The Oberoi Mansion was unusually silent. Nights were always filled with laughter and fun but since the last few days, it was nothing but silence. Omkara looked into the sky in deep thoughts. Few days back, their hearts were filled with anticipation and joy. Who knew that things would end up like this! A shrill cry echoed, breaking his chain of thoughts. Omkara sighed as a lone tear made it's way down his face.

Jhanvi looked at Shivaay as Anika walked around the room cuddling a baby. Anika was trying her best to calm her down but her efforts went in vain. She looked worried at Shivaay. "I'll try" Shivaay said and took the baby in his arms. He slowly rocked her. Soon, the baby fell into sleep. With a sigh, Shivaay kept the baby on the bed.

"You both sleep. I'll stay up" he said. Jhanvi and Anika had been staying awake since last two nights and they were tired. Both of them nodded their head in a no. "Badi ma, your health will deteriorate. Please. We'll manage" Shivaay said. After a lot of efforts, Jhanvi went to sleep. Anika looked at the little one sleeping soundly unaware of the havoc. "Why Shivaay!? What's her mistake?" Anika asked and carassed her forehead. "All we can do is wait Anika" Shivaay said and wrapped his arm around Anika.

Omkara leaned onto the window frame. She had stopped crying. His heart went out for her, but then each feature of her reminded him of Gauri. Gauri. Omkara's eyes pooled. He closed his eyes tightly as the warm water rolled down his cheeks.

"How are you so sure that it's a girl?" Gauri asked annoyed. Omkara chuckled at her expression. "I know. She will be Papa's princess" he said. "And me?" Gauri asked. "You're my queen" he whispered joining their foreheads. Automatically, his one hand went around her stomach. He chuckled  softly as he felt a small kick. "I love you" he said and planted a small kiss on her forehead.

His thoughts came to a halt as the breeze blew a bit strongly. They had been so happy. Ecstasy had been their companion. But things took a 360 degree turn.

"It's going to be fine love" Omkara said and kissed Gauri's forehead. He himself was worried but he had to stay strong. Gauri clutched tightly onto his shoulder.

The contractions were increasing by each passing minute. Anika sat beside her, wiping the sweat away from her forehead. Soon, they reached the hospital and Gauri was rushed inside. Omkara leaned on the wall. Anika was inside. He could hear her screams. "It's gonna be fine Om" Shivaay said.

Omkara lightly smiled. A loud scream was heard followed by a baby's cry. A big smile broke out on Omkara's face. Anika came out with a smile, holding the newborn in her arms. "It's a girl" she said and handed over the baby to Omkara. Omkara smiled as the baby looked at him with curious eyes. His baby, their baby. Happy tears filled his eyes. "Can I hold her Om" Shivaay asked excitedly. Omkara nodded his head in a yes. "Mr.Oberoi, your wife is asking for you" a nurse came to them in hurry and he walked inside with a frown.

"Omkaraji" Gauri called out breathlessly as he entered. He rushed to her side. She was breathing with difficulty. "Gauri" he called worriedly. His eyes were already filled with water. "I don't think I'll make it. Omkaraji, take care of her. Tell her that Mumma loved her a lot" she said. Omkara was too shocked to react. "I love you. Promise me.. That you'll love her the way you loved me" Gauri said and pressed her lips on his forehead. "No Gauri. You can't go leaving me, our daughter" Omkara said. He placed a kiss on her forehead as both of them clutched onto each other.

He was soon ushered outside. Seconds, minutes.. Yet no sign of anyone. The bulb turned off and the doctor came outside. "She suffered from bleeding. We tried our best but.. I'm sorry" the doctor said and walked away. Omkara slumped down on the chair. He could hear Anika crying and Shivaay calling him but his mind was blank. Gauri was no more.

Omkara was bought back to reality when the little one cried again. The cry grew louder making him worry. He stared at the sky. Gauri's words echoed in his head. Love her the way you loved me. Determined, he walked to Shivaay's room.

Anika was rocking the little one in her arms but nothing seemed to work. Shivaay tried calming her down but that too didn't work. "Bhabhi" both of them looked at the door as they heard that voice. They were surprised to see Omkara standing there.

"Give her to me" Omkara said and Anika gave him the baby. He held her close, slowly rocking her. Soon, she fell into sleep. He observed his daughter closely. A carbon copy of her mother. But she had his eyes. Chocolate brown.

"What will we name her/him?" Gauri asked. Omkara smiled and looked up from his canvas. "If it's a boy, then we'll name him Siddharth. And if it's a girl.." Omkara was cut in the middle by Gauri "Inaaya. We'll name her Inaaya. Gift from god". Both of them laughed as the baby started kicking.

Omkara smiled at the little creation in his arms. His daughter was beautiful, just like her mother. Shivaay and Anika smiled wiping their tears. "Inaaya" Omkara said and kissed her forehead. "A gift from god" he said and carried her to his.. No their room. 

Inaaya didn't cry anymore that night. She slept peacefully beside her father. For Omkara, the night was beautiful. He would love his daughter like he loved Gauri. He'll make sure that she loves her mother. With all these thoughts running in his mind, he leaned onto the bedpost. From the stars, Gauri smiled. "You'll be the best father" she said and prayed for her family. Omkara and Inaaya were going to start a new journey from tomorrow. A journey full of laughter and happiness.

Thank you for reading.

Stay happy.