Abhimaan let out a deep breath, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. He looked at his father, his voice firm yet thoughtful.
"She knows about her father."
The old man's grip on his cane tightened. His tired eyes lifted to meet Abhimaan's.
"She's always been aware," Abhimaan continued. "But her mother's family filled every gap, every empty space. They gave her love—so much of it that she never felt the need to search for her father."
The old man remained silent, absorbing his words.
"She's confident," Abhimaan added, his tone sharper now. "Confident that if her mother ever wanted to tell her about her father, she would. That's why she doesn't ask. That's why she doesn't care."
A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "That's why, even after meeting him at the Holi party, she could turn away so easily. Because she loves her mother unconditionally. And because of that love, she can ignore the man who was never there."
The room fell into silence.
"Father, should we inform Big Brother about her?" Abhimaan asked, his voice cautious yet firm.
The old man shook his head. "No."
Abhimaan frowned. "But—"
"Let nature take its course," the old man interrupted. "She is working with them now. Let's see what happens."
Abhimaan leaned back, arms crossed, listening carefully as his father continued.
" just treat her with the love she deserves," the old man said, his voice softer. "She is our blood. That love is her birthright, and we will give it to her."
Abhimaan nodded, understanding the unspoken command.
The old man's expression darkened slightly. "But be careful. Do not startle the people about Sugand's daughter." His fingers tapped lightly on the wooden table. "We still have doubts about Drishti."
Abhimaan's gaze sharpened.
"No one should know that we are aware Drishti is not Sugand's daughter," the old man warned. "Not even the girl herself." He paused. "Tell your brother to take it easy. She must not realize that we know the truth."
Abhimaan exhaled slowly.
The old man's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "Then we will watch and see what she does."
For now, the Singhania family would bask in the warmth of the granddaughter fate had returned to them.
But in the shadows, the search for another one who they have lost.