Dada described the day he first saw a freedom rally.
"People were shouting — Vande Mataram!
They carried the tricolor flag."
He told them about Mahatma Gandhi, who believed in non-violence. About Subhash Chandra Bose, who raised an army. About Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed his life.
"I was only a boy," Dada said softly,
"but I carried messages between villages. I was afraid… but proud."
Ayaan's eyes widened.
"You were part of history!"
Dada laughed.
"No, beta. I was just a small leaf in a big tree."