Chapter 52: Fortifying the Heart
The scent of turmeric, fried okra, and fresh coriander leaves floated through the Singh household as the monsoon rain pattered gently on the tiled rooftop. Inside the warmly lit kitchen, steel thalis clinked softly as Vandana and Nirmala served dinner, their sarees tucked neatly, their bangles chiming faintly with every motion.
Children's laughter echoed from the verandah. Meena was chasing Ashok around the pillar, their giggles mixing with the rustle of neem leaves in the breeze. Bharat sat at the far end of the table, quietly observing his family — eyes thoughtful but still full of a child's calm confidence.
Ajay leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly drumming on the polished wood. The day had been long. The complaints, the subtle threats, the tension from rival industrialists — it all weighed heavily on his mind.
As the family settled at the table, Dadaji said his usual short Sanskrit prayer. Everyone followed with a quiet "Ram Ram." It was tradition. It was grounding.
After a few bites of roti, Ajay cleared his throat. "We've grown... a lot. Fast. With growth comes risk. I've been thinking... it's time we secure our family. Not just our businesses."
Vandana paused, her eyes narrowing with concern. "What kind of security?"
"For the house. For everyone. Especially the children. We've already received some strange letters. Some men tried to intimidate our distribution workers yesterday."
Dadi ji, gently wiping her fingers, nodded slowly. "Beta, build the walls before the rain. It's not fear... it's wisdom."
Kavita, sitting beside Meena and serving her another spoonful of dal, looked thoughtful. "Ajay bhaiya... should we involve professionals? My father... Colonel Rajvir... he's retired now, but he served with honour in the northern command. Maybe he could help."
Ajay looked at her, hope rising in his expression. "If you think he'd agree, I'd be honoured."
That night, after dinner, while the kids played carrom under the verandah light, Kavita stepped into the study room and dialed her father's number on the black rotary phone.
"Papa?"
"Kavita beta! Sab theek? Meena aur Ashok kaise hain?"
"Sab theek, Papa. But... I wanted to ask something important. Ajay bhaiya is worried. About family security. Some threats have come. He thinks it's time we brought in people who understand how to protect, not just property... but lives."
There was a pause.
Then Colonel Rajvir's firm voice replied, "I'll come tomorrow. I'll talk to Ajay myself."
---
The next evening, a black Ambassador rolled into the Singh driveway. From it stepped Colonel Rajvir Singh — tall, upright despite age, with silver at his temples, and a stare that still carried battlefield authority. His wife, dressed in a soft cotton saree, carried a mithai ka dabba and a basket of seasonal fruits.
Meena and Ashok rushed to the door. "Nana! Nani!"
Inside, greetings were warm and respectful. Kavita touched her parents' feet, and Vandana and Nirmala helped them settle in the drawing room.
Over hot chai and pakoras, the conversation turned serious.
Ajay explained the threats, the pressure on the business, the complaints, the need to take preventive steps.
Colonel Rajvir listened intently, nodding now and then. "I saw this in the northeast during my service. When growth or goodness spreads fast, termites appear beneath. Jealousy is natural. Fear is reactionary. But preparation? That's what makes the difference."
Ajay said, "We're thinking of hiring veterans. Those with discipline. Some who might've left the army due to injury or protocol. People we can trust."
Rajvir nodded. "I know many good men. Honest men. Strong but ethical. Some lost limbs. Others were let go before their full years due to politics or restructuring. They can still serve in security roles, office analysis, even surveillance."
From the corner, Dadaji chimed in. "During my father's time... facing British officers wasn't about strength alone. It was about being smarter. Stronger inside."
Colonel Rajvir turned to Bharat, who had remained quietly listening. "And you, Bharat beta? You always look like you're thinking. What's in that young head of yours?"
Bharat smiled. "Nana ji, I think we should befriend good people in government. Donate to parties with strong future leadership. But also protect our family and workers. Maybe one day we'll even help change the system."
Rajvir chuckled, but his eyes sparkled with approval. "Such big thoughts from such a small boy."
Kavita added softly, "Papa, we've talked before. My brother in the army — he'd understand this. My younger brother too... always dreaming of making films about real soldiers. Maybe he'll tell your story one day."
Ajay smiled, placing a gentle hand on his sister-in-law's shoulder. "It's time we plan not just with budgets and machines... but with hearts and minds. For our people."
As the night deepened, and the last of the mithai was shared, Colonel Rajvir stood. "I'll draw up names. I'll talk to a few comrades. Leave the first step to me."
In the background, Naani was playing with Meena and Ashok, telling them stories of Krishna and Arjuna. Laughter echoed again. The house felt warm. Secure.
But outside, the winds of the coming season stirred silently — and the Singh family had begun, step by step, to prepare.