A New Beginning: An Unexpected Gift

"Sharda, I'm heading to the office now. I'll pick something up on my way back this evening."

-Uncle Vijay called out to Sharda while putting on his shoes.

"Nothing is needed. We're all going shopping with Om today."

-Sharda replied while continuing her chores.

"Alright, but make sure he gets some rest. He needs it, okay?"

Vijay said as he got ready.

Sharda, bringing Vijay's bag, lovingly said, "I'm more concerned about him than you are, so don't worry and focus on your work."

Vijay smiled, took the bag from her, and kissed her on the forehead, "Okay, then I'm off."

"Riya, hurry up and get ready for school. Soumya, you're getting late for college."

-Sharda called out.

From upstairs, they heard, "But Mom, it's Sunday!"

"Your dad is at the hospital," Sharda yelled back.

"Mum, he's a doctor, so he's gone."

-Soumya's voice came from above.

"Oh, right. I forgot. Both of you, don't wake Om. He needs rest, as your doctor dad said."

-Sharda yelled again.

"Oops... I think it's too late, Aunty."

-A voice came from the kitchen where Om was rummaging through the freezer.

Sharda smiled and said, "So you're awake. But you need to rest, son."

"Chachi, I'm fine now, and I don't like too much rest."

-Om said with a smile.

"How's the pain now, dear?"

-Chachi asked as she worked.

"There's no pain now, Chachi."

-Om replied warmly.

"Rest is still necessary, remember, I studied medicine too."

-Sharda said while continuing her work.

"Yes, I remember. You also removed the bullet from my hand and bandaged it at the hotel."

-Om said with a smile.

"But you..."

-Sharda began, but before she could finish, Om responded.

"I don't know how, but I was listening to you all."

Sharda didn't pay much attention and said, "You wait at the dining table. I'll call your sisters, and then we'll have breakfast together, okay?"

Om nodded and went to sit at the table. Soon, Riya and Soumya joined him.

Finally, Om's luck had turned around; his heart was at peace. He was now living with his uncle. After all, Om's only wish was to live peacefully with his family. Vijay had completely changed, erasing all his bad traits in a short time. Now he wanted to fulfill his duties as a father to Om, Riya, and Soumya. Sharda was also very happy; after all, she cared for Om like a mother, or maybe even more.

As they sat at the table, Riya, Soumya, and Om were chatting. Riya looked at Om and said with a smile, "Om Bhaiya, you will now drop me off and pick me up from school every day."

Om replied lovingly, "Alright, my dear Riya, Om Bhaiya will come to drop you off at school every day."

Soumya interrupted, "No, Bhaiya, you will drop me off and pick me up from college. I will introduce you to my friends. After all, you're at the age to get into relationships."

Om smiled at Soumya's comment. Riya insisted, "No, I'm younger, so Om Bhaiya will come for me."

Soumya wasn't backing down, saying, "No, Riya, Mom comes for you. Om Bhaiya will come for me."

"Your Om Bhaiya will be busy now, dear."

A voice came from behind. They all turned to see Mr. Mayor and Mr. Kathwani with their sons. Mr. Mayor looked at Sharda and said, "Sorry, Bhabi Ji, we came without informing you and without knocking."

Sharda smiled and said, "It's alright, Brother."

Om stood up and said, "Mr. Kathwani, Mr. Mayor, what are you doing here at this time?"

Mr. Kathwani and the Mayor exchanged smiles, and then Mr. Mayor said, "Jack is now in jail, thanks to you. And what you've done for us, we can't repay fully. So, we thought, why not do something for you. You're a great doctor, and we want to offer you a clinic, wherever you want. What do you think of this idea?"

Om was shocked and said, "But sir, I'm not a doctor. I haven't studied medicine, and I don't have a medical license."

Ayush immediately interjected, "Don't worry about that. You'll get the best certification for your clinic. We've seen how you handle things, so don't worry about those details. Give me a chance to thank you for saving lives."

Om hesitated but said, "But still, I can't accept this, sir."

The Mayor smiled and said, "We know you would never want anyone to do something for you, but think about it. You have incredible medical skills. You wouldn't want to keep them hidden. With this, you can help many people."

Om thought for a moment and said, "If people benefit from my work, then it's fine. I accept your offer and will open a clinic."

Mr. Kathwani then said, "Ah, you won't have to worry about it. We're giving you a top-notch clinic as a gift in return for saving our families. I'll cover all the expenses for your clinic. If you need anything else, we'll discuss it later. For now, enjoy the next week, then get to work. Okay?"

Hearing this, Om's entire family was very happy. However, Om still felt uneasy about accepting such a generous offer. He was about to refuse when Sharda placed her hand on Om's shoulder. Om looked at Sharda, who smiled and blinked at him. Om understood and smiled back at the Mayor and Mr. Kathwani.

"Thank you very much. I'm truly grateful."

Om said with heartfelt appreciation.

The Mayor patted Om on the shoulder and said, "No, son, this is a small gift from us for what you've done. And it's good to see that your relationship with Mr. Vijay has improved. He's a good person and will become even better because of you. Don't worry about the past; we've all moved on from it."

The Mayor was a well-composed and highly respected individual. His statement in front of Mr. Kathwani assured Om that there would be no further discussion about past issues.

Om smiled at their words. Sharda then set out breakfast on the table and said, "Come, let me serve you breakfast."

"Thank you, Mrs. Ahuja, but not today. We have to leave for some work. We'll meet again or next weekend. And take care of yourself; you still need rest."

-Mr. Mayor said with a smile.

Om bid them goodbye as they started to leave. Just then, the Mayor turned back and said to Om, "And yes, Om, I've deposited 40 million rupees in your account for my son's treatment. I know it's a lot, but you're young. Enjoy."

After saying this, they left.

Om returned to his place and sat down to have breakfast.