Since morning, Om's mood had been off.
A strange heaviness clung to him, something he couldn't shake no matter how hard he tried. That terrifying dream… it just wouldn't leave him alone. Again and again, flashes of it haunted his mind like a warning he couldn't ignore.
He sat quietly on the sofa, his phone resting loosely in his hand, his eyes lost somewhere far away—drowning in thoughts.
What should I do?
Was that just a random dream… or some kind of message for me?
He had thought about it over and over again, but the more he tried to brush it off, the stronger the feeling grew.
It's connected to my life… somehow, I know it is.
His grip on the phone tightened slightly.
And even if it was just a dream… one thing is clear—I won't become a bad person. No matter what happens. I want to live for people… not for darkness.
He paused, his thoughts softening.
And anyway… wanting to know about my grandfather… that's not wrong, right?
He was so deeply lost in his own mind that he didn't even realize when Vijay uncle walked up to him.
"Hey, Om, son… what's wrong?" Vijay uncle said gently, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Why do you look so quiet? Where's your mind wandering? Your aunt has been calling you for so long—your milk is ready—but you didn't even respond. Is something bothering you?"
As he spoke, Vijay uncle sat down beside him, his eyes filled with concern.
Om forced a small smile.
"No, no, uncle… nothing like that. I was just… lost in thought."
Just then, Sharda aunt walked in, holding a cup of milk. She handed it to Om with a playful smile and said—
"Oh really? Lost in thought… or thinking about some girl?"
Hearing that, Vijay uncle chuckled and added teasingly—
"What are you even saying? In our age, thinking about girls brings worries… but for youngsters, thinking about their girlfriend brings happiness!"
Sharda aunt shot him a mock glare.
"Oh, so you mean thinking about me makes you unhappy?"
"Arre—no, no! I was talking about others!" Vijay uncle quickly replied, smiling awkwardly.
Watching them, even Om couldn't help but feel a slight warmth in his chest.
Sharda aunt then turned back to Om, pretending to be a little annoyed—
"Alright, mister… now tell us. What's wrong? Why have you been sulking since morning?"
Om was about to respond—
But before he could say anything, all three of them suddenly noticed something.
Manoj had walked into the hall.
He was carrying luggage… and Harsh and Isha were with him.
For a moment, everything froze.
Vipul, Sharda, and Om all stared at him in shock.
Sharda aunt spoke first, her voice filled with confusion—
"Manoj brother… where are you going with all this? And with the kids?"
Manoj looked at Vijay and Sharda, forcing a faint, painful smile.
"Sharda… Vijay… we think it's time for us to leave. I don't want to be a burden on you anymore."
The words hit the room like a sudden storm.
Om stayed silent, but his eyes locked onto Manoj, filled with disbelief.
Vijay uncle, however, immediately stood up, his voice firm and sharp—
"What do you mean 'leave'? You're not going anywhere. And Manoj brother, I don't want any arguments. If not for yourself, at least think about the kids! Your wife has already left you with nothing—where will you go at this age with them?"
His tone softened, but the firmness remained.
"I'm not doing you a favor… but you're not leaving. That's final."
Sharda aunt stepped forward as well, her voice full of emotion—
"Yes, brother… you're not going anywhere. This house is yours as much as it is ours. I'd actually be happy if Isha and Harsh grow up here with Om, Riya, and Soumya. You're not a burden… you're family. And in hard times, family is all we have."
Hearing this…
Manoj's composure cracked.
His eyes filled up as he held Vijay's shoulder.
"No, my brother…" his voice trembled, "I've been restless ever since all this happened. I don't know what to do anymore. But one thing is clear in my heart—I won't become a burden on my younger brother."
He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"I have a friend in Delhi. He can get me a job in his company. The salary is good… and they'll provide housing too. So don't worry about us. We'll keep visiting… and I'd be happy if my kids stay connected with Om, Riya, and Soumya."
Vijay and Sharda's faces fell hearing this.
Seeing that, Manoj forced another smile and continued—
"Tell me one thing… I'm the elder brother, right? And elders don't take—they give. But till now, I've taken so many favors from you… from Om, from Vipul… from everyone. And for that, I feel ashamed."
His voice broke slightly.
"Do you really want me to carry that shame even today? Please… do me one favor. Don't stop me."
Sharda aunt looked deeply troubled.
"But Manoj brother… even if you can manage, at least stay with us for a few days. Let us spend time with the kids… help them heal from everything they've been through. And Harsh and Isha wanted to stay with Om, didn't they?"
Her voice softened, almost pleading—
"Please… don't be so harsh on your children. Stay for a few days… please."
Manoj hesitated.
For a moment, it seemed like he might give in.
But then—
He straightened up, lifting his head with quiet determination.
"Sharda… I trust my children. They're on the right path now… and they can face any hardship. This is your home—you built it with your hard work. And because of us, it almost got destroyed."
His eyes darkened with worry.
"I don't even know who all my wife borrowed money from… and I don't want any more trouble coming your way because of that."
He paused, then added firmly—
"For now, the kids will stay with me. Later, I'll send them here. Please, sister-in-law…"
Then, troubled by Om's silence, he turned toward him.
"Om… you explain to them. Am I wrong?"
As soon as Manoj said that, everyone's eyes turned toward Om.
The room fell silent.
Om slowly stood up.
His face was calm… but his eyes had changed.
There was a seriousness in them that no one had seen before.
And then—
In a firm, slightly raised voice, he said—
"No one is going anywhere."
For a second—
No one moved.
No one spoke.
The entire house stood frozen… shocked by the sudden change in Om.