Delicate - A Rikara Tale (Completed!)

Twenty: Resolutions and Restitutions

1. an act of or a condition of being: such as

a: of something to its rightful owner

b: a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury

- Merriam-webster dictionary.

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There are two ways that things can fall.

The first is together and the second is apart.

But everything is far more complex

when it comes to the human heart.

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The Oberoi household was always struck by some odd occurrence or another and was no stranger to sudden, shocking events.

But none of its members was prepared for three unprecedented changes that happened on a sleepy Sunday morning.

The first, Priyanka Singh Oberoi, seated between her mother and her beloved Gauri bhabhi, opened her mouth wider than she ever had and spoke not just a monosyllabic utterance but a series of shocking sentences without the slightest of a tremble. "I'll be going for a college trip this weekend to Goa." Priyanka was not asking permission but informing them of something she had clearly made her mind up about. The elders had to fight a smile of relief as they asked the customary questions about the trip. Prinku asked all the questions, though she did blush and stutter at places. But even that was a huge step ahead for the wallflower who had always stayed in the shadows of the larger than life personalities of her brothers. Gauri excitedly asked if Priyanka had begun packing yet and Prinku sighed. With a grin on her face, Gauri moved closer to Prinku and the two younger women were busy discussing what kind of clothes were perfect for the beach. Anika got up from her seat and joined in the conversation, proclaiming that as the eldest and as the event manager, she had more experience. Shivaay and Omkara watched the scene in front of them with delight and relived, glad to see their painfully shy sister blossom under the tender and loving companionship of their wives. Anika offered to take the girls shopping and was met with approval from a most unexpected source- her mother in law!

"Buy something for yourself as well, Anika. Maybe something in one of those... what colour were you talking about that day for the Saxena wedding, beta?"

The words from Pinky Oberoi shocked everyone into silence. Anika blinked and then found her lips curving into a soft smile. "Ivory"

"Haan, Irony. Waise, you will carry off darker colours as well, but abhi Summer mein thoda hots hoga" Pinky grinned "Pink aur peach tumhe suit karega, blacks se zyada"

"Ji." Stunned, Anika could only nod and accept the somewhat compliment.

It was only because of the second shocking event that followed that everyone was able to not dwell too much over the fact that Anika was finally being accepted by Pinky Oberoi, or at the least acknowledged.

Saumya and Rudra got up from their places (opposite to each other) and walked out together. That unusual occurrence made everyone at the table freeze for a few minutes.

And then, because things always come in threes, Tej Singh Oberoi, whose presence was that of a person who ate and left as fast as possible, took and deep breath and in the most hesitant tone that the family had ever heard him use, addressed his estranged wife.

"Jhaanvi, can I please talk to you?"

It was perhaps, lucky for Tej that Gauri was sitting next to Omkara. Had it not been for his wife's fingers that were intertwined with Om's own, pulling his hand to her, nothing would have stopped him from getting up and physically coming in between his parents. Gauri's subtle shake of the head and mouthed "shh" kept Om rooted to his seat, his eyes focused on his wife. Before her, the slightest sign of interaction between his parents set him off like a smoke alarm. Except he'd be an open flame too, his rage burning him. He'd be seething in his position of powerlessness, and he hated that. Gauri was like a stream, her cool confidence and faith in things turning out to be good despite the things she had been through. She calmed Omkara's demons and he did not want to upset her by storming out of the room or blowing up at his "father'.

The family sat, stunned to silence, almost transfixed, waiting for another storm to tear the delicate, newborn peace and harmony in the house with bated breath.

What came next, was something the family could never have expected.

"I'm extremely sorry for everything I have done. I have been a terrible husband, a horrible businessman and the worst father. I don't know what made you stay with me, fight for me after everything I have done. I know I am not worthy of being forgiven, but yet, I'm asking you to give me another chance to do right by you, by our kids. Please. I will do everything you ask of me."

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After moments of uncertain silence, Jhaanvi Tej Singh Oberoi finally spoke, her voice fuelled with determination "I cannot forgive you, not without help. If you really are repentant, if you really want things to change, you'll have to come with me to a counselor."

Omkara felt his heart sink.

Tej Singh Oberoi, who prided himself on his self-made empire,  on his ability to handle challenges, would never admit he could not do this on his own, and would not tolerate someone else being 'all up in his business'.

His father would leave as he always did, and Om would be left to pick up the pieces and make sure his mother did not hurt herself after that assured rejection.

"I'll come to the counselor."

A/N: There are probably about 5 parts left!