A Heart's Unspoken Burden

Om remained silent even as his aunt Sharda pressed him for answers. He didn't want to tarnish the image of the family in front of her.

"Why don't you say something? What happened that day?" Sharda's voice was filled with concern as she tried to get a response from Om.

"I can't tell you, Auntie," Om hesitated. "I came here to reunite with my family, not to break it apart. Please, don't ask me this question."

Sharda, understanding the gravity of the situation, persisted, "That day took a mother away from her son. Om, if you consider me your mother, you must tell me what happened. I give you my word, I will help you."

Om found himself in a difficult position, but he couldn't refuse her now. He glanced towards Riya and Soumya, signaling that this conversation couldn't happen in front of them. Sharda understood.

"Soumya, dear, take Riya to the room. I need to speak to Brother Om. I'll send him to you both soon, okay?" Sharda asked lovingly.

Soumya, without questioning, complied and took Riya with her. Once they were alone, Sharda turned to Om and asked again, "Now, tell me what happened that day, Om"

Om, with no other choice, began to recount the painful memories, "Auntie, after the funeral that day, Dad's boss, Dr. Ravi prasad, suggested that my uncles take me with them. Manoj uncle refused, citing his wife's influence. He asked Vijay uncle to take me in instead."

Om's voice started to falter as he recalled the events, "But Vijay uncle... He outright refused. He said that keeping me would bring bad luck to his family. He said that the person responsible for my father's death should take care of me or pay for my expenses, but he had no place for me in his home."

Om's voice broke as he continued, "I was hiding under the table, listening to everything. It felt like I didn't exist, like I was invisible to them. They just left me there, alone, without a word."

Sharda, hearing this, began to cry along with Om, who was now sobbing uncontrollably. He continued, "I never wanted them to take me in, Auntie. I just wanted them to visit me, to show me some love. I would have endured all my pain if they had just shown they cared. But when they said I would bring bad luck to their family, it felt like someone had stabbed me in the heart."

Om wiped his tears and went on, "I waited by the door every day, hoping someone from the family would come to take me in. I just kept waiting, Auntie, but no one came. I was too young to bear all that, too young to be alone. I lived all these years without anyone, without any support, but I never lost hope. I never gave up."

Om's voice grew heavy as he revealed his darkest moment, "One day, I lost all hope and courage. I decided to end my life. I jumped from a large rock into the sea, hoping it would all end."

Sharda's eyes widened in horror as she gasped, but Om continued, "But I didn't die. I survived, and I felt like I'd been given a second chance at life. I thought of you first, and I couldn't stop myself. I came here, hoping to leave the past behind and start anew. I'm here for you, for my family. Maybe now you have the answers to all your questions."

Om's tear-filled eyes met Sharda's, and the emotions in the room were palpable. Sharda's heart was heavy with guilt and regret. Her maternal instincts reignited, and she embraced Om tightly, both of them crying together.

"Forgive me, Om. Forgive your foolish aunt for not being there when you needed a mother the most. But now, no one will ever separate you from your family again. I'll talk to your uncle," Sharda promised through her tears.

Om wiped his tears and gently said, "No, Auntie. I don't want any conflict between you and Uncle. Please, just take care of yourself and your family."

Sharda, still emotional, tried to reassure him, "No, Om. You deserve happiness, and I will talk to him."

But Om, sensing her determination, softly said, "But you know what will happen afterward. I believe the uncle I knew will come back one day, but until then, please stay quiet. Promise me, Auntie."

Sharda fell silent, knowing deep down that Vijay wouldn't easily change. Om continued, "I promise I won't leave you, Auntie, but you must promise me you'll live happily with Uncle, like before."

Sharda, reluctant but understanding, sighed, "You have such a pure heart, Om. Despite everything, you still want him to be happy. I wish your uncle could learn from you. (Taking a deep breath) Alright, I won't say anything to him. But you must promise me you'll visit us every 15 days while you're here."

Om smiled and agreed, "I promise, my dear Auntie."

They both laughed, and Sharda said, "Now go to bed. You need to look your best for lunch tomorrow. Get a good night's sleep, okay?"

"Good night, Auntie. You sleep well too," Om said as he headed toward his room.

"Good night, dear," Sharda replied, tidying up the sofa. Just then, the door opened, and Vijay entered.

Seeing Vijay filled Sharda with anger, and she immediately stood up. But then her eyes met Om's, and she remembered the promise she had made. For Om's sake, she swallowed her anger. Om turned to Vijay and sweetly wished him, "Good night, Uncle."

Vijay, in his usual arrogant tone, replied, "Yes, yes, good night," and headed toward his bedroom. But as he walked away, the words Om had spoken to his aunt echoed in his mind. He had overheard their entire conversation when he arrived at the door, just as Om was breaking down. Lost in thought, he continued towards his bedroom.