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“It’s Mishraji on the line,” she said, putting her phone on mute. “He wants to know when to send his team for trimming the mango tree.”

Grandpa turned around. “Tell him to send them this weekend.”

Just then, Shaurya appeared in the doorway, catching the tail end of the conversation. Lakshmi stepped aside to confirm the schedule with Mishraji.

“Trimming? Why now?” Shaurya asked, entering in. “I don’t recall complaining about the tree anymore. The pool is being cleaned twice a day, and I’ve been able to swim regularly. So, what’s the sudden rush?”

Grandpa smiled knowingly, as if anticipating the question. “Son, a fully grown mango tree needs regular pruning to stay healthy. The last time Mishraji’s team came to trim was over a year ago. It’s not about complaints anymore. It’s all about caring.”

Shaurya nodded slowly.

Grandpa walked over to the window and gazed at the swaying branches. “A good trim in late summer helps the tree grow back stronger, with fresh blooms and sweeter fruit. Callit maintenance. When Ambika was alive…” he paused, his voice softening, “she coordinated all of it herself. She never missed a single tree trimming, fertilising, or pest check. That was her way of caring for what she loved.”

He sighed, a breath full of memory and longing. Then he turned back to Shaurya, his eyes tender now. “After I’m gone, you and Nandini will have to remember these things. To carry on what Ambika began. To take care of the tree.”

Shaurya’s expression shifted hard and fast. The warmth in his eyes darkened with protest. “Don’t,” he said, stepping closer. “Don’t talk like that.”

Grandpa looked at him with quiet surprise.

“After everything,” Shaurya continued, emotion rising in his throat, “I finally have a father figure in my life. You. And I’m not letting you go anywhere. I’ve even asked Daadi to stop bothering you to‘join her up there.’”

His voice cracked slightly as he added, “Nandini and I… we need you here. With us. Always.”

Grandpa chuckled.

“I’ll always be around with my children.”

“Thank God Nandini didn’t hear you talk about leaving us again, or else it would have been difficult to keep her emotions in check,” Shaurya added.

Grandpa laughed, and Shaurya added with a teasing grin, “And you know, calling Mishraji for the trimming? Smart move. If Daadi’s soul lives in this tree, she deserves to be pampered every year and taken care of, right?”

A smile tugged at Grandpa’s lips. “She would love that, yeah,” he said.

“Now, are you ready?” Shaurya asked, giving Grandpa a quick once-over. Suddenly, he paused, frowning. “One second, why are you not wearing that brooch Nandini asked you to wear with this kurta?”

He went to the closet.

Grandpa pointed to the small box on the top of the shelf. Shaurya reached up, took the box, and removed the golden peacock brooch. With careful fingers, he pinned it neatly to the left side of Grandpa’s kurta, just above the chest. He smoothed out the fabric to ease any creases and even straightened Grandpa’s collar.

“It’s Varun’s engagement party tonight. Not mine,” Grandpa grumbled, though the hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“So what?” Shaurya teased, stepping back to admire his work. “You’re still the guest of honour.”

Grandpa’s eyes twinkled. “That’s true.”

Varun had always held a special place in Grandpa’s heart. Though he was Shaurya’s best friend, his every visit to Shaurya’s villa was incomplete without a quick stop at the Raichand Villa just to check on Grandpa, joking, gossiping, and relishing his favourite mango barfi.

And now, seeing Varun’s long-awaited engagement finally happening, it felt like a personal joy.

Everyone had known for over a year that Varun and Priya were meant to be. Both families had given their blessings long ago, but the engagement and wedding were delayed for one reason only:Priya’s higher education.She had enrolled in an advanced business management degree, and with one more year still left to complete, she was clear about her priorities. She knew that marrying in the middle of her course would only divide her focus and affect her studies.

So, she and Varun mutually decided to wait. Though truth be told, Varun had been eager and borderline desperate to tie the knot much sooner. But he respected her choice and supported her through it all. And today, with the engagement finallytaking place, and the wedding set for next month, it felt like a celebration long overdue.

Grandpa couldn’t have been more pleased.

“Varun and Priya make a lovely pair,” Grandpa said, admiring his brooch on the kurta. “And with the wedding next month, I’m finally going to get to see you two dance together at his baraat.”

Shaurya couldn’t help but grin, recalling Varun’s sly warning just weeks ago. Lounging over a mango lassi by Shaurya’s pool, Varun had nudged him and said,“If you and Nandini don’t dance at my baraat, I’m halting the whole procession. And I mean it.”