Chapter 73 — Father's Day

Father's Day finally arrived.

The Qureshi mansion was unusually quiet that morning.

Rishi had been waiting for this day for weeks.

He had saved his money, bought a small gift, and carefully made a handmade card with colourful drawings and his little handprints.

He stood outside Arnav's room, holding everything behind his back.

Rishi: Baba?

Arnav opened the door.

Arnav: Good morning, champ.

Rishi smiled.

Rishi: Happy Father's Day, Baba!

Arnav looked surprised.

Rishi brought out the handmade card first.

Rishi: I made this for you.

Arnav carefully took it.

Inside was a drawing of three people holding hands.

Rishi had written:

"My Baba, my hero. I love you."

Arnav became quiet.

Rishi: Open this also.

He handed him the gift.

Arnav opened it and saw the watch Rishi had bought with his savings.

Arnav: Champ...

Rishi: I saved my money for you.

Arnav knelt down in front of him.

Arnav: You didn't have to buy me anything.

Rishi: I wanted to.

Arnav smiled and pulled him into a hug.

Arnav: This is the best Father's Day gift I've ever received.

Rishi hugged him tightly.

Rishi: You are my Baba.

Arnav closed his eyes for a moment.

Arnav: And you are my son.

Ritika stood at the doorway watching them.

She smiled warmly.

Ritika: Happy Father's Day, Arnav.

Arnav looked at her.

Arnav: Thank you, Ritu.

Rishi: Baba, I also made something for Mumma.

Ritika laughed.

Ritika: For me?

Rishi: Yes, but Baba gets the first gift today.

Everyone downstairs smiled when they saw Arnav wearing the watch.

Abhram: So, champ finally gave his Baba his present?

Rishi proudly nodded.

Rishi: Yes, Dadu!

Shabana: Look at Arnav's face.

Rehnaa: He looks happier than he does when he closes a business deal.

Arnav smiled.

Arnav: This is more important than any business deal.

Rishi immediately hugged his waist again.

Rishi: Happy Father's Day, Baba.

Arnav placed his hand gently over Rishi's head.

Arnav: Thank you, champ.

He looked at Ritika.

Then at Rishi.

For the first time, Arnav understood that fatherhood wasn't defined by blood.

It was defined by love, trust, responsibility and the little boy who had chosen to call him Baba.