After what felt like an endless wait, Om's uncle's flight had finally landed.
Om stood near the arrival gate, his eyes scanning every passenger walking out. He knew one thing for sure—after all these years, his uncle and aunt wouldn't recognize him. He had changed… a lot. That's exactly why he was holding a name board in his hands, with Manoj Ahuja written clearly on it.
His gaze moved carefully from one face to another, sharp and focused.
And then—
A voice cut through the noise.
"Are you Om?"
The moment he heard his name, Om turned toward the sound.
Standing right in front of him was his uncle—half his beard and hair had turned white, the rest still black, dressed neatly in formal clothes, a warm smile on his face. Beside him stood his aunt, dressed in a modern blue outfit, wearing sunglasses, carrying herself with confidence. And with them… two kids, around Om's age—a boy and a girl.
His uncle held onto a trolley loaded with luggage, his eyes fixed on Om, filled with emotion.
Om smiled slightly and said,
"Yes, Uncle… I'm Om."
The moment those words left his mouth, Manoj dropped the trolley without a second thought and rushed forward, pulling Om into a tight embrace.
Years of distance… gone in a second.
Tears welled up in his uncle's eyes as he held him close, his voice trembling,
"Thank God… my son is safe! I've been longing to see you for so long…"
Om could feel every bit of that emotion. He smiled softly and replied,
"It's really good to see you too, Uncle."
They stayed like that for a few moments before finally pulling apart. Manoj wiped his tears quickly, trying to regain composure.
Just then, Savita stepped forward. She gently placed her hand on Om's shoulder and hugged him warmly.
"Oh Om, my dear… look at you! You've grown so much! You do remember me, right?"
Her voice was sweet… too sweet.
Om smiled back—but deep inside, something didn't sit right.
He knew.
Behind that softness… there was something else. Something hidden.
But right now… he didn't want to think about it.
After so many years, standing here with his family—it felt good. Really good.
Savita pulled away, and Manoj looked Om up and down, his face lighting up with pride.
"Savita, look at him! Our Om has grown into such a fine young man… and what a physique!"
Om let out a small smile at that, and Savita nodded, still smiling,
"Absolutely… Om, we honestly couldn't recognize you. If you hadn't been holding that board, we would've walked right past you. You look very handsome, dear."
"Thank you," Om replied with a polite smile.
Manoj then turned toward the two kids.
"Hey Harsh, Isha… come meet your younger brother Om. And Om, these are my children—your siblings. My elder daughter Isha, and my younger son Harsh."
Both Harsh and Isha, who had been completely absorbed in their phones until now, looked up. They glanced at Om, gave a casual smile, and said in unison,
"Hey bro, nice to meet you."
Om smiled back at them.
Without wasting time, he picked up the trolley and led everyone out of the airport toward the parking area where his car was waiting.
And the moment they saw it—
Everything changed.
Harsh and Isha's eyes lit up instantly.
Standing in front of them was a sleek, black Mercedes—the latest model, shining under the lights, exuding pure class and power.
Harsh's jaw almost dropped as he blurted out,
"Oh… my… God… bro! This is the Mercedes X-Series' most expensive model! Is this Uncle Vijay's car, Om?!"
Om chuckled lightly.
"No… it's mine."
For a second, there was silence.
Then—
"No way!! Bro, seriously?! This is YOUR car?! Mom, you know this costs around 4 crores! And there are only like two or three models in India!"
Harsh's excitement was uncontrollable.
Savita froze for a brief moment.
She knew her son. He was obsessed with brands. He knew the price of every luxury item out there.
After all… he got that from her.
But hearing four crores… for just a car?
Even she was shaken.
Still, she quickly composed herself, forcing a light laugh as she said,
"Wow, Om… looks like you're earning quite well, dear?"
Om was about to respond—
But before he could say anything, Manoj interrupted,
"Alright, everyone, let's get in first."
Om nodded, quietly placing the luggage inside the car. He walked toward the driver's seat and reached for the door—
When suddenly—
A hand grabbed his wrist.
Firm.
Unexpected.
Om turned, slightly startled.
Harsh stood there, looking straight at him… not asking—
Ordering.
"Hey bro… I'll drive."
For a moment, time seemed to slow.
The grip on his hand.
The tone in his voice.
And the sudden shift in the air—
Om didn't say anything.
But inside…
Something felt off.