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“They have,” he gives a small smile, acknowledging the positive changes in his life.
“Have you made any plans about what you’ll do hereon?” Dad inquires.
I am surprised that Dad brought up this topic right after meeting Raghav, especially here at Walia House. However, knowing Dad, if he’s bringing it up, there must be a reason behind it.
“I’ve decided not to live in Mumbai, but I don’t want to leave my home country. I’ve spent most of my life away from India, and that’s going to change. Beyond that, it’s a bit unclear,” Raghav replies.
“I appreciate your decision to make India your permanent home. Rest assured, just as I’ve guided Ayaan over the years, I’m also here for you.”
“Anyhow,” Dad chuckles, giving my back a reassuring pat. “I have something to share with both of you.”
He glances at Bhaskar Uncle, who quickly hands him a file before leaving the three of us to talk. Dad then turns to Raghav again.
“You didn’t come to Shergill Mansion to stay with us; otherwise, we would have done this there. But that’s fine. Since you are here, we can discuss it now,” he says before handing Raghav the file.
“What is this?” Raghav asks quizzically.
“These are the legal documents for RK Estate, a vineyard that rightfully belongs to your late mother, Rukmini. She inherited it from her father, who was the original proprietor of the business. This only relates to your mother’s side of the family and has nothing to do with Tej,” Dad explains.
Both Raghav and I exchange glances before looking at Dad again, who proceeds to explain further.
“I have been the executor of RK Estate all this time. Your mother, Rukmini, granted me the legal rights long ago when everything was normal between her and Tej. She considered me as her brother. After her marriage, she couldn’t manage the operations of this place, and Tej showed no interest in it. So, she asked me to oversee its basic functions. I would personally visit and check on the production every few months and report to her. This is a fully legal business with all the necessary licenses and approvals from the local excise department and other regulatory authorities. After Ayaan became the only remaining heir of Rukmini, I thought I would eventually pass it on to him, but it never happened.”
I stare at Dad and realise that he never told me about RK Estate before because I had never shown any interest in finding out about my biological parents when he broached that subject. Dad pats Raghav’s arm as he continues to elaborate.
“I believe this is the perfect place for your fresh start. As the eldest son, I believe your mother would have wanted you to rightfully run and expand this place.”
“But I don’t—” Raghav denies.
“You have successfully handled a flourishing diamond business in Cape Town,” Dad interrupts him. “So, I am confident you are the only one capable of taking this to newer heights. Although the vineyard business has been functioning smoothly without much interference, it needs modernisation to align with the growing competition in India. The vineyard needs your expertise, and, in turn, you need the vineyard to get a fresh lease on life. It’s different from what you have done so far. Embracing this opportunity will be a healing process for you, Raghav. Do it to honour your mother. This is not an opportunity, Raghav, but a duty. I don’t think you should deny it. Take it. You will make your mother very happy and proud.”
Raghav sighs, seemingly unable to make that decision. He looks at the file for a long time before opening it. On the first page is a photo of our mother, Rukmini, with the vineyard logo below it, displaying ‘RK Estate.’
A few months back, after learning I was Tej Khurana’s son, Dad showed me a picture of my mother, but it looked like Raghav was seeing her for the first time. He swallows painfully, tears welling up in his eyes as he tenderly strokes her photo on the page before smiling weakly and closing the file.
“Thank you,” he says to Dad, wiping the corner of his eye.
Dad reads the pain in his eyes and immediately pulls Raghav into his arms. The look on Raghav’s face as Dad hugs him is one of pure surprise. He doesn’t hug him back, and I realise he is not used to this. I don’t think he ever shared this emotional relationship with anyone, let alone with the man who raised him. Dad strokes his back and then cups his face after pulling away.
“You are going to take this business to newer heights. I just know it. You have my blessing, son.”
Raghav gives a small smile to Dad’s beaming one. Without Dad explicitly stating it, I can sense that he has already taken my brother, Raghav, under his wing, just as he did with me once. Before this moment could become more emotional, Vishnu comes to us, calling us to the front as the ceremony begins. While Raghav decides to stay back and just watch, neither Dad nor I force him to join us. He needs time, and we respect that.
The naming ceremony begins, and Meher, the baby’s aunt, has been given the task of naming her. She had been excited and had searched for names on Google for the whole of the past week. I already know the name, as she had shared it with me before telling Aksh or Devika. That’s one of the perks of being the aunt’s husband. The guests cheer as Meher announces the baby’s name while holding her in her arms — ‘Avika,’ a sweet combination of Aksh and Devika’s names. It means a charismatic personality and bright as the sun. Everyone claps, loving the name, as Meher hands little Avika back to her mother and happily hugs her brothers, Aksh and Vishnu, followed by her father, Pratap Walia, thankful for these significant moments in their lives.
An hour later, Pratap Walia engages in another debate with Dad. Their relationship has significantly changed in the last few months, and we are witnessing the revival of their past friendship.
“Kailash,” Pratap Walia says, placing Avika in the swing. “Now you have to admit I’m at a superior post than you.”
The conversation between our fathers grabs the attention of everyone from the two families.
“Superior in what aspect?” Dad inquires.
“I became a grandfather before you. That makes me superior to you. You cannot deny that.”
Dad sighs, knowing he cannot argue there. However, he turns towards us to where Krish, Raghav and I are standing. Krish notices that look on Dad’s face and grins.
“Uncle, don’t look at us. Raghav and I are still single. You need to address this complaint to your already married son.”
