If I ever asked you what a home is then probably you will define it as a place where you take your first steps or the others might say that it is a place where memories are made with family, in other words, a place where you find solace, right! It's that simple to put it down into words and definition may vary from individual to individual. But when it comes to me I rely on the braille system. Wherever I go, I try to feel the four-syllable word because, to be honest, I never got one.
.
.
Few years back,
"I am sure that mom and dad will surely like it. I know, this time they will definitely appreciate me and who knows if I could get some special treat s to eat just like my big brother. I will go in stealthily so as not to anger mom and then give them the good news," I approached the outside of the house and as I was about to enter, my steps halted due to the words of another person whose voice was new to my ears.
"I suppose I can increase the amount further once I take a good look at him," a man probably in his 30's spoke as if he was bargaining with my parents for something. I peeked through the half-opened window and saw a man, who looked like a secretary with an I-pad in hand and Bluetooth device on his ears. It was evident that he was getting instructions from someone else and was just a mediator.
"He will be here any moment sir," my mom replied after the person who was scrolling his I-pad finished talking.
"We have kept him very well just as you desired. He has turned into a beautiful young man. He is competent in everything and also he always excels in his studies too," my father further spoke.
"Yes, and his reproductive health is at its peak too. His heat cycles are proper and his body shows no side effects once he takes the suppressants."
What? What are they talking about? I think that they are talking about me? At first, I felt delighted as my parents complimented me because I was never that lucky in my 19 years of existence. But as soon as I heard the word heat my legs started trembling and a shiver ran down my spine making me collapse on the ground with a thud.
Being found out as an omega, my parents treated me as an outcast. Ever since I was a kid I did whatever my family said. So, I was taught all the life lessons that they desired. My brother who is a beta was always cherished over me. As soon as things went their way, everything was perfect but when I did something out of their way, they would lock me up and that made me restricted from going to school. It's not like I minded their behavior as long as they allowed me to go to a school. Because at some time I realized that education was my only escape from being ignorant. As a child, I heard omegas being sold to the dominant alphas only to produce their offsprings and the amount paid to the families in return was wholesome. But never did I imagined that fate was warning me with signals that this thing can land upon me too.
"Umm, I think I heard something outside. Is it him? Yeah, he must be back. I will bring him in, sir." I heard my mother's footsteps heading towards me. My eyes enlarged and my heartbeat fastened. I wanted to move and run away but my legs became immobile. For the first time, I realized how weak my body was and how I could lose control over it. My heart and mind denied to share the same frequency and soon without thinking much, a hand-pulled me from behind, and as if giving a push from behind, I started running and we kept on running. I still remember that we ran for around 15 minutes and halted in front of a park. We both were panting heavily and completely drenched in sweat. He looked towards me and so did I. I could see the pity in his eyes. It was not a first for me. Although my parents adored my brother, he adored me the most. But those eyes I disliked the most all my life. But today I accepted his pitiful gaze as I myself saw what a pitiful person I am.
I passed an emotionless smile with dull eyes and an exhausted mind. He looked at me in shock and hugged me that instant. "No, please, I don't want you to become a mannequin. Please, cry Sarang, like you did when we were young. Let those emotions out and remember Hyung is always here for you."
I heard his words and his trembling hands gripped me more tightly. I could feel my shoulder dampening, not due to the evening dues but because he was crying and begging me to cry too. I, on the other hand, was in utmost disappointment with myself.
"Hyung, I got my result today, You know I was behind a year and hence today I finally completed my schooling and thought that today would be the day of change. I was naive, Wasn't I? Well, to be honest, today was a day of change Hyung. Look now I am perfectly aware why my parents always despised me? Hyung, Thank you for always being kind to me even if we are not related by blood. Also, I should be thankful to your parents since they let me go to school instead of locking me up like other omegas. Come on, Hyung what are we doing here. Let's go back. I have to properly express my gratitude towards them." I tried to push my Hyung who was now looking towards me with tears in his eyes and obstructed my way again.
"There is no way you are going back. Sarang, those people were about to sell you. Do you even get what that means? Sarang, Listen to me. Look here Sarang. Sarang! Sarang!"
I broke free from his grip but Hyung came running from behind shouting my name. As soon as he got a hold of me, he pushed me and I fell to the ground. He then held me again but this time more gently and started crying loudly. "Sarang, please listen to me. Those people are trying to send you to hell!! You are so naive to even realize that."
"Hyung, you knew everything. Then whyyy?? Why Hyung? I trusted you. I..I..," finally my mind and heart started to work together and I was crying. I cried my heart out that day and Hyung held me and stayed beside me as he did when we were young.
"Sarang, I have finally decided. From today onwards, you are going to live as a beta too and I know a place where you can spend your entire life without any worries."
To be continued....