Chapter 10: Live, Don't Just Survive

Late that night...

The Singh Mansion was unusually quiet.

The celebrations were over, but the announcement still echoed in everyone's minds.

Inside his study, Devraj Singh sat at his desk, reading a few documents.

A knock came at the door.

Devraj: "Come in."

The door opened.

Veeresh walked inside.

His face was calm, but his eyes carried frustration.

He closed the door behind him.

Veeresh: "Dad..."

Devraj removed his glasses and looked at his son.

Devraj: "Sit."

Veeresh remained standing.

Veeresh: "No."

"I want answers."

Devraj leaned back in his chair.

Devraj: "Go ahead."

Veeresh: "Why this alliance?"

"Why all of a sudden?"

"You announced my marriage in front of everyone."

"You didn't even ask me."

Devraj listened quietly.

Veeresh: "Why, Dad?"

Devraj answered calmly.

Devraj: "Business."

Veeresh frowned.

Devraj: "The partnership between Devraj Industries and Rathore Industries will become stronger."

He paused.

Devraj: "And our friendship with Raghav's family will become a lifelong relationship."

Veeresh shook his head.

Veeresh: "That's not enough."

"Marriage isn't a business contract."

Devraj smiled slightly.

Devraj: "No."

"It isn't."

He stood up and walked toward the large window overlooking the gardens.

Without turning around, he spoke softly.

Devraj: "Veer..."

The nickname caught Veeresh's attention.

His father rarely used it unless the conversation was deeply personal.

Devraj: "I'm asking you to live..."

He slowly turned to face his son.

Devraj: "...not just survive."

The room fell silent.

Veeresh looked away.

His voice was lower now.

Veeresh: "Dad..."

"You know everything."

"The divorce case is still going on."

"The custody case is still in court."

"I still can't meet Adwait..."

"...my own son."

His voice cracked slightly.

Veeresh: "Every time I think I'll get a chance to see him..."

"Something happens."

He clenched his fists.

Veeresh: "Do you know what it's like..."

"...to celebrate your child's birthday through a photograph?"

"...to buy gifts that you can't even give him?"

"...to hear him call someone else 'Dad'?"

Devraj's heart ached.

He walked closer and placed a hand on Veeresh's shoulder.

Devraj: "You will meet him."

Veeresh looked at his father with tired eyes.

Veeresh: "Will I?"

Devraj: "Yes."

Veeresh: "Dad..."

He swallowed hard.

Veeresh: "Do you really think he'll remember me?"

"What if he doesn't recognize me anymore?"

"What if..."

His voice broke.

Veeresh: "...what if he thinks I abandoned him?"

Devraj immediately pulled his son into a hug.

For a moment...

Veeresh stopped pretending to be the fearless businessman.

He was simply a father who missed his child.

Devraj: "Listen to me."

"Children may not remember every moment..."

"But they remember love."

"You have never stopped loving Adwait."

"And one day..."

"He will know that."

Veeresh closed his eyes.

A single tear slipped down his cheek.

Veeresh: "I miss him every day, Dad."

Devraj gently patted his back.

Devraj: "I know."

"I've seen it."

"I've watched you buy birthday presents and keep them locked away."

"I've seen you look at his photographs when you thought no one was watching."

"You don't have to hide your pain from me."

Veeresh slowly stepped back.

Devraj looked him in the eyes.

Devraj: "Your past has taken enough from you."

"Don't let it steal your future too."

Veeresh remained silent.

Devraj continued,

Devraj: "I'm not asking you to forget Rashmi."

"I'm not asking you to stop loving your son."

"I'm asking you to give yourself another chance."

"A chance to smile again."

"A chance to come home to someone who understands loneliness."

"A chance to build a family once more."

Veeresh looked down at the floor.

For the first time that night...

He didn't argue.

He simply stood there, caught between the pain of the past and the possibility of a future he wasn't sure he was ready to embrace.