Mahika sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on her lap, worry etched across her face like a shadow. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow around the room, but it did little to ease the anxiety gnawing at her heart. Omkar, her brother-in-law, had been missing since morning, and despite her efforts, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach.

"Gautam, Om se kuchh baat hui kya?" Mahika's voice trembled slightly as she turned to her husband, her eyes searching his face for any sign of concern.

Gautam, sitting across from her, glanced up from his newspaper, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Om? Nahi toh, maine toh usay kal shaam se hi nahin dekha," he replied, folding the paper neatly and setting it aside. "Kyun? Koi problem hai kya?"

Mahika sighed, her worry deepening at Gautam's lack of knowledge. "Subah se gayab hai. Kitni baar call kar chuki hun, par baar baar switch off aa raha hai, Pata nahi kahan hai," she explained, her voice tinged with frustration and fear.

Gautam's expression softened, and he reached out to place a comforting hand on Mahika's shoulder. "Vo thik hoga Mahika. Yahin kahin gaya hog. Bekar mein pareshan mat hou" he reassured her, though his own concern mirrored hers.

But Mahika couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that gripped her heart like a vice. Om was not one to disappear without a word, especially without informing anyone. Her mind raced with all sorts of possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last.

Determined to find answers, Mahika rose from the couch, her resolve steeling her nerves. "Main na Shanti se pucchke aati hun, vo uske kamre ki safai kar rahi thi na," she declared, her steps quickening as she made her way to the kitchen.

The maid, busy washing dishes, looked up in surprise as Mahika entered the room, her expression one of concern. "Didi, Kya hua sab thik hai?" she asked, her hands stilling in the sink.

Mahika shook her head, her voice tight with worry. "Tumne Om ko dekha kahin?" she questioned, her eyes searching the maid's face for any hint of knowledge.

Shanti  furrowed her brow, her lips pursed in thought. "Nahin Didi. Maine toh unhe kal shaam se hi nahi dekha," she admitted, her eyes widening in realization.

Mahika's heart sank at the maid's words, the fear coiling in her chest like a serpent ready to strike. If Om hadn't left the house, then where could he be? Desperation clawed at her insides as she racked her brain for any clue, any hint that could lead her to her missing brother-in-law.

Without another word, Mahika rushed out of the kitchen, her mind whirling with possibilities. She needed answers, and she needed them now.

As she reached the living room, her eyes fell on the phone lying on the coffee table, a silent beacon of hope amidst the chaos. With trembling hands, she picked it up and dialed Om's friend Karan's number, her heart pounding in her chest with each passing second.

The phone rang once, twice, thrice, before finally connecting to Karan's voicemail. Mahika's heart sank as she hung up, the knot of fear in her stomach tightening with each unanswered call.

Frustration and desperation bubbled up inside her as she tried to think of another way to find Om. She needed answers, and she needed them now.

With a determined set to her jaw, Mahika made her way to the study, her mind racing with possibilities. She needed to find Om, and she would stop at nothing to bring him back home safely.

Gautam, sensing Mahika's escalating worry, rose from his seat and crossed the room to stand beside her. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, he offered her a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding.

"Mahika, Tum Om ke liye itna pareshan mat hou, aa jayega vo," Gautam said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Kahin busy hoga, aa jayega jald"

Mahika turned to look at Gautam, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "Par agar usay kuch ho gaya toh, Gautam? Kahin kisi musibat mein toh nahi?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Gautam tightened his grip on her shoulder, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "Mahika, tum kuch zyada hi soch rahi ho, Omi bilkul thik hoga, jald aa jayega," he replied, his tone firm yet comforting.

Mahika nodded, her heart heavy with worry but reassured by Gautam's unwavering support. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to trust in his words, to believe that everything would be alright in the end.

As the evening descended, Mahika's worry for Om only seemed to intensify. Despite Gautam's reassurances, her mind continued to conjure up worst-case scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled over her like a heavy cloak, suffocating her with its weight.

Gautam, sensing Mahika's persistent unease, exchanged a concerned glance with her, silently acknowledging the depth of her worry. He knew that mere words wouldn't be enough to ease her anxiety, not when her brother-in-law remained missing without a trace.

Suddenly, the room was plunged into darkness as the lights flickered and died, leaving Mahika and Gautam shrouded in darkness. Mahika's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat as a surge of panic washed over her. Gautam reached out to her, his hand finding hers in the darkness, offering her a sense of comfort and security.

Before Mahika could voice her fear, a soft melody filled the air, breaking through the silence like a ray of sunshine piercing through storm clouds. It was a familiar tune, one that tugged at the strings of her heart, filling her with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

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As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, Mahika's gaze was drawn to the source of the music, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw Om standing before her, a small smile playing on his lips. In his hands, he held a beautifully decorated cake, its candles flickering softly in the darkness.

"Om?" Mahika's voice wavered with disbelief as she rose from her seat, her eyes widening in surprise. "Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho? Kahan that tum?"

Om chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he took a step forward, the soft glow of the candles illuminating his face. "Surprise, Bhabhi! Happy birthday!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and excitement.

Mahika's heart swelled with emotion as she realized the truth behind Om's disappearance. He hadn't been missing at all; he had been busy making arrangements for her birthday, orchestrating this beautiful surprise to lift her spirits and chase away her worries.

Tears welled up in Mahika's eyes as she rushed forward to embrace Om, her arms wrapping around him in a tight hug. "Thank you, Om. This is the best surprise ever," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Gautam smiled warmly at the heartwarming scene unfolding before him, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. He knew how much Mahika meant to Om, and seeing the genuine love and affection between them filled his heart with happiness.

Om grinned as he pulled away from the hug, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Toh intezar kis baat ka hai? Let's cut the cake and celebrate!" he declared, gesturing towards the table where the cake sat, its sweet aroma filling the air.

With laughter and smiles, Mahika, Gautam, and Om gathered around the table, the flickering candles casting a warm glow over their faces. As Mahika made a wish and blew out the candles, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support of her family.

As they shared slices of cake and exchanged stories and laughter, Mahika's worries faded into the background, replaced by a sense of joy and contentment. In that moment, surrounded by the people she loved most, she felt truly blessed.

As the celebration continued, Om reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved idol of Bal Gopal, the infant form of Lord Krishna. He held it out to Mahika with a smile, his eyes shining with warmth and sincerity.

"Bhabhi, Main aapke liye kuch special laaya hun," Om said, his voice soft with emotion. "Aaj main mandir gaya tha, aapke liye Prarthana karne ke liye, unhone kaha hai ki agar aap ye Bal Gopal ko murti apne kamre mein rakhengi na toh aapki manokaamna zaroor puri hogi"

Mahika's eyes widened in surprise as she took the idol from Om's hands, her fingers tracing the delicate curves of the sculpture. She felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, touched by Om's thoughtfulness and the significance of the gift.

"Oh, Om, thank you," Mahika murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "Ye toh bahot sundar hai
Aur main jaanti hun, tumhari prarthnayein zaroor kaam karengi  "

Gautam smiled warmly at the exchange, his heart swelling with pride for his brother's gesture of love and devotion. He knew how much this meant to Mahika, and seeing the genuine bond between them filled him with a sense of joy and contentment.

With reverence, Mahika placed the idol of Bal Gopal on the table in her room, its serene expression filling her with a sense of peace and hope. She closed her eyes for a moment, offering a silent prayer for guidance and blessings, her heart overflowing with faith and gratitude.

As the night wore on and the laughter and conversation flowed freely, Mahika couldn't shake off the feeling of warmth and comfort that enveloped her like a gentle embrace. She knew that with Om's gift and the love of her family, anything was possible.

And as she stole a glance at the idol of Bal Gopal, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope stirring within her.

As Mahika basked in the warmth of Om's promise and the love of her family, a mischievous glint danced in her eyes as an idea formed in her mind. With a playful smirk, she turned to Gautam, who had been watching the exchange between her and Om with a smile on his face.

"Gautam, tumhein ye sab pata tha na ?" Mahika teased, her tone mockingly accusing.

Gautam's eyes widened in mock innocence, a playful grin spreading across his lips. "Mujhe? Om ke surprise ke baare mein ? Mujhe kaise pata hoga?," he replied, feigning ignorance with exaggerated innocence.

Mahika raised an eyebrow skeptically, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "Oh, come on, Gautam. Don't pretend like you didn't know. Mujhe pata hai tumhein pata tha, Omi tumhein bataye bina kuchh kar hi nahi sakta ," she retorted, her voice filled with playful accusation.

Gautam chuckled, unable to hide his amusement at Mahika's teasing. "Achha thik hai, mujhe pata tha ," he admitted, his grin widening. "Par main tumhare liye tumhare laadle devar ka surprise spoil nahi karna chahta tha, isliye maine tumhein nahi bataya"

Mahika rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, though her heart swelled with affection for her husband. "Tumhein andaza bhi hai main kitna pareshan ho gai thi Omi ke liye, agli baar se aisa kiya na toh baat nahi karungi main tumse haan," she teased, her tone light and playful.

Gautam laughed, pulling Mahika into a playful hug. "Achha Baba, main agli baar se tumhen sab bata dunga," he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Par abhi toh neeche chalein?"

With laughter and joy ringing in the air, Mahika leaned into Gautam's embrace, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude for her wonderful family.

Mahika's phone rang, she glanced at the screen to see her sister's name flashing on the display. With a smile, she answered the call, her heart filled with warmth at the sound of her sister's voice. After a brief exchange, her sister informed Mahika about the surprise waiting for her at the door.

Curiosity piqued, Mahika hurried to the front door, anticipation bubbling within her chest. As she swung the door open, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a man standing on the doorstep, holding a parcel in his hands.

With a polite nod, the man handed the parcel to Mahika before retreating down the path, leaving her alone with the mysterious package. Mahika's fingers trembled slightly as she carefully unwrapped the parcel, her heart racing with excitement.

As the wrapping paper fell away, Mahika gasped in delight at the treasures that lay within. Nestled inside were multiple gifts, each one more thoughtful than the last. Her eyes lit up with joy as she took in the contents of the parcel.

First, there was a delicate pendant, its chain adorned with the initials of both her and her sister's  names intertwined together. Mahika's heart swelled with love at the sight of the pendant, a tangible symbol of the bond between her and her beloved sister.

Next, she discovered a soft toy, its fluffy fur and bright eyes bringing a smile to her lips. Mahika couldn't help but hug the toy close to her chest, its comforting presence filling her with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

And finally, nestled at the bottom of the parcel, was a box of her favorite sweets, each one carefully chosen to tantalize her taste buds and bring a smile to her face. Mahika's eyes sparkled with delight as she reached for the box, her mouth watering in anticipation of the sweet treats that awaited her.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude, Mahika gathered the gifts close to her chest, her eyes shining with happiness. In that moment, surrounded by the tokens of love and affection from her sister, she felt truly cherished and appreciated.

As she closed the door behind her, Mahika couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with her sister, despite the physical distance between them. Their bond was unbreakable, a beacon of light that guided Mahika through even the darkest of times.

"Arey itne pyare gifts, kisne bheje hain tumhare liye Mahika?" asked Gautam, his words tinted with curiosity.

"Bas ek hi toh hai,  door hone ke baad bhi jo paas hone ka ehsaas dila sakti hai" she replied as her heart sank in the memory of the two.

With a smile on her lips and warmth in her heart, Mahika carried the gifts inside, eager to savor each moment of joy and gratitude that they brought her.  She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would always have her sister by her side, a constant source of love and support.

As the night grew quiet and the sounds of celebration faded into the distance, Mahika and Gautam retreated to the sanctuary of their room, seeking solace in each other's company. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm, intimate ambiance, enveloping them in a cocoon of love and serenity.

Gautam watched as Mahika settled onto the edge of the bed, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions as she gazed out into the darkness. He could sense the weight of her longing, the ache in her heart for a child of their own, and he yearned to ease her pain, to fill the empty spaces in her soul with love and joy.

With a soft sigh, Gautam crossed the room to where Mahika sat, his heart heavy with the weight of his own desires and fears. He knelt beside her, taking her hands in his as he searched her eyes for any sign of hope or despair.

"Mahika," Gautam began, his voice tender with emotion. "Main tumhare liye kuchh laya tha."

Mahika's eyes widened in surprise as Gautam reached behind his back and pulled out a large, beautifully wrapped package. Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she took the gift from him, her fingers trembling slightly as she carefully unwrapped it.

As the wrapping fell away, Mahika gasped in astonishment at what lay before her. It was a painting, a breathtaking masterpiece that depicted her cradling an infant in her arms, her face radiant with love and joy. Tears welled up in Mahika's eyes as she took in every detail, her heart overflowing with gratitude and emotion.

"Oh, Gautam, it's beautiful," Mahika whispered, her voice choked with tears. "Tumne ...Tumne khud paint kiya?"

Gautam nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched Mahika's reaction. "Haan, Maine vo khaalipan dekha hai tumhari aankhon mein aur main chahta tha ki tum vo ehsaas mehsoos kar sako jiske liye tum itne samay se taras rahi ho" he replied, his voice filled with tenderness.

Mahika reached out to touch the painting, her fingers tracing the delicate lines and colors with reverence. It was as if Gautam had captured their deepest desires and dreams on canvas, immortalizing their love for all eternity.

With a trembling breath, Mahika turned to Gautam, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you, Gautam. This...this means more to me than words can express," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion.

Gautam enveloped Mahika in a warm embrace, holding her close as they gazed at the painting together, their hearts united in love and longing. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Gautam's gift and the warmth of their shared love, Mahika felt a sense of peace wash over her, filling her with hope for the future.

And as they settled into bed, the painting watching over them like a silent guardian, Mahika knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she and Gautam would face them together, their love guiding them through the darkest of nights and into the dawn of a new day.

RuVineet Happy Birthday, didaa! I hope you like it❤️