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He reaches forward, sliding a bunch of papers across the coffee table towards me. “These are the necessary documents. Once you sign them, we can send them for processing, and you can fully step into your role.”

I take the papers slowly, hesitantly, a sudden scepticism creeping into my mind.

“As today is such an auspicious day,” Dad adds with a contended smile, “I thought there could be no better moment for this shubh karya.”

His words fade into the background as my mind drifts to Simran’s recent confessions—her worries about adjusting to life here, her struggle to balance work, and how Veer is having trouble adapting to all these changes. Both of them are still trying to find their footing in this new reality we’ve created.

“Vishnu?” Dad’s voice pulls me back to the present. “Is everything alright?”

I place the papers down on the table and nod.

“Yes, everything is fine, Dad.”

He glances between me and the unsigned papers, his brow furrowing slightly. “Then why aren’t you signing them?”

I take a deep breath before responding. “I need some time to do this.”

“Time?” he repeats, clearly confused. “Why do you need time? You’ve already accepted this role, haven’t you? This is what you want—to join politics and carry our legacy forward.”

“I know this is exactly what I want, Dad, and I’m not going to disappoint you or anyone,” I explain, choosing my words carefully. “It’s just that right now, my sole focus needs to be on Simran and Veer. They need me more than anything or anyone else.”

“I don’t understand,” he frowns, and I can see the faint flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “You have them with you. Simran is now your wife, and Veer has your name as his father. What else is bothering you?”

Rising from my seat, I move to sit beside him. “Only making it official isn’t enough, Dad. Simran is still trying to adapt to this new life, this family, and everything it entails. She’s doing her best, but it’s a lot for her to manage. And Veer… he’s still adjusting too. On top of that, Simran’s business in New York needs her. She has so much on her plate, and I can’t just expect her to figure it all out on her own while I dive into my political responsibilities here.”

He listens intently, though I can see the disappointment lingering.

“Dad,” I say, taking his hand in mine, “I’m not saying I won’t take up the role of party president, but I just want more time. This is solely because I want to prioritise my family—Simran and Veer—before anything or anyone. Until I see them settling in with ease and stability here, I can’t take on another responsibility this huge.”

His face dims slightly, and I’m worried if I’ve let him down.

“I’m just asking for some more time, Dad. If Simran has to go back to New York in a month, I don’t want her to be alone there. There’s already a threat to her life, and despite my team of guards being with her, I can’t let her handle everything alone. I want to be there for her—to protect her, to help her with Veer and ease the responsibility she’s carried alone all this time. I want to be her support system.”

To my relief, Dad’s expression softens. He nods slowly as he processes my words.

“I understand,” he says quietly. “This… this is exactly what makes you different from what I was back then. For me, politics was everything—it came even before my family. Politics was what I chose. But I don’t expect you to make that same choice, Vishnu. You have a heart that is purer than mine, or anyone else I know who is hungry for power. That’s what separates you from the rest and makes you so much more deserving of carrying this nation’s responsibility on your shoulders and making us proud in the coming future. I won’t do anything to change that in you.”

Relief and gratitude wash over me.That’s true.I may have inherited his political acumen, but I’ve chosen a different path—one where family comes first. And somehow, that feels like the very thing that makes me even more worthy of the legacy he’s built.

We both stand, and I pull him into a hug. For the first time in a long while, I feel the weight on my shoulders lighten, knowing I have his unwavering support.

“Thank you, Dad,” I murmur.

He pulls back, patting my shoulder.

“Just promise me one thing,” he says, his tone serious yet gentle. “When the time comes, you’ll step into this role with the same determination and integrity that you’ve shown today.”

“I promise, Dad,” I reply, knowing that I will honour that commitment when the time is right.

He pulls me into another hug, and all my worries seem to melt away. With Dad on my side, I know I can focus on giving Simran and Veer the stability they need before taking on the world.

SIMRAN

I can’t believe what I just overheard.

The words replay in my head as I quietly make my way toward Devika’s room, not wanting him to know that I heard everything.

Vishnu...He’s not signing the papers to become the party president—at least not yet. But it’s his reasons that make my eyes well up with tears—he’s doing this for me, for us.