as O Patel. On the other hand, Mona's year had wound up rather quickly and Om suggested her to peruse her higher studies in New Delhi. He looked out for Mona like his own little sister, just because him and Ishana they had retrieved into a small town. But they never wanted Mona to be someone caged with them. She deserved to live her life freely.

Ishana leant back to soak in more water, letting a dense steam fill up her bathroom and heavily fog her mirrors and windows. She couldn't help but blush as she thought about last night. Things for the two of them had been no less than extraordinary. Her husband was patient and loving, her sister was happy in Delhi because of him, and she herself had a simple nine to five job that she enjoyed going to.

Working in the admin staff of a local Dehradun bank had become a new blessing for Ishana, it kept her occupied more or less, but it made for much-needed longing within the day between her and Om. Om would wait for her arrival with afternoon tea prepared and then every night he would cook her dinner, relieving any stress from her day . If they didn't spend the night making love then would just crash on the couches and binge on movies, or just lay in each other's arms and fall asleep. The two of then had struck their own balance with life, so much so that in his art studio Om's mind would be occupied by Ishana and for Ishana it would be occupied by Om.

Ishana finally let the shower stop and wrapped herself up in a towel, quickly selecting her grey pencil skirt and purple blouse, she had begun to blow dry her hair. She stared back her face noticing that faint dark rings around her eyes, noticing they had appeared once again. Suspecting that it was from the constant fatigue she had been suffering for the last two months. She inwardly smiled at Omkara's adamant nature to always feed her ever since they had moved, in order to bring back her body weight. Knowing well enough that if he found out about her recent fatigue he clearly wouldn't be too happy. She brushed it off thinking that she would visit the doctor on the weekend but now she had to hurry and make her and Om's breakfast.

Omkara hated waking up alone, it was the emptiest feeling of the day, and he hated the idea of starting his day on such a note. Ishana unknowingly would leave a trail from his bedroom to the bathroom, and then one to the kitchen with her distinct scent. A trail that he had already memorised back to front. It was almost as if he could tell which steps she had taken, and in which order she would take them. His day had begun and ended with her, what more was there to say? Once his day would officially start Om would set up a pot of tea to carry with him to his art studio. Not until did he get to share a fresh batch with his wife in the afternoon would the tea feel any sweeter.

His art studio in Mussoorie was nothing in size compared to the one he had back in Mumbai, a small tiny room with only the most essential of things. It wasn't that he couldn't afford it, he had enough money saved up, but just because, this one fit rather well into his new life. This one had grown more special. Trying to regain some footing in the art world had been no less than a struggle for. Om was a nobody once again, but this time, he had no surname to back him up. Yet Om remained diligent in his craft, and much more sincere in his approach. Eventually, some light shed its rays. He was nowhere near as big as the Omkara Singh Oberoi' was, but he felt sufficient enough. Some even went as far to critique him as a good imitation artist of Omkara, usually making him laugh when he read the reviews. But now Om was happy even at selling his work for a much lesser the price, knowing the priority of his anonyms trade and low-key lifestyle. He already had enough in his bank account to live relatively comfortable life. But now he felt productive working for those that he could have never reached out to before because of his stature.

This was just another day in Om's life. Mona, his sweet little sister in law had only left back to Delhi yesterday leaving the house rather quiet and empty all over again. It always made him realise that he had always lived in a joint family, so hearing the hustle-bustle and constant fighting had just become a part of growing up. Om didn't really like thinking of his family, it always brought a sharp pain that would surge straight up within him. He missed them, but he kept his memories suppressed to live the life he had planned. He never even tried finding anything about them, knowing it would have only made things far more difficult.

Breaking his never-ending thoughts Omkara heard the sudden ring of his doorbell. Flicking his wristwatch to check the time, he presumed it was too early for Ishana to come home. She wasn't expected to return until another hour or so but his heart worried noticing she hadn't been too well recently. Crossing the hallway from his studio he reached the main entrance door and opened it without even checking his peephole. And once the door fully swung open, Omkara's eyes turned cold, awaiting the wrath that had built up over the last two years.

The last two years had built up Om to depend on solely himself, and more importantly to live up to the responsibility bestowed upon him by taking care of Ishana and Mona. It was a moment in his life that he truly felt he was capable to take care of someone else, apart from just him. But it never ever meant he had forgotten his own family, the ones who took care of him all of his life. He had realised that when one's life moves forward, and you slowly start to stop looking back, then it's only those people that ever come back to haunt you.

Just like that his dear brother and once-absent father stood in front of his doorstep, ready to haunt him. The three men just observed each other silently with an unreadable expression. Om wasn't sure what else to say and but gazed right past the noticing that it was his Choti Ma and Chote Papa, but in both their arms they were supporting his nearly fainting mother. And that's where Om realised that he was in for big trouble. Not even having the time for the situation to sink in, he gathered the courage to open his mouth and invite them inside. But to his dismay he received a reply from his father much too soon, that too in the form of forceful palm slapping him across his cheek. The slap was no less than a punch in Om's opinion, pushing him forcefully to the ground. It lowered his gaze and burnt his cheek to face the floor, right before hearing his father speak for the first time in a very long time.

"You piece of filth, you dare, you dare leave me again and I'll make sure to haunt you forever. You stupid, stupid son." He cried out loud.

Om after an eternity saw droplets falling from his father's eyes, something he had lost all expectations over. Shivaay who would have usually come to his rescue, today stood idly by and watched his face, clearly disappointed as well. Neither of them knew what to say after that, they all just waited.

It was a while before Shakti suggested that they all go inside before shivering from the chill of Mussoorie. He even tried joking, suggesting they had much more time to berate Om once inside.

Tej grumbled his way inside not being able to look at his son, now knowing he couldn't have avoided it any longer. After all, he had come all the way to Mussoorie to retrieve him back. Om was a part of him whether he wanted to admit it or not, a living breathing part that was seeped far too deep regardless of his failures to live up to the Oberoi empire. His lack of experience as a good father clearly resulted in this tragedy, but it hurt him no less knowing that this is how far his child was willing to go to disappear from him. Had his hatred become so vile that running away was the only option left? That thought crushed him much more, his own failure as a father on every level. This only made matters much worse for his wife and daughter, who had both hysterically lost sanity at discovering Om's departure. Both needing the unfortunate touch of sedation as their fragile minds couldn't comprehend such a loss. And it was only then that Tej realised that his family needed him the most now. He had to step up and find his son, not knowing that it would be two years before he reached that achievement. Tej felt he was already a crippled man putting on a farce, but now his own family had no reason to even stand together, it was broken so severely.

Pinky and Shakti both helped Jhanvi come inside, once a woman who exuberated style and class was now reduced to a woman in constant mourning. Not knowing how her son could leave her had suspended her world into the unsettling nature of waiting. It had come to a point where she had realised even alcohol had stopped working, intoxication only lasted a mere few hours, never eternity. She knew the second Shivaay and Tej had announced that they had found out where Omkara was, only she knew how she would survive the trip to Mussoorie. But there was no comparison her heart could make until the moment she actually laid eyes on him. She could clearly see Tej and Shivaay, but as he opened the door her knees went weak pushing her to the ground. She could recognise him even with the different look he had adopted, unsettled at the thought of how much he didn't want to be discovered.

Pinky had been her pillar of support throughout the last two years, she was calmer and wiser, but she was much more empathetic. She knew that there was no greater pain than losing a child, and that was enough for both of them to hold onto. Anika's presence in their life had surely made things easier to deal with, but some nights there was no stopping the salty tears, or painful cries for her son, Omkara. It wasn't until the last five months that had things had settled in a little better. Shivaay's newborn, Rohan had taken everyone's pain away. He became the apple of everyone's eye and the only voice that blocked every dark thought about life. He was the little miracle in their family. It wasn't that they didn't miss Om anymore, it was that they found new hope in finding him. And soon enough Shivaay and Tej came through for her.

She was sat down on the nearest sofa by Pinky, still not feeling the energy returning to her knees to hold her up. Omkara in that moment looked at his mother, almost as he pierced into her soul within that instant. Omkara always knew one thing which something he could never tell another soul. Not long ago he had realised that he really was his mother favourite, knowing too well that parents were never supposed to choose between their children. Jhanvi never declared it, but Om always felt it. She was always cautious around him, always overprotective, always that extra lenient. Knowing that he left her would have ripped her world apart, but knowing she was already an alcoholic left him with imaginations that shouldn't have ever been thought of. The pure destructive nature of his family was why he really left. They were people ready to mix poison with love in infinite quantities. Though having her in front of him clenched his heart, she was after all his mumma,' and the name he would recite as a child to take away all his fears. He was her blood.

Omkara slowly walked over to her not realising that all the other family members were still standing. He reached her sofa to ask her for one thing, forgiveness through her eyes. Crouching down to the foot of the sofa, he found his place facing her legs while his eyes waited to leave the brims of water. His gaze was set firmly low facing her feet, not having the near enough courage to look up at what he had done to her. As the seconds clocked by, his knees came up into his chest. Uncomfortably shifting on the cold floor, he waited for her to scold him, scream at him, slap him, or hit him like she once used to. But to his surprise he felt a maternal hand run through his hair, softly grazing his scalp and giving off warmth that he dearly missed, but never asked out loud. Om looked up with his eyes wide and tears running down his cheek. Forgetting if anyone else was still in the room, he clutched onto her legs and let out a painful cry. Together the mother and son fought against each other's foetal cries spilling out their closeted pain. Jhanvi somewhere amidst his cries heard a faint "I'm sorry mumma," bringing her an ever small smile on her face, telling her that her son was back, he was back with her.

Tej looked over at his son holding onto his mother's legs, and then he saw his wife letting herself finally free. His own eyes refused to remain dry, and so did his brother's. Pinky soon got a hold of Jhanvi to hush down her cries, knowing too well how it would cause her to pass out at times. But this time Jhanvi replied back with a smile, "Pinky he is back. See, he is back." Pinky smiled with tears and nodded her head in full agreement, but she also made sure to smack Omkara's head while he lay in Jhanvi's feet. "You get up, you've made all us cry enough. You pull a little stunt like this again then we swear Omkara, we won't live." She sniffed and Omkara looked at his Choti-Ma crying at her feet this time. Pinky cried harder seeing him worsen at her words. She got down to his level and pulled his ear, "now stop crying yourself. More than us crying Omkara we don't like seeing our children cry. Get up now baccha." With that Omkara finally eased back up, his eyes puffed and red but his breathing easing with the seconds."

It took them another few minutes to all sit together and gaze at each other in awe of finally reuniting. Then Om thought he should at least offer everyone something to eat or drink knowing that they all probably came all they way from Mumbai, "does anyone want water or tea." Making Shivaay finally speak up, "let me take care of that." And pointing to Om he spoke, "You and me, will clear out our differences when we get back to Mumbai, but for now I'll act like everyone else and pretend that you are forgiven." He almost smirked with a glistening eye, making Omkara brush off his comment with a small laugh.

Om didn't know how else to bring up the conversation about returning to Mumbai, knowing that he couldn't exactly go back, at least not yet. "I don't know if you all know, but I'm married now. And I can't exactly leave back for Mumbai. I have to explain all this to her." His eyes lowered not wishing to see their disappointment, but he wasn't just a son or a brother anymore, he was a husband as well.

Surprising Omkara it was Tej that spoke while Shivaay got busy in his kitchen preparing coffee. "We know that beta, honestly what do you think of us that we will come knocking at your door not knowing what you've been up to. Shockingly your hair threw all of us off, otherwise we would have been sitting like this two years ago."

Om looked up, shocked at his father's diligence in searching for him.

"We found out last year that Ishana got married, but to our surprise everyone in the courthouse refused to say that it was you who gotten married to her." He dryly laughed before continuing. "We thought you had paid them well, and even when we tried stuffing them with money they still refused to recognise you. Then we were left with no choice but to think Ishana married someone else, and maybe you found out about this affair and left us because of her. It wasn't until Shivaay accidently saw Mona this year in Delhi, while he was on a conference that we connected the dots. And then slowly we tracked our way here to you."

Om tilted his head back in defeat, realising that it was Mona that had accidentally slipped. There was no way of avoiding everything he realised, his plan clearly had holes.

Om then spoke up again, knowing the crux of the problem that had led him here, "she's afraid that none of you will accept her. I don't know if she will agree to come back with me."

This time, Jhanvi spoke up abruptly, "Omkara you're my son, your one in a million to me, and no doubt so will your choice as well. We all know about Ishana and what she did to survive, it's sad that you never talked about it before making your decision. I missed out on seeing my son and daughter in law get married."

She softly smiled and Om shut his eyes cringing at how things were coming to the surface. Tej then also came to Jhanvi's support, "she's right you know, Om. Our love for you would have always remained higher, we are here to take you, and my daughter in law back to your real home. The two of you have had enough time yourselves, so stop being selfish now." Tej finished with his casual tone.

While Om snickered at the return of his father's authoritative tone.

As their conversations began to pick up Om asked about Dadi, Anika Bhabhi, Pinku and Rudra. Shivaay butted in by shouting from the kitchen in return, "what they have planned for you on your arrival, after that trust me, you will regret everything you've done in your life." It was open threat and Shivaay made sure to give it with a strong warning. Omkara knew the tone he said it with, they would all be beyond furious with him so he had to accept his fate. Jhanvi then also stepped into their banter, "and also there will someone new to take their payback against their Chachu." Omkara's eyes widened with a surge of happiness, "Is Anika pregnant?" Pinky stepped in this time, "Omkara you're very late, I have a grandson now. Officially tagged as Dadi." She smiled cheek to cheek and Om mirroring her with immense happiness, hugging his Choti-Ma and then walking into the kitchen to congratulate Shivaay.

Shivaay as Om always had remembered was busy with his culinary skills, and Om took him by surprise and hugged him from the back. "Congratulations Bahia, I'm a Chachu."

Shivaay let Om hug him for a little while with a small smile on his face. He missed Om's physical presence that once used to be such a constant in his life. But then he turned trying to put on a stern face again, "no you're not his Chachu, that title only belongs to Rudra. You have to earn it back or I swear Rohan will never forgive you." Omkara didn't have a care for Shivaay's threat, his heart melted at hearing his nephew's name, Rohan.

Shivaay couldn't exactly stay away from conversation regardless of how angry he felt, he made small talk but even Omkara could see at how much he wanted to know about the life he shared with Ishana and Mona. Regardless of Shivaay's angry demeanour he couldn't hold back not knowing, his missed his brother more than he could ever tell. Om answered back everything with a smile, even when the questions were blunt, hoping that Shivaay could see that he wasn't buying his angry look. He could tell that his brother was yearning for him all these years and that only made him guiltier. As the conversation started to flow a little better he heard the doorbell ring, and in an instant, he knew it was his wife, back from work. Not knowing what her reaction would be he quickly went over to the door to greet her, and if possible warn her.

Ishana could feel the exhaustion taking over her body along with the slight nausea which had also kicked in, now knowing that avoiding the doctor wasn't an option anymore. She had taken tomorrow's day off to try and settle in her slow sickness before having to worry Omkara. When she reached the driveway of the house she saw two black Mercedes parked in their driveway. Her heart had already figured it out that they had been found by them'. The only relief she got was knowing that the cars were still parked and Om hadn't left her, he was still inside. Reaching the door and waiting for it to open her heart pounded at who would answer. But the relief kicked in much sooner seeing Om's face. She read his eyes, which were puffed and red, she saw the bruise on his cheek but didn't question it, and before he even said something, she replied, "I know, I can see the cars." He nodded in agreement and took a hold of her bag hoping the family would react just fine.

Much to his surprise they didn't simply react fine, but they got up ecstatically to welcome her. She wasn't sure at what conversation had preceded before her arrival, but she was glad that they seemed a little relieved at least. Jhanvi then pulled Ishana into a warm hug, which couldn't stop Ishana from feeling a long desired maternal nurture. She lost her mother when she was young, and then Om lost his because of her. Feeling Jhanvi's warmth shook the entire balance of her heart, it shook away all restraint, and it definitely shook away all beliefs about never finding acceptance. Ishana within her hold, far too soon even let regret sink in, regret that she was the reason who had separated a son from his mother, and the mother still had the heart to love her like this. An emotion so deep that Ishana could never even comprehend ruled over her heart, and slowly started to prickle her eyes. She cried.

Jhanvi as any mother soothed Ishana's head hoping she had gotten through to her, she wanted to make her realise that she was home now, that this was her real home, and her real family. Words were not even needed, everyone around them could all understand and just accept. Pinky soon pulled Ishana to sit down and relax, because even she could see that Ishana was being worn out from the crying and she was slowly losing her balance. Tej then looked over to his daughter in law, smiling in victory, they were all going to be a family again. He had won her over.

That afternoon all them got chatting away and started catching up for the years they had missed. From all the sad tragedies to as well as their grateful events. Jhanvi then joked looking at her son smile, "Ishana beta I don't know about you, but I miss his old hair." Ishana laughed out loud agreeing, "mumma I agree. I have told him too many times, but he doesn't agree to grow it back." Omkara's heart melted at hearing her acknowledge his mother like her own, they were definitely on the same page at least.

Tej then came on board and added on, "I agree I can't believe I am saying this but that look suited you more, Om beta." Om this time, brushed his father's comments with his hand. Soon enough even Pinky jumped on to give her own opinion on the matter, "Na Om beta, this look suits you so much more. You look much more handsome otherwise, the both of you would have looked like two sheliaan on shopping trips for hair products only. Don't listen to any of them."

They all laughed uncontrollably with now only Om's opinion missing. He was so amused that everyone found such comedy out of this matter, "I am used to this look now, it would take too much effort to grow them again. Plus they are slightly longer than what I had before." Ishana smiled, because it was her who made him miss his last few hair cuts, working a slightly longer mop on his head.She had though grown accustomed to this new look, even if she missed the old one she wasn't complaining.

Shakti then suddenly called out to Shivaay, "Shivaay are you planning on bringing that coffee anytime soon or not?" Shivaay peered from their kitchen and walked out with a tray and cups on them.

Ishana shocked at the immediacy of how he had already taken over their kitchen. Shivaay individually went over to everyone to serve them a cup, only when he reached Ishana he had expected her to take the cup he had offered. She, on the other hand, smelt the coffee and turned her face away in disgust. Shivaay almost hurt at her reaction to his work. He even sniffed it to make sure there nothing wrong with the cup he had served. His face was confused since there was nothing wrong with the cup. Then Om asked her what was wrong, "do you want chai if not the coffee?" Ishana moved even further away from the reaming cups on the tray, their fragrance hitting her nostrils too strongly.

"Yes please for some reason the mere smell of coffee has me nauseous. I am sure there is nothing wrong with the way you've made it Shivaay Bahia, but I'm sorry I can't possibly drink it." Om just nodded and went straight to the kitchen to make her a fresh batch of chai, the one he thought he had missed out on today.

Jhanvi then asked in concern, "are you alright beta?" Ishana just nodded saying she was fine while Jhanvi paid much close attention to her behaviour. She could read her well enough to know that since the moment Ishana entered the room she was exhausted, but more so than any work day. She looked fatigued and even the faint rings around her eyes were obvious. While she was hugging Ishana she could tell that at a point she had given up her hold and that she could have easily fainted had not Pinky pushed her to sit down. She wondered silently if Om had noticed all this as well, since she had already seen it in less than an hour.

Jhanvi then secretly smiled at her conclusion, "so beta, have you always hated coffee?" Ishana just swayed her head to the side, "not really mumma. I have enjoyed a cup here and there. But for a while, it has really become a distaste for me. The smell is so off-putting."

Jhanvi arched her eyebrows and became amused while drinking her own cup, and then Tej let out an "ahem" clearly grabbing Jhanvi's attention. She smiled back at him almost as if they were sharing their own secret joke that no one else was a part of.

That evening they had all mutually agreed that they would indeed return to Mumbai, while Omkara and Ishana just asked for a little time to wrap up their life in Mussoorie. Jhanvi insisted that she wasn't going to go anywhere without them, so she would stay with them in this house until they had finished everything. There was no way that she was going let Omkara out of her sight. Om gladly just accepted her condition understanding her concern. Om knew that rebuilding their relationship was going to be a long journey but all of them had come to at least a mutual acceptance, which mattered most.

Om and Shivaay got busy preparing dinner that evening, something both of them had found therapeutic and eagerly agreed to do. Om saw his mother standing on their patio, looking over the lights of Mussoorie and Dehradun. She hugged herself a little tighter looking gazing the nightsky, but drenching herself in its evening chill. Omkara then flicked his gaze and saw Ishana sitting with his Choti-ma and father. They were engaged in some conversation looking rather happy. Ishana's eyes moved up to meet his, and he told her silently to remain seated. She smiled lightly and turned his gaze towards her shawl laying on the couch, then she moved it up to Jhanvi standing on their patio. Omkara understood what she implied and thanked her with no voice needed. Grabbing the shawl he walked towards his mother.

Stepping outside his mother saw his gesture and gladly accepted the shawl to cover up from the chill. Omkara wrapped it around her while she moved her gaze back to the skyline, to contemplate over the altitude they were at. Om stood there with her and put his arm around her looking out in the same direction as her.

"I can understand why you can never get enough of this place. It's so serene and beautiful, it's quiet and calming." Jhanvi said.

Om pressed his lips together and nodded in agreement.

"We could always come up here for family holidays," she said.

Om turned his head back towards her, "I would like that."

She looked back at him, "never leave me again. I won't be able to live the next time." He run his hand over her back to try and soothe her, "I promise I won't." She kissed his forehead and looked back towards the skyline. Then Jhanvi slightly smirked to give Om a hint.

"And also Om."

He replied with, "hmmm."

She kept looking out but her eyes radiated mischievousness , "when I had you, and Rudra, and Priyanka."

Om then waited patiently for what she was about to say next, "even I couldn't stand the smell of coffee." She didn't look at him at first but then slowly turned to face him.

Om kept curiously staring at his mother not understanding what she had meant by her comment. Only after silent few seconds had passed did his eyes widen with surprise at the implication of her words.

His mother saw his surprised reaction and laughed it off while walking back inside. Leaving Omkara with his newfound realisation in a state of euphoria. Om then, through the patio window saw his exhausted wife laughing with Choti-ma at her hysterics, and then at his father's dry sense of humour. And within that moment he had realised that he was so blessed. Blessed to have everyone back in his family, and even a being that hadn't come into this world just yet.

The End

Originally posted by: MysticRiver

very well written...👏