"How did you do this?"
Vijay, still looking at Ayush, could only utter this much to Om. Om, too, kept his gaze on Ayush as he calmly explained to Vijay:
"A slow-acting poison was administered to his body, causing him to fall ill. Someone even tampered with the cure medicines you were giving him. When you gave him the correct medicine today, his immune system, already significantly weakened, completely shut down. The slow poison began to take effect, and his body became entirely inactive. But you didn't notice that his breathing, though extremely faint, was still there. Fortunately, I noticed it and suspected that your medicines wouldn't be able to save him. So, I used the ancient spiritual acupuncture treatment on his vital points, and the results are right in front of you. If we had delayed any longer, both you and I would have been powerless. But now, the situation is under control."
Om explained to Vijay as clearly as he could, but Vijay couldn't comprehend much. Although he had read about spiritual acupuncture treatment, he knew that in today's world, no one practiced it. But then, how did Om know about this lost spiritual surgery? Vijay couldn't believe what had just happened. He stared at Om for a moment, then after gathering himself, asked:
"But how do you know about spiritual surgery? Not just know, but you actually applied that technique here just a while ago. Though you said you left your studies halfway."
By this time, Om had asked the nurse to bring some rough supplies for the medicines and then, paying attention to Vijay's question, replied with a smile:
"Uncle, I told you the truth. I've never studied spiritual surgery, nor have I studied medicine in any formal way. But all this knowledge came to me from reading books."
What Vijay heard was impossible to believe. He looked at Om, astonished, and said:
"You saved a dying man with just the knowledge from some books? And you expect me to believe that?"
Om, still smiling, replied:
"Yes, absolutely. Even if you choose not to believe it, it's still the truth that this was my first surgery."
Gradually, Vijay's mind started working again, and internally, he admired Om's exceptional learning skills, thinking:
"Of course, you're my brother's son... You have that incredible knack for quick learning, just like your father. Even though I don't have any affection for you, you just saved my life."
Then, speaking more gently, Vijay said to Om:
"Whatever it is... you have incredible luck, son. You succeeded in such a risky surgery on your first try. Truly, your luck is on your side."
While they were talking, the nurse returned with the items Om had requested. Om quickly took them, went to the table, and began preparing the cure. Within moments, he made the cure and gave it to Ayush to drink. As soon as Ayush drank it, he felt a sudden surge of energy in his body. He stood up and looked at his feet. There was a smile on his face, as if he had won a battle. Excited, he said:
"Thank you, Doctor. For several months, I felt so weak, I wasn't sure if I'd ever walk again. Thank you, Dr. Om, you're truly a magician."
Om laughed at him and, in his sweet voice, replied:
"It's nothing, Mr. Ayush. I just did what I could to save you. Now, take care of yourself, and for some time, try to eat only food prepared by a trustworthy person, or better yet, by your own hands, because your enemies are very close to you."
Then, looking at his uncle with a smile, Om said:
"Alright, Uncle, I should get going now. It was nice meeting you. Please give my regards to Aunt and everyone else."
Saying this, Om began to leave.
Vijay, stopping Om, said:
"Wait, son... You wanted to meet your aunt, didn't you? Why are you leaving now?"
Om, with a bit of softness, replied:
"Maybe some other time, Uncle. I don't think it would be appropriate right now."
Vijay laughed and said:
"It's been so many years since you've seen us... Come on, just say you'll stay. Spend the night at my place tonight. We can have dinner together."
Om, smiling slightly, said:
"Alright, Uncle, if you say so."
After that, both Om and Vijay left the hospital and headed to Vijay's house in his car. They talked for quite some time along the way until their car stopped near the gate of a small but luxurious bungalow. Vijay spoke into the car's Bluetooth, and shortly after, the watchman opened the gate. Om noticed that Vijay's home was a beautiful, small villa.
Admiring the villa, Om said:
"It's a beautiful villa, Uncle."
Vijay, returning to his prideful demeanor, replied:
"You're right, son."
After parking the car, both stopped at the large door of the house, where Vijay placed his thumb on the security screen attached to the door, and then opened it. As they both entered, Vijay called out to his wife and children, yelling:
"Sharda, Riya, Soumya... Where are you all? Come and see who's here."
As Vijay placed his coat on a hanger, he said:
"Have a seat. I'll get you some water."
Om, hesitating a little and looking as if he was waiting for someone, said:
"No need for that, Uncle. I'm comfortable."
A few moments later, a woman in her mid-thirties descended the stairs and said:
"What is it? Who's here? Why are you shouting?"
As she said this, her gaze fell on Om. She was Om's aunt. Om recognized her immediately. After all, he had spent the happiest moments of his childhood with her. In those moments, the woman walking toward him, named Sharda, was also a part of them. Om remembered that whenever Sharda Aunty visited Om and his parents, she always brought something for him. She didn't have a son, so she loved Om like her own. And even after all these years, she had never stopped praying for Om's well-being. But being a devoted wife, she had respected her husband's wishes and stayed away from her son all these years. However, she had never stopped worrying about Om in her heart. Her love for Om was still as strong as ever. Seeing Om now gave her a strange sense of familiarity.
"Who are you, son? I don't recognize you."
Sharda Aunty asked, looking at Om. For some reason, tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't recognize Om because he had changed so much in appearance.
Om's eyes also filled with tears. Despite having complete control over his emotions, it's said that a mother's love can melt even the hardest mountains. Om had always seen his mother in Sharda Aunty, and so, with tears in his eyes, he just kept looking at her, unable to say anything.
"Who are you, son?"
Sharda Aunty asked Om once again.
Coming out of his thoughts, Om hurriedly tried to speak:
"Aunty, it's... it's me."
Om was about to say something when two girls descended the stairs, asking:
"Yes, Dad... who's here?"