"THE LAST TAXI RIDE"

"NOT PLEASED BY FAME"

AT THE FUNCTION

I was at the event on time. I never wasted any moment of life doing unnecessary things. Probably that's what I am.. Punctual, arrogant , boring Divya sen who don't want anything to bother her life. But I never minded these shortcomings. For me these are my best ways to survive in this cruel surrounding.

The function commenced with a bang. Founder of this firm, Mr Anand kumar, inaugurated the evening by cutting cake. It was really something to cherish for. Surviving fifteen years in this market, where competition seems at its peak , along with maintaining the dignity of journalism isn't a child's play... Because representing truth isn't so easy . You get hurt everywhere. But it was our readers who supported in all that.
Everything was going well. I was happy for my firm. Yet I wasn't someone who loved spotlight or what you say, limelight... So i was standing in the corner, alone.. Then happened something unusual.

My boss, Mr sudhir pathak, came on the stage with all the smiles. He started with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are celebrating this moment for the success of our firm. But my dear friends, this success wouldn't have existed if we weren't having people like you. You served and fulfilled your duty not only towards our firm but also to 'true journalism'. You guys are the pillars of this firm and I am very thankful for your dedication. So now we are here to present the best journalist award to one of our member, whose contribution to our newspaper is incredible. In short, it would be an inspiration to present this award to that person. And I hope you guys know who that person would be. She earned her fame in very short period of time. Her recent records are mere representation of them. She is very fearless, non volatile and a very mature journalist. She did not only expose the human trafficking racket of our city but also presented the complete truth about it and helped to create a better society... She'd not even worry for her life, the risk she took...She is none other than Ms Divya sen...... ! And I invite her to come to the stage, collect her award and speak a few words..."

after this speech, everyone started searching for me..
They stared at me in an appreciating mannered...
with that fake smile every professional holds...
they could never hide the jealousy in their eyes...
or
Did they really like me? Nope. No one likes me.. Why will they??that too to a person who won't even notice their presence ...

"Miss Divya, we request you to please come on the stage! Its our honour to refer this award to you "I heard my boss. I looked at him, dumbstruck. Yet his eyes assured me and gestured me to come forward .
I walked towards the stage with everyone applauding.
Mr Anand awarded me with a medal and a letter to acknowledge my contributions. I wasn't knowing what to do. I just thanked him while everyone still applauding.
This was making me vulnerable. Something inside have always carved for all these success and dreams. That something was nothing but my old version, child Divya. But i am different now... I am not some one who loves spotlights. And its been said that you feel it most difficult while fighting a battle against yourself. Yet i won. child divya never broke out of my shell of my body. And suddenly I was distracted by my boss's voice, clearing his throat... He gestured me to say few words...
I composed myself.
Holding the mike I glanced towards the audience. They were expecting something awesome from me.
And clearing my throat I start addressing..
"Good evening people. I wasn't expecting any awards like that. Actually I don't even care about any awards. I just fulfilled my duty. Trafficking is one of the worst crimes. It's a modern term for slavery. Particularly we women are subjected to such crimes. Its not because we are weak but because we let ourselves to become weak. That's just my support to the fight against it. We witness this daily but never revolt to such crimes... That's usual for most of us to just watch and don't act... But my views are straight... I am brutal against unveiling these sensitive topics... People call me arrogant, rude,... But that's me actually... Open... Frank... And straightforward... And I hope someday all of you will rise against all of this injustice. That day I hope there wouldn't be any need of journalists like Divya sen."....
By this i concluded my speech.. And it was followed by a standing ovation from my colleagues.

They certainly liked my opinion..

After that every one was busy in chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. And I again slipped into my soothing corners. Later boss came and asked me to accompany him towards the dinner counters...the dinner was fine... but I wasn't hungry... There were other Friends of mine with us. Everyone was enjoying. And me too liking it a bit.. Probably the child divya inside me was feeling very awesome...

Suddenly I received a call from someone. It made me restless.. I told my boss that I need to leave urgently and I left the party...