Gauri Kumari Sharma stepped out of her Uber, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She had been dreading this moment for months, but she had promised herself she would come. The college reunion was being held at their old haunt, the university hall that had seen countless giggles, tears, and whispers of secrets. Ten years had passed since they had all left its hallowed grounds, and she had no idea what to expect. As she approached the grand entrance, the warm glow of lights spilling out onto the sidewalk, she spotted a figure leaning against a lamppost, his silhouette casting a long shadow across the pavement.

The man looked up, and their eyes met. Time seemed to pause for a heartbeat as she recognized the sharp jawline and the mischievous glint in his eyes. It was Omkara, her once-upon-a-time best friend. He had filled out since college, his broad shoulders now more pronounced under the well-tailored suit. His hair was longer and the stubble peppering his jawline added a touch of maturity that made her stomach flutter. Memories of their youth flooded her mind, of mischievous pranks and happy tims. Gauri felt the weight of a thousand unsaid words pressing down on her as she took a tentative step closer.

The air was thick with anticipation and the faint scent of nostalgia as old classmates milled about, hugging and laughing, their voices creating a comforting hum of familiarity. She had spent hours choosing the perfect outfit for this night, a simple yet elegant dress that accentuated her curves and made her feel strong despite the storm of emotions brewing inside her. Gauri took a deep breath and smoothed down her hair, steeling herself for the confrontation she had avoided for so long. She had never told Omkara about Aryan, her husband's, passing.

Omkara's eyes searched the crowd, and when they found her, a wide smile spread across his face, reaching his eyes. He pushed himself off the lamppost and strode towards her. "Gauri!" he exclaimed, the sound of her name on his lips like a melody from a distant time. He didn't know the turmoil she had faced, the love she had lost, or the anger that had once burned so fiercely between them. He only saw the girl he had loved from afar, now standing before him, looking as beautiful and untouchable as ever.

The moment Omkara's arms closed around her, Gauri felt a rush of warmth that seemed to melt the ice that had formed around her heart over the years. His embrace was familiar and comforting, a stark contrast to the coldness she had felt after Aryan's untimely death. She took a moment to breathe in his scent, a blend of cologne and something uniquely him that she hadn't realized she missed. Omkara pulled away, feeling the non reciprocation.

"You look amazing" Omkara said, his voice a gentle rumble in her ear. His eyes searched hers for any hint of the friend she used to be, any sign that she had missed him as much as he had missed her. Gauri forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as brittle as it felt. "Thanks" she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din of the reunion.
____

They stepped into the bustling hall, their arms brushing against each other as they navigated the throngs of people. Gauri couldn't ignore the flutter in her stomach, the way her heart skipped a beat every time their eyes met. It was like they had been transported back to the days when their biggest worry was who would win the college debate, not the complexities of life and love.

As they approached the drinks table, a little voice called out from the corner, "Mamma!" Gauri's heart swelled with love and pride as she saw Arav, her five-year-old son, running towards her, his small legs pumping with excitement. His eyes, a mirror of Aryan's, searched for her in the sea of faces, and when they found her, his smile was like a sunbeam breaking through the clouds.

"Arav," she said, bending down to scoop him up in a warm hug. He was a perfect blend of both his father and her, with Aryan's eyes and her stubborn chin. She planted a kiss on his forehead, breathing in the sweet scent of childhood innocence. "This is Uncle Omkara" she whispered in his ear.

Omkara crouched down, his smile widening as he took in the little boy who looked so much like his best friend. He had always wondered what it would be like to meet Arav, and now that he was here, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. He held out a hand, and Arav looked at it, then back at his mother, unsure. "Hi, little champ," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Your mom and I used to be the biggest troublemakers around here."

Arav giggled, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. Gauri felt a knot form in her throat as she watched them interact. Omkara had always been good with kids.

Arav looked up at Omkara, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Gauri watched as Arav's tiny hand reached out and took Omkara's, and for a moment, she saw the past intertwine with the present.

As the night progressed, Arav and Omkara became inseparable. They played tag, sharing giggles as they dodged through the groups of chatting adults. Omkara pushed him on the swing, his strong hands steady and reassuring. Gauri found herself watching them, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. A part of her was happy to see Arav forming a bond with someone who had been so important to her once, and another part was painfully aware of the betrayal she had received all those years back.
___

In between games and conversations with other guests, Omkara would steal glances at Gauri, his eyes filled with questions she wasn't ready to answer. She saw the sadness in them, the unspoken longing that mirrored her own. It was a poignant reminder that while time had marched on, some wounds had never fully healed.

The three of them sat together on the steps of the old library, Arav nestled between them, chattering away about his day. Gauri felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. It was as if the universe had conspired to given her another chance at having a happy family.

The evening air was cool, carrying with it the scent of blooming jasmine from the nearby garden. The stars above twinkled like distant secrets, a silent audience to their unfolding story. Gauri leaned back, her hand brushing against Omkara's, and for a brief moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning.

As Arav's eyelids grew heavy and his voice trailed off, Omkara turned to Gauri, his gaze searching hers. "I'm sorry about Aryan," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine concern. "I know it's been hard for you."

Gauri's head snapped towards Omkara in shock. "He was my friend too, Gauri" he said. Gauri took a deep breath, the words she had held in for so long threatening to spill out. "It's been tough," she admitted, her voice wavering. "But I've learned to live with it."

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the distant laughter of their former classmates. Finally, Omkara spoke again. "Gauri, I need to tell you something."

Gauri's heart skipped a beat as she met Omkara's gaze. She could see the seriousness etched on his face, the years of unspoken words poised on his lips. Arav, now fast asleep, was a symbol of the life they had all once shared, the bridge connecting the past and the present.

"What is it?" she whispered, her voice barely a murmur in the night.

"The day you slapped me, I was just as shocked as you were about Aryan and that girl. I had nothing to do with it."

One look at him, and she knew he wasn't lying. The revelation hit her like a ton of bricks. All these years she had carried the burden of anger and hurt, thinking he had betrayed her.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of lost time. Gauri felt her eyes well up with tears, a mix of regret and relief. She had built a wall around her heart, and it was crumbling before her very eyes.

"I should have talked to you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I should have given you a chance to explain."

Omkara nodded solemnly, his gaze never leaving hers. "We all had our secrets," he said, his thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "But it's never too late to start again, is it?"

Gauri took a shaky breath, her mind racing with memories. Ten years ago, she had been caught in a whirlwind of love and confusion. Aryan, the charming and popular heartthrob of their college, had been her everything. And Omkara, the quiet, devoted friend, had been her rock. He had always loved her, she knew. But her heart already belonged to Aryan.

The night of the fateful confrontation played out in her mind like a tragic movie scene. Three days after their engagement, she had seen Aryan with that girl, in an intimate position. Disgusted she had thrown her ring on his face and broke up, though Aryan kept pleading that the girl was forcing herself on him. The very next morning she had seen that very girl chattering happily with Omkara. she had slapped Omkara, believing he had orchestrated it all. The hurt and betrayal in his eyes had haunted her for years.

"Yes I loved you, I still do. But I would never stoop so low. Especially when I knew you were happy with Aryan. It was Ridhima. She was jealous of our friendship. She knew I loved you, to make me hate you, she staged it. I had nothing to do with it."

The words echoed in the night air, and Omkara felt as though a weight had been lifted from his chest.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I wanted to," Omkara said, his eyes reflecting the pain of the past. "But I didn't know how. I didn't want to come between you and Aryan. And after that night, it just seemed like there was an unbridgeable chasm between us."

Gauri nodded slowly, understanding dawning on her. Ridhima had been in love with Omkara, and in her jealousy of their friendship, she had played a twisted game, driving a wedge between them that had led to years of misunderstanding and heartache.

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the soft snores of the sleeping child between them. The stars above seemed to twinkle with a knowing smile, as if they had seen it all unfold from their lofty perch. Gauri reached out and took Omkara's hand, feeling a warmth that she had almost forgotten.

"Thank you," she murmured, squeezing his hand gently. "For being here, for loving me even when I couldn't love you back."

He squeezed back, his eyes shining in the moonlight. "Gauri, I've never stopped loving you. And I never will."

The confession hung in the air, as potent as the blooming jasmine. It was a declaration she had yearned for, yet one she wasn't prepared to hear. Her heart felt like it was in a vice, torn between the love she had lost and the love that had never wavered.

Gauri leaned her head on Omkara's shoulder, feeling the comfort of his presence. The reunion had brought them back together, but it had also stirred up a maelstrom of feelings she wasn't sure she could navigate. "What now?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

He wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. "We take it one day at a time," he said. "We start by being friends again, and then we'll see where the universe takes us."

The warmth of his embrace was like a balm to her soul, soothing the raw edges of her grief. She knew he was right; she had to let go of the anger and pain of the past to move forward.
____

The days were filled with laughter, tears, and a tentative exploration of the love that had never truly disappeared. They took long walks, sharing their fears and hopes, the words spilling out like a dam bursting after years of holding back.

"Will you marry me, Gauri?" Omkara asked her out of blue as they had taken Arav to a park, one evening. Gauri felt something within her shift. The walls she had built around her heart began to crumble, revealing the love that had been buried beneath layers of anger and pain. She searched his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but all she saw was a love that had never wavered.

Gauri took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her wedding ring, the symbol of a love that had ended too soon. She glanced over at Arav, playing with a handful of leaves, his laughter echoing through the stillness. "I'm a widow, Om," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I have a child."

The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the life she had built with Aryan.

"I understand," Omkara said, his grip on her hand tightening. "But I've loved you since the day we met. Can't you give me a chance. Just once?" He asked, taking her hands in his.

Gauri looked down at their entwined fingers, feeling the warmth of his touch. "I don't know if I can do that," she admitted. "I've lost so much already."

He leaned in closer, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. "But think of what you might gain," he whispered. "A partner, a friend, someone who will cherish both you and Arav."
___

The thought was tempting, more tempting than she cared to admit. Gauri felt the beginnings of a smile tug at her lips. "I can't marry you Om" she said finally, looking up to meet his gaze. She saw something break in his eyes. "But I'm ready to give us a chance. We'll take it slow, but yes, let's see where this goes."

The smile that broke out on Omkara's face was like the sun emerging from behind the clouds. He leaned in and kissed her gently on her forehead, the touch of his lips sending a jolt through her body. It was a kiss filled with promise and hope, a declaration that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
___

As they pulled away, Arav looked up at them, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Om Uncle," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "It's not night yet" Arav said confusing them both. "Why are you kissing Mamma good night?" He asked innocently.

Gauri blushed, feeling like a teenager caught in a first kiss. She looked at Omkara, whose eyes danced with amusement.
___

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of stolen moments and shared laughter. Omkara took it upon himself to be a part of Gauri and Arav's life, attending school plays, helping with homework, and even teaching the little boy how to ride a bike. Gauri watched them together, her heart swelling with joy and a hint of something more.

Arav looked up to Omkara with wide-eyed admiration, calling him "hero" every chance he got. It was evident that the little boy had found a piece of the puzzle that had been missing in his life. And for Gauri, seeing Omkara with her son was like watching a dream come to life, her Son getting the love of a father.

The bond between Omkara and Arav grew stronger with each passing day, filling the void that Aryan's death had left. It was as if the love and care Omkara had once offered to Gauri now channeled into the innocent heart of her child.

And as for Gauri, she found herself leaning on Omkara more and more, his strength and patience a balm to her soul. He was there to dry her tears, to listen to her fears, and to remind her that she wasn't alone. The friendship that had once been the foundation of their youth had grown into something deeper, something that had the power to heal the wounds of the past.
___

One night as Gauri was tucking Arav to sleep, he asked "Mamma is Om uncle my Papa?"

Gauri's eyes widened with surprise at Arav's question, her heart skipping a beat. The innocence in his voice was a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions that swirled within her. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, her hand lingering on his forehead as she smoothed back his hair. "What makes you say that, Arav?" she asked gently, her voice quivering.

"Because Om Uncle makes you happy, Mamma," he replied, his eyes shining with childlike wisdom. "And he loves me like dada did."

The simplicity of his words struck a chord deep within her, resonating with the longing she had kept buried for so long. She had seen the way Omkara had stepped into Aryan's shoes, filling the gap with a love that was pure and unconditional. It was a love she had yearned for, a love she hadn't realized she could find again.

For a moment, Gauri felt as though the walls of the room were closing in around her. She had been so focused on protecting her heart that she had overlooked the possibility of happiness that was right in front of her. But Arav's question was a beacon of hope, guiding her to the truth she had been too scared to face.

"We'll talk about it, okay?" she said, her voice a whisper. "But for now, let's just enjoy the time we have together."

Arav nodded sleepily, his eyes already half-closed. As she tucked the blanket around him, Gauri felt the weight of her decision. It was time to let go of the past, to embrace the love that had been waiting for her all along.
___

The following days were filled with contemplation and late-night talks with Omkara. They discussed their feelings, their fears, and their hopes for the future. And with each conversation, Gauri felt the barriers between them dissolving, leaving only the raw, unfiltered emotion that had been simmering beneath the surface.

One evening, as they sat in the quiet of her living room, she finally found the courage to voice her thoughts. "Arav wants you to be his father," she said, looking into Omkara's eyes. "And I... I think I want you to be more than just a friend."

The air was thick with anticipation, their hearts beating in sync with the ticking of the clock in the corner. Omkara reached for her hand, his thumb tracing circles on her palm. "Gauri," he said, his voice barely a murmur. "I've wanted to be more than a friend for a very long time."

Their eyes searched each other's, a silent conversation passing between them. The love they had once shared, lost in the tides of misunderstanding, was now rediscovered. It was as if the stars had aligned, offering them a second chance at happiness.

Gauri leaned in, her breath hitching as their lips met. It was a kiss filled with the sweetness of forgiveness, a promise of forever. As they pulled away, she knew that she had made the right choice. Omkara was not just a part of her past but the key to her future.
___

In the weeks that followed, they took it slow, allowing their relationship to evolve organically. They went on picnics, played board games, and watched movies as a family, each moment weaving them closer together. Arav looked up to Omkara with adoration, and the love between Gauri and Omkara grew stronger with each shared smile and whispered confession.
___

One sunny afternoon, as they strolled through the park, Omkara took a deep breath and looked into Gauri's eyes. "I've been thinking," he began, his voice shaking with nerves. "I know it's a big step, but I want to be more than just Arav's uncle. I want to be his father in every way that counts."

Gauri felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She had been waiting for this moment, the moment when she could finally give Arav the family he deserved. She nodded, her voice trembling with emotion. "I want that too," she said. "I want you to be my husband, Omkara. Will you marry me?"

He dropped to one knee, a ring glinting in the sunlight. It was the same spot where Aryan had proposed to her all those years ago, but this time, it felt different. It felt right. "Gauri," he said, his voice steady. "I've loved you since the day we met. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, taking care of you and Arav. Will you marry me?"

And as she said yes, the sound of children playing and the rustle of leaves seemed to crescendo into a symphony of joy. Arav looked at them, his eyes wide with excitement. "Does this mean Om Uncle is going to live with us forever?"

Gauri nodded, her heart full to bursting. "Yes, my love," she said. "Forever."
___

The wedding was a small, intimate affair, held in the same garden where they had once shared their dreams. The air was fragrant with the scent of jasmine, the same scent that had filled their college days. Their friends and family surrounded them, their love and support a warm embrace that enveloped them.

As they exchanged their vows, Gauri looked into Omkara's eyes and knew that she had found her true partner. A man who had loved her through the darkest of times, who had waited patiently for her to heal. A man who would cherish her and Arav, who would be their rock in the storms of life.

And as they drove away into the night, their future stretching out before them like an unexplored path, Gauri knew that she had found her happy ending. They had come full circle, their hearts entwined in a dance that would last a lifetime. And together, they would face whatever life had in store, hand in hand, as husband and wife.
___

Hi Guys,
How are you all doing?
Hope you guys liked.
Have a few more stories lined up.
Hope you guys would show some love and support.
Any specific prompts you guys want me to write on? Do let me.