This time, a sliver of doubt crept in. He called the number. It rang once, twice, then a familiar, crackling voice announced: “This is All India Radio, Akashvani. The time, as announced by the National Physical Laboratory, is two forty-seven and thirty seconds….”

“Beta, your father is proud. Call me when you wake up.”

He answered. It was just the wind outside his window, the whistle of a night train, and the vast, silent peace of remembering what truly mattered.