Hriday’s eyes bore into his secretary with quiet fury.

“Vivek, what’s wrong with your work ethic? You still haven’t secured that small building beneath our site.”

“I’m sorry, Boss. I really am trying.”

“I don’t want to hear about your efforts—I want results. That building must be under our name, no exceptions.”

“I’m meeting the owner today. I believe we’ll finalize the ownership soon.”

Hriday twirled a sleek black pen between his fingers, his jaw tight with impatience.

“Vivek, I want those papers on my desk by tomorrow evening. If not… forget about your job.”

“I’ll get it done, sir. I promise.”

Vivek’s voice trembled but held a determined edge.

“Gauri beta, aap samajh kyun nahi rahi ho?”

(Gauri, my child, why don’t you understand?)

“Because I choose not to, Subhash Uncle.”

“You’re like a daughter to us… That’s why I’m asking you—please stay out of this matter.”

Subhash Saha spoke with worn sincerity, his voice carrying the weight of both gratitude and helplessness.

“Uncle, you helped us when we were at our lowest. You found us a beautiful home where Ma and I now live in peace. Without you, that would’ve never been possible. How can I step back now when you need someone to stand beside you?”

“Gauri beta… you won’t be able to go up against people that powerful. These aren’t ordinary buyers—they’re giants.”

Subhash Saha was a humble property dealer. A man of principles. But now, vultures were circling his cherished property. Wealthy men were offering far more than the land’s worth—yet he refused. That land was the last piece of his late wife’s memory. He had no children, only distant relatives or the government to inherit it. Still, he wanted to hold on.

“Uncle, I’ll speak with them myself. I’ll explain that you don’t wish to sell. This building holds your wife’s memories—it’s not just bricks and cement.”

“They’re coming today, beta. I don’t know what to do.”

“Leave it to me.”

A sharp knock echoed on Mr. Saha’s door. Gauri opened it to find a sharply dressed man holding a file.

“Is Mr. Subhash Saha home?”

“No. And who are you?”

“I’m Vivek Desai, from Shekhawat Industries.”

“So?”

“I just need a few minutes with him. Could you please inform me when he returns?”
He handed her a business card.

“No. I’m not calling anyone.”

Vivek stared at her, exasperated. He sighed, stepped away, and reluctantly pulled out his phone.

“Sir, a girl is blocking my way. She’s not letting me meet Mr. Subhash.”

“You can’t handle a single woman, Vivek? Useless!”
Hriday’s voice exploded through the speaker, causing Vivek to pull the phone away from his ear.

“I’m trying, Boss—”

Beep
The line went dead.

Vivek looked helplessly at the closed door and clenched his jaw in frustration.

“Gauri, where are you?” Kishori’s voice buzzed with worry over the phone.

“Ma, I’ll be back after I sort out Subhash Uncle’s issue.”

“But beta, it’s already nightfall…”

“I know, Ma. But he helped us during our darkest hour. It’s only right we stand by him during his.”

“Gauri, I know your heart is in the right place, but you're going to that industrialist’s office at this hour?”

“I’ll try to speak with their boss directly. I just hope he understands.”

There was silence on the other end before Kishori replied gently.

“I can’t stop you. I know how stubborn my daughter can be when she believes in something. Just call me when you reach there, okay? I’ll be worried.”

“I will, Ma. I promise.”