The dust had barely settled when the final echo of the buzzer rang across the stadium. Rivet stood there, still catching his breath, as the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Some cheered with pure joy, amazed by the underdog's triumph. Others, whose favorites had fallen, sat quietly—still processing the outcome. Parents, students, spectators—all united by one moment, but reacting through their own lens.
Among the audience, some teachers murmured in surprise.
"That kid… he wasn't just fast. He fought smart."
"Rivet Sharma… he's the same boy from Stage 2, right?"
"Three stages… and he stood out in every one. There's something special here."
But Rivet wasn't focused on any of that.
His thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
"Mom… Dad…"
A smile, soft and heartfelt, formed on his lips.
They wouldn't have to worry this year. The full school fees—covered. No more skipped medicines, no more night shifts. They'd be proud. He could almost see their tears of joy right now.
From the other side of the field, Veer approached.
His face was calm—eerily so.
He walked up to Rivet, his expression unreadable, and extended a hand with a polite smile.
"Well played," Veer said, voice steady.
"You were… lucky today."
Rivet met his eyes—and behind that smile, he saw it.
Not peace.
Burning pride. Bruised ego. Silent rage.
Veer was acting calm, but something inside him had cracked. He wasn't okay.
Then, without another word, Veer turned and walked away slowly toward the exit.
Just as he disappeared backstage, those watching closely might have seen it—
—a fist slammed into the concrete wall behind the curtain.
—or maybe the loud clank of a glove hurled to the ground.
The king had fallen.
And he didn't take it quietly.
"All participants, please move to the rest area. Final results will be announced shortly."
The announcement echoed, and the students began heading off the field.
Rivet scanned the crowd. No sign of Veer.
But one person was right where he expected—Keshav, lying back on a bench, staring at the ceiling like none of this mattered.
Rivet walked up quietly, then suddenly hugged him from the side.
"Why'd you do it?" he whispered.
"You gave up your own spot. You didn't need to push me forward… I would've still made it to the top."
Keshav laughed under his breath.
"Maybe. But I didn't want Veer to win. And more than that… I didn't want you to lose. Not to him. Not to me.
You're my friend, Rivet. And friends aren't supposed to fall behind."
Rivet blinked—silent.
But Keshav's voice shifted. Softer. Quieter.
"Can I tell you something I've never told anyone?"
Rivet nodded.
"When I was younger, I had a best friend. A lot like you, actually. Carefree. Good heart. We used to play together near a construction site. My dad was a builder, so I'd sneak in with him sometimes."
"One day… a huge wall started collapsing. I saw it. I shouted. I ran. But…"
He swallowed hard.
"I couldn't save him."
The air turned heavy.
"Since that day, I've lived with the guilt. I couldn't protect my best friend. But today, when I saw you about to fall behind, something inside me screamed."
He looked Rivet in the eyes.
"I don't know why, but… it felt like I was reliving that day. This time… I got to save him."
Rivet didn't say a word.
He just stepped forward and pulled Keshav into a strong hug.
"You're not just my friend," he whispered.
"You're my brother now. Forever."
Keshav smiled.
Suddenly, a loud chime rang through the stadium.
"Attention all students and guests! The final results of the Shaurya Gauntlet will now be announced. We request all qualified candidates and spectators to assemble at the main stage."
The moment had arrived.
A few moments later, the Principal walked up to the podium, adjusting the mic.
"Before we declare the top 10 winners of this prestigious tournament, I am honored to welcome to the stage—our Chief Guest for the day, the Honorable Sports Minister of the State, and none other than our respected Chief Minister!"
The crowd erupted in applause as the dignitaries walked to the stage with grace and dignity. Camera flashes went off. Security flanked the area.
The Principal continued:
"These young warriors have not only demonstrated physical excellence, but also strategic brilliance and the true spirit of sportsmanship."
Then came the long-awaited announcement.
Shaurya Tournament Final Results
(Final Score = Physical Performance + Mental Round + Judges' Bonus)
Top 10 Winners :
1. Rivet Sharma
2. Keshav Kumar
3. Veer Malhotra
4. Arnav Bhagat
5. Aditya Pratap
6. Shrishti Mehra
7. Dhruv Kapor
8. Riyan Das
9. Tanya Singh
10. Nikhil Bansal
Cheers broke out. Students cried. Teachers clapped. A few just stood, frozen with joy or disbelief.
Then the final moment came.
Top 3 Rewards:
The Sports Minister stepped forward to present the Bronze Medal to Veer Malhotra, along with a ₹50,000 scholarship cheque and a sealed Mystery Gift Box.
Veer accepted it with a stiff expression, the applause feeling distant to him.
Next came Keshav Kumar, who received the Silver Medal, a ₹75,000 cheque, and a Mystery Gift Box. The CM shook his hand warmly and nodded in appreciation.
And then, the moment everyone waited for. Rivet Sharma stepped forward.
As the Principal announced his name, the crowd exploded with applause. The Chief Minister himself stepped up, placed a hand on Rivet's shoulder, and smiled.
"Young man, students like you make our state proud. Victories like yours aren't won by beating others, but by overcoming oneself. Well done."
Rivet received the Gold Medal, a ₹1 Lakh scholarship cheque, and the Mystery Gift Box. He bowed respectfully, holding the medal close. His eyes found Keshav in the crowd—his brother. He had reached the summit, but he hadn't climbed alone.
His mom, wiping her tears.
His dad, clapping furiously, eyes shining with pride.
Rivet smiled, eyes moist.
He had won more than a medal today.
He had won hope—for them, and for himself.