"I know… some of what I said might have sounded strange to you,"
Om continued, looking at everyone.
"But you don't understand what friends like you truly mean to someone like me… what place you hold in my life."
His voice steadied.
"So once again… I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. And I promise you this—whenever you need me in your life… I will stand beside you. Not just as a doctor… but as a true friend."
With that—
Om fell silent.
For a second—
There was nothing.
And then—
The entire place erupted in applause.
The crowd wasn't big—
But the sound of those claps felt like a hundred people cheering at once.
Everyone present was deeply moved.
Not just impressed—
Connected.
Because everyone there understood the value of relationships.
Om smiled softly and spoke again—
"So… I won't take much more of your time. I'd now like to invite my uncle, Mr. Mayor, and Mr. Kathwani… to come forward and do the honors. Please cut the ribbon of this clinic and bless me… so that I can help as many people as possible through this work."
"Thank you, everyone."
He stepped back.
Vijay, the Mayor, and Mr. Kathwani came forward together—
And cut the ribbon.
The moment it snapped—
Applause filled the air again.
"Alright, Mr. Om… now open the doors of your clinic. The ribbon has been cut."
The Mayor said with a proud smile.
But Om shook his head gently.
"No, sir… I want this auspicious moment to be done by my mother… my aunt. I want the first step inside this clinic to be hers. After all… a mother's footsteps always bring blessings."
He looked at her.
Everyone turned toward Sharda.
Her eyes were already filled with tears.
She slowly walked forward.
Stopping beside Om—
She held his face with trembling hands.
"I am truly blessed to have a son like you… and yet… it hurts that you weren't born from me."
Her voice broke.
Om smiled softly—
And held her hand.
Without saying anything—
He walked her to the door.
Sharda gently pushed it open—
And stepped inside with her right foot.
One by one—
Everyone followed.
Inside the Clinic
The moment they entered—
Everyone was stunned.
The inside was even more impressive.
Advanced machines for all kinds of treatments.
Hot and cold drinking water facilities.
Air conditioning everywhere.
A huge reception hall.
A large front desk.
LED screens mounted across the walls.
An advanced sound system.
Glass-walled rooms—
Giving it a clean, modern look.
Multiple departments.
Well-designed washrooms.
Rest areas on both floors.
And for Om—
Private rooms connected to a spacious office.
Comfortable sofas.
Work tables.
Even a personal kitchen.
Everything—
Looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel.
Simple words couldn't describe it—
Because it didn't feel like a clinic.
It felt like something much bigger.
Ayush walked up, patting Om on the back.
"So, Mr. Om… planning to hire anyone here?"
Om smiled.
"Of course. I can't manage all this alone. But for now… I'll handle things myself. It's just the beginning… and we don't even have patients yet."
Just then—
Mr. Kathwani stepped forward.
"I actually want Abhay to finish his current project and then come work with you. Learn those pure cures of yours… so we can develop something similar in our company. If you don't mind, of course."
He smiled.
"I was really impressed when I heard how you handled Mrs. Shah's skin problem. Your knowledge is truly remarkable."
Om nodded warmly.
"Not at all, sir. You're always welcome. I'll gladly teach him."
Abhay stepped in—
"Alright then… I'll finish the Parmar family project first. Give me about ten days, and I'll join you."
"Perfect,"
Om replied.
"The doors here will always be open for you."
After some time—
Everyone slowly left.
The celebration ended.
And for the first time—
The clinic stood quiet.
Empty.
Except for Om.
He was inside—
Arranging things.
Setting everything in place.
When suddenly—
His phone rang.
An unknown number.
He looked at it for a moment—
Then answered.
"Hello, Om speaking. Who's this?"
"Hello, Mr. Om… this is Mrs. Shah. You remember me, right?"
A woman's voice came from the other side.
Om smiled.
"Oh yes, of course—Shah Bakers. I remember you. Tell me, how can I help?"
"Well… the face cure cream you gave me is finished. And some of my friends want it too. So I thought I'd ask… can you prepare some more for us?"
She said.
"Of course, ma'am. Just let me know how many you need. I'll prepare them for you. And since you're my first customer today… you'll get a discount as well."
Om said, clearly happy.
"Oh, that's great! I'll message you all the details. You can tell me the amount, and I'll transfer it."
"Sounds good, ma'am."
They ended the call.
Om smiled to himself.
"Well… at least some work came in today."
He turned—
And started walking toward his office.
But before he could reach—
The glass door opened.
A voice echoed inside—
"Hello? Is anyone here? Doctor? I need treatment for my stomach problem…"
An old man walked in, leaning on a stick.
Right behind him—
Another man entered.
"Yes… I have a constipation problem. I need treatment too."
For a second—
Om just stood there.
Then—
A smile spread across his face.
His first patients.
"Of course, sir… please come with me. Let's see what I can do for you."
He said warmly.
And led them toward the treatment room.
And just like that—
Om's clinic…
Took its first real step.