Maithili was sipping her tea quietly when an angry bull stormed into the living room.

"Mom, where is Dad?"

Hriday's voice was sharp as he walked in, his face tense and flushed from frustration.

Maithili looked up calmly.

"Your father left for the office with you, didn’t he? How would I know where he is now?"

Hriday sighed, pacing a little.

"Mom, do you know what he did?"

Maithili raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised. Fights between Hriday and Shikar over business decisions were practically a daily routine.

"What did Shikar do this time?"

"He handed over one of our most profitable land plots to an orphanage, just like that! Do you know how valuable that property was?"

"Calm down, son. Sit. Have some water first."

She handed him a glass.

Hriday took it and drank, trying to swallow both the water and his anger.

"Mom, that land was worth crores—prime location, great future value."

"Hriday," Maithili said gently,

"you need to stop getting so worked up about every decision. There must be a reason."

Just then, Shikar walked in, briefcase in hand.

"What’s going on?"

He asked casually, though he immediately noticed Hriday’s agitated stance.

Hriday turned sharply.

"Dad!"

"Yes, Hriday. You look upset—what happened?"

"How could you give away such a valuable piece of land to an orphanage without even discussing it with me?"

"Hriday, mind your tone,"

Maithili said firmly, noticing the edge in her son's voice.

Hriday immediately softened.

"I’m sorry, Dad. Sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful."

"Sit down," Shikar said calmly.

"Let me explain."

"You don’t need to explain anything, Dad. What’s yours is mine—and Dadaji's—so you can do whatever you want with it."

Hriday tried to brush it off, but it was clear the matter still gnawed at him.

"Son, I want you to understand this. I know your temper well—but you also need to know the full story before reacting."

Hriday lowered his gaze. He respected his father deeply and hated when his emotions got the better of him.

"From childhood, you’ve been loved—perhaps a little too much," Shikar said with a faint smile.

"But that’s made you a bit arrogant. You think from your mind, Hriday, but sometimes you forget the heart."

"Shikar..." Maithili warned gently, not liking the sharpness in his tone.

"No, Mom—let him speak. I know Dad only says what he truly means. And I trust him."

Hriday’s voice was steadier now.

Maithili sighed, shook her head, and stood.

"You two need your own space for these conversations. I'm going to the room—you’ll patch things up as usual."

She left with her tea, smiling slightly at the predictable father-son storm.

Shikar motioned Hriday to follow him into the study. Once inside, he shut the door behind them.

"Now listen," he said, taking a seat.

"That land was your Dadi's dream. Do you remember her?"

Hriday nodded, his expression softening immediately.

"Your Dadi was gentle, kind-hearted. When she visited this city years ago, she was moved by the poverty she saw. She told your Dadaji she wanted to do something for the children living on the streets. So, he bought that land in her name."

Shikar paused, his voice tinged with memory.

"Back then, due to political issues, we couldn’t fulfill her wish. But I always kept it in mind. And now, after so many years, I’m fulfilling her dream by giving that land to an orphanage."

Hriday was quiet. The frustration melted from his face, replaced by regret and understanding.

"Dad, I didn’t know... I’m sorry. I jumped to conclusions."

"It’s okay, son," Shikar said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You’re passionate. But in business—and in life—you need patience. And a little empathy."

Hriday nodded solemnly.

"I’ll do better."

Shikar smiled. He worried about his son's temper, yes—but never about his heart.

"Our work here is done. Maithili and I are flying back to Chandigarh tomorrow,"

he said as he stood.

Hriday stayed seated for a moment longer, reflecting on everything.

As his father walked out, Hriday whispered to himself,
"Dadi... I hope I make you proud too."