Today was Father's Day in the Khanna household and as usual celebrations would have been prepared but for today's it was uncertain. The reason behind this was that it was the first Father's Day without Neil. It had been one year that he passed away due to a gun shot during work and since then the atmosphere has been dull in the household. Shweta and Bebe were crying at least once a week while Prakash was sad all the time. It was only Avni who brought them and held them together.  She suffered the most from Neil's death because she missed a part of her life, her heart was gone away but she knew that she had to stay strong for her family, taking care of them and helping them move on. She had to take care of her 11 year old son Nishaan and her 8 year old daughters Advika and Amaya.

"Papaji, Mummyji, Bebe.. come down here" called Avni. The trio came down there and was shocked on what they saw. Avni had decorated the whole place with balloons and streamers.

"Puttar what is this?" asked bebe. "Woh Bebe, today is Father's Day naa? So why wouldn't we celebrate it huh?". "But beta" said Shweta. "No buts mummyji, we are going to celebrate it and that's final" said Avni stubbornly.  The trio backed out as they knew that they couldn't go against their daughter. Then the kids came with Neela Maa, Ali, Riya, their daughter Zara and DD. "Mumma!" Cried the kids as they came to her hugging. "Bachos! How was school?" She asked. The kids didn't look at her and looked around. Avni sensed something fishy and looked at Ali and Riya who motioned her that kids cried at school. "Nishaan will you not tell
mumma what happened?" She asked. Nishaan was a carbon copy of Neil with the same eyes and reddish hair. He out of the kids was closest to Neil and missed him the most. "Today was Father's Day and we missed Papa a lot today. Everyone at the school taunted us that we couldn't celebrate Father's Day mumma!". Avni  eyes filled with unshed tears but before she could  unleash them she quickly brushed them off. She never knew what the kids would have to go through at school on this day. "Areh beta, who says we can't celebrate Father's Day? We are going to celebrate it with lots of pomp!". "But how mumma? Papa passed away last year" asked Advika. "Beta, I know that you guys miss Papa and I do too but we can celebrate by remembering him in our hearts. And after all, a father isn't determined by a person who births you. It's determined by a person who fulfills the responsibilities of a father. We have so many people in our lives who play a father like figure"she explained. She then pointed to a nearby table. "Now I want you to make cards for those people who have been like a father or someone you cherish ok?" . "Ok Mumma!" Said Amaya as she gave Avni a kiss on the cheek. The kids headed out there while Avni joined the elders. "Beta this is a good idea. I'm glad that you are making the kids remember Neil" said Prakash. "I miss my Tillu so much but by doing this, I remember the happy times I spent with him. These kids remind me so much of him. Thank you beta for bringing them to me" Cried Shweta. Avni shook her head. "Mummyji don't cry! Neil will always be with us if not physically but spiritually!". Shweta nodded. "I see so much of Neil in my children. If you look st Nishaan, he has my Neil's eyes and hair and the respect that Neil had. He knows the difference between right and wrong" said Avni looking at Nishaan. "And my Advi has the same heart of gold that Neil had. She's always willing to help". "And if you look at my Amaya, she is working with determination, the same determination that Neil had during work and school. She's also troublesome like him too". "These three kids are a symbol of yours and Neil's love. They will never make us miss Neil" said Bebe. "You are right Bebe. Avni is doing a good job of raising them. She's fulfilling her job of a daughter in law like I taught her too" said Neela who was looking at Avni helping her kids. "She's the glue that held our family" mused Prakash. Soon the kids were making their cards and started to present them. Avni also then got two presents out as well. Avni went to Neela and Prakash and handed them a gift each. "Yeh Kya hai Avni?" Asked Neela maa. Avni took her mom hand in hers and explained. "Maa aap aur Papaji always had fulfilled the father role in my life. Maa you did it before marriage and Papa did it after. I can never describe the sacrifices you did for me and Papaji you changed my outlook on father. This is why I wanted to give you both a gift". Neela Maa and Prakash became tearful at this. "Beta I'm so lucky to have you as my daughter" said Prakash. "No papaji! I'm lucky to have you as my father" she said. The kids then presented their cards. Amaya went to DD. "Chachu, you always make me laugh and have been like a dad too. Can I give you this?" she asked. DD became tearful at this. He never knew that he would receive the love that he craved since he became an orphan. "Of course Amaya, I would accept this. I'm happy that you consider me as a father figure".  He then picked up Amaya and gave her a kiss on the cheek.  Advika then went to Aman. "Mammu. You play games with me like Papa did and always help me with homework like Papa. Can I give you this ?" she asked. Aman became joyful at this as his niece shared her love for him and did the same action as DD did. Nishaan went to Avni and tugged her sari. "Anything wrong Nishu?" she asked. "Mumma, ever since Papa died, you strived for everyone to not miss him. You never failed to fulfill your responsibilities and I commend you for this. I know that Papa is watching us and I know that he would be proud of you! I know I am too. Can I give you my card to you?" he asked. Avni became overwhelmed at this gesture. She never knew that Nishaan considered so much value for her. Her state of mind was shocked as she didn't know what to say. "Thank you baccha!" She cried.
They ended the day with eating Neil's favourite food and shared some memories of him. Then after the celebrations, she tucked in her children and gave them a kiss on the forehead.  She then went to her room and looked at Neil's photo in the frame. "I will always love you as long as I live. No one can take your place in my heart and if destined then I might make another place in my heart for someone but you permanently created a place in my heart." She then kissed his photo and went to sleep.