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Vishnu takes a step closer. I notice his veins bulge along his neck and forehead, barely containing his rage.

“This isn’t just a grudge, Dad. This is a cold, calculated revenge. He used Simran to lure me out, to weaken our defences. Every move he’s made has been deliberate. And now he’s made his intentions crystal clear—he’s coming for you.”

“What?” I breathe, my pulse quickening.

Vishnu grits his teeth. “I got a call from him early this morning. He threatened me. He said he’s coming here—to this house—within the next six days. And he promised to make sure you don’t live to see the next day.”

I’m shocked, speechless to even think of anything. For a moment, the only sound in the room is that of Veer’s soft babbling, blissfully oblivious to the tension around him.

I try to calm myself, but my heart pounds against my chest.

“That’s why I’ve rescheduled all your meetings for the week,” Vishnu says firmly. “You’re not leaving this house, Dad. I’ve already tightened the security around Walia Mansion. There’s increased patrolling, and Ayaan is sending a backup team today to reinforce everything.”

“Vishnu,” I shake my head, clearing my thoughts as I force myself to respond. “I appreciate what you’re doing, but I won’t let his threats disrupt my responsibilities. I know this family is under threat, but I can’t allow it to derail my work. I already have high-level police protection, your highly trained guards, and now even Ayaan’s professional team. Qureshi’s son cannot simply walk through all of that. And besides…” I pause, trying to meet my son’s blazing gaze, “I know that as long as my son is by my side, nothing will happen to me or this family. I won’t let these threats lock me inside this house.”

Vishnu’s eyes flash with fury, and he steps closer, his presence as commanding as it is furious.

“This is not an empty threat, Dad,” he growls, his voice rising. “And I won’t take it lightly. If he comes here…” He stops, his jaw tightening as if the thought itself fuels his rage. “He’s going to die. I’ll make sure of it. No more leniency for your enemies. I know the law is meant to punish them, but when someone threatens my family like this and comes this close to hurting them, then I won’t wait for the law. I’ll deal with him myself.”

The intensity in his stance, his eyes, and his words is raw and terrifying. My son is like a storm, about to unleash its full force, and he means every word he says.

“Vishnu, calm down,” I urge, though I know it’s unlikely to cool the fury burning inside him. “You will do no such thing. We will let the law handle this.”

“The law takes time,” Vishnu counters, glaring at me, struggling to rein in his laboured breaths. “And this time, you cannot bind me with your promises, Dad. This is my fight. I’ll set the rules, and I’ll decide how it ends.”

“Vishnu,” I sigh, my heart heavy with concern. I know my son would walk through fire to protect this family, but his anger clouds his judgement, blinding him to the consequences of his actions. “Listen to me carefully. You are going to be the Party President soon. You’ve worked hard for this position, for the respect that you’ve rightfully earned. I don’t want incidents like this to tarnish your image. You’re a fierce protector, a true survivor. But in your quest to protect us, don’t end up being the executioner. You don’t have to stoop to their level to win this battle.”

I soften my voice, hoping to reach the part of him that still values and listens to reason.

“And above all, I don’t want to lose you. Do you understand that? You are my son, and I want you alive and safe more than anything in the world. Think about Veer and Simran, Vishnu. You are not alone anymore. You can’t make decisions like this without thinking about them first—about what they’d lose if something ever happened to you.”

For a moment, he doesn’t respond. His jaw clenches, his fists tighten, and the fire in his eyes doesn’t dim. But I can see the slightest flicker of hesitation—an acknowledgement, however brief—that my words have reached him. I pray it’s enough to hold him back, even if just for a moment longer.

But Vishnu doesn’t back down. His shoulders stiffen as he shakes his head in frustration.

“People like Zayed, who can meticulously plan revenge for years, know how to manipulate the law and buy time. I won’t give him that chance again. I won’t let him plan another attack on us. If he’s coming here, there’s only one outcome—he’s going to die. I’ll make sure of it. And you, Dad, are staying at home until this threat is neutralised. No arguments.”

I know arguing with him is pointless. Vishnu won’t rest until he ensures this family is safe—no matter the cost. I finally relent, even though we both know I didn’t really have a choice.

“Reschedule my meetings and do whatever you need to ensure our safety, but you can’t stop me from celebrating Veer’s birthday. He’s turning one in two weeks, Vishnu, and we’ve already missed so many precious milestones with him. Not anymore. I won’t miss this one. Please.”

His expression doesn’t budge, not even a little.

“I’m planning a grand celebration at our Alibaug farmhouse,” I continue, my voice calm but insistent.

“Dad, this isn’t the time—” he begins, but I raise my hand, cutting him off.

“I’ve already made my decision,” I say, standing firm. “This family needs something to look forward to—a moment to celebrate and actually live, not just survive in fear. Veer deserves that, and as his daadu, I won’t let anyone stop me.”

Vishnu’s jaw tightens, and he’s about to argue when, suddenly, a tiny, little babble cuts through the heavy tension in the room.

“Daa…du!”

We both freeze. My heart skips a beat as I spin around to see Veer still sitting on his playmat with Avika, his chubby little hand waving at me, a big, joyous smile lighting up his face. Tears well up in my eyes as I rush over to pick him up.

“Veer! Did you just call me Daadu?” I ask, my voice trembling with emotion.

He giggles, his tiny hand patting my cheek, and shaking his head mischievously. I pull him close, hugging him tightly and kissing his soft hair.