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Seated in a chair, I found myself adrift in a sea of thoughts as the award show unfolded in full swing around me. My expression remained devoid of any emotion, a mask of numbness veiling my features. Only the occasional blink of my eyes betrayed any sign of my presence amidst the bustling atmosphere.
I heard my name called and turned around to find Niharika standing there, her breath ragged from rushing. "Adwait, I hope I didn't miss you receiving the award."
"The ceremony is nearly over, just two awards left. Take a seat," I replied, gesturing towards an empty chair.
She quickly settled beside me, reaching for the glass of water placed on the table, taking a moment to quench her thirst. "Thank goodness I didn't miss your award," she exclaimed with relief. "I would've been terribly upset otherwise."
"And who said I'm guaranteed to win the award? I'm just a nominee, not a winner," I retorted.
She waved her hand dismissively. "I have faith in your dedication and hard work. You're bound to win," she declared with confidence.
I remained silent at her words, redirecting my gaze ahead once more. Movement in my peripheral vision drew my attention, and I shifted to glance at Mr. Mittal, accompanied by his eldest son, who was shooting me icy glares. With a roll of my eyes at his juvenile behavior, I refocused my attention forward, brushing off the petty displays of animosity.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at the moment we've all been eagerly anticipating—the prestigious award for CEO of the Year, with nominees from all across India," the host announced, casting a glance around the hall. "And the winner of this esteemed award is none other than Mr. Adwait Scindia."
Thunderous applause and cheers reverberated throughout the hall. The media instantly redirected their attention towards me as I rose from my seat, casting a quick glance at my table where Niharika and my secretary beamed with pride and happiness.
Approaching the stage, I accepted the award and made my way towards the podium to deliver the thank-you speech. My gaze swept across the hall, taking in the sea of faces, before settling on the gleaming trophy in my hands. I ran my fingers over the engraved words 'CEO of the Year,' embellished with my name, before addressing the gathered audience.
"A heartfelt congratulations to all those who were nominated alongside me. Their dedication and hard work deserve commendation. I am grateful to everyone who, in their own way, pushed me to strive for excellence, leading me to stand here receiving this honor."
A pang of emotion gripped my heart as I thought of my woman who had made sacrifices for me to be here. "But I must give special credit to that extraordinary woman who selflessly supported me, sacrificing so much for my aspirations. She was the one who embraced pain and suffering but propelled me forward toward my future, the one who selflessly prioritized others above herself, the one who never failed to be my guiding light when I found myself lost in the darkness, my ray of hope," I admitted, my voice tinged with pain. "I've sacrificed myLife to this pursuit, and this award holds a significance beyond measure. It means more to me than words can express," I concluded, my gaze lingering on the award.
