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Chapter 2 - Businessman of the Year!

Headquarters, Roy Group of Industries – Mumbai

The air in the Roy Group's headquarters was electric with anticipation. Inside the sleek, high-security boardroom on the 35th floor, tension simmered like boiling water. The most awaited announcement of the year—the Businessman of the Year Award—was just hours away.

Scheduled for 5:00 PM, the entire day had been blocked off for a crucial shareholder and department review meeting. One mistake, one misplaced report, one late arrival—could cost someone their job. Especially under the unforgiving gaze of their CEO.

Adhvik Roy.

The name alone demanded attention.

With just ten minutes left before his entry, the entire boardroom looked more like a war room. Department heads sat stiffly in their seats, each mentally rehearsing their data.

Because when Mr. Arrogant walked in, he expected perfection.

The Roy Group HQ was a 40-storey architectural marvel, a symbol of the family's wealth and influence. The top two floors—39th and 40th—were reserved exclusively for Adhvik: his private office, personal lounge, and executive suite. The boardroom was located just four floors below.

At exactly 10:00 AM, a sleek black Range Rover pulled up at the building's private entrance. Flanked by two Fortuners carrying elite security, the convoy halted with clockwork precision.

As the door opened, a crisp shoe stepped out.

And then—he appeared.

Adhvik Roy. Dressed in a custom navy suit, dark sunglasses shielding sharp eyes, his presence exuded dominance. Every move was controlled. Every glance, calculated. He didn't need to speak to be heard.

His personal assistant, Rajat, greeted him promptly.

Rajat, though only a few years older than Adhvik, was one of the most respected executives in the company. Brilliant, composed, and a problem-solver, he was Adhvik's trusted right hand.

The Roys had a strict hierarchy, even in transportation. While the CEO, Chairman, and Vice President had access to private elevators, all other employees used separate ones.

Once a month, Adhvik held open-house sessions with employees. And on that day, the female staff—without fail—dressed their best, hoping to catch even a fleeting glimpse of the charismatic CEO. But unfortunately for them, Adhvik never looked at anyone twice.

He wasn't just powerful—he was untouchable.

As soon as he stepped into the meeting room, silence fell like a curtain. Every eye lowered. Every back was straightened.

Known as The Hawk in the business world, Adhvik had joined the Roy Group at seventeen. And under his leadership, the empire had expanded beyond what anyone imagined.

He took his seat beside the Chairman, his father, Shubham Roy. Over the next few hours, every department presented reports, projections, and updates. Some were approved. Others faced his razor-sharp criticism.

Lunch was ordered from the in-house executive cafeteria, though Adhvik always preferred to eat alone in his cabin.

The post-lunch session was all business. Investors, stakeholders, and analysts reviewed upcoming projects. One key point of discussion was a new textile venture. But none of the proposals impressed Adhvik. He coldly gave the team—and Kunal Kapoor, in charge of textiles—15 days to present a winning concept.

At exactly 5:00 PM, the grand announcement was streamed live:

"For the sixth consecutive year, the Businessman of the Year Award goes to... Mr. Adhvik Roy!"

The room erupted into applause. Though no one was surprised, the respect was real. The meeting adjourned shortly afterward, and everyone left to prepare for the award ceremony.

Roy Mansion – Later That Evening

The Roy Mansion stood tall and majestic, the very picture of tradition and royalty. Though Adhvik owned a private villa near his cousin Karan Roy, he mostly stayed at the mansion due to work. Tonight, he returned after a week.

As his car glided into the driveway, guards opened the door, and the familiar marble steps welcomed him home.

Inside the grand hall, the family waited eagerly—Dadaji Rajveer, Dadiji Sumitra, Diya, Eva, Kiara, Sarika, and Anita ji.

The moment Kiara saw him, she ran up and threw her arms around him.

Kiara: "I knew you'd win again, bhai! Businessman of the Year, six times in a row!"

Adhvik (smiling softly): "Careful, sweetheart. What if you fall?"

Kiara: "Oh, please! I'm not a kid anymore."

Adhvik: "You'll always be my baby sister."

The elders chuckled.

Rajveer (Dadaji): "If your sibling love is done, may we congratulate our grandson now?"

Adhvik walked up, bowed, and touched their feet.

Sumitra (Dadiji): "May you always rise higher, and may every dream of yours come true."

He then bent to touch Sarika and Anita ji's feet.

Sarika (his mother): "You've made us proud once again, beta."

Anita ji: "You are the heartbeat of this family."

Eva and Diya hugged him from both sides.

Diya: "Congratulations, bhai!"

Just then, Anita ji looked around.

Anita: "Where's the rest of the gang? Weren't they at the meeting too?"

Adhvik: "Chachi, they're probably stuck in traffic."

Kiara (pointing): "Nope! Look! Dad, uncle, and Karan bhai just pulled in!"

Sarika: "Took you long enough."

Shiv ji (entering with sweets): "Couldn't come empty-handed. Had to bring Adhvik's favorite sweets."

Adhvik smiled and touched his uncle's feet, then turned to his father.

Karan (grinning): "He also picked up that designer suit I ordered for tonight. I knew Bhai would win."

Sumitra (laughing): "All that is fine. But Adhvik, when are you getting married?"

Adhvik (groaning): "Dadi, not again. Let me live in peace."

Sumitra: "So marriage is a punishment now?"

Adhvik: "You know me best."

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from behind.

Kunal: "He's right!"

Everyone turned.

Kunal (grinning): "Get him married soon, Dadi. Maybe then the staff will finally stop living in fear."

Adhvik: "Traitor!"

Kunal (to Sarika): "Aunty, see how he treats his best friend!"

Sarika (laughing): "You're always welcome here, beta. Don't be afraid of Cheeku."

The family burst into laughter. Everyone headed off to get ready.

Later, in Adhvik's room—

Kunal: "Bro, how long are you going to stay single? Because of you, I'm still unmarried!"

Adhvik (throwing a cushion): "No one wants you—that's why!"

Kunal: "Excuse me? Girls die for me. Don't forget my charm!"

Adhvik: "Yeah, tell that to Sonia."

Kunal: "She was just Kanika's friend. I was being polite—she got the wrong idea."

Adhvik: "So now?"

Kunal (smiling): "Now, I wait."

Adhvik: "Wait for what?"

Kunal: "For her. My soulmate. My life partner."

Award Ceremony – That Night

The event was buzzing with cameras, reporters, lights, and glamor. Every business magnate and socialite was in attendance.

But even here, Adhvik Roy remained an enigma.

He never allowed his image to be published. His media team filtered everything. Not a single outlet had permission to use his photograph. If anyone disobeyed, the consequences were swift and brutal.

Tonight, too, he received his award gracefully and quietly. The Chairman and Vice President handled the press interviews. But amidst all the lights and celebration… a pair of eyes followed someone across the room.

Kanika Kapoor watched Karan Roy like a silent storm. Her heart ached. She had dressed just for him, but he hadn't even noticed.

Kanika: "I dressed up for you, and you didn't even glance at me. You're ignoring me again!"

Karan (coldly): "I've told you before—stay away. It's not happening."

Kanika (tearful): "And I've told you a thousand times—I love you."

Karan: "That's your problem. Now, stay away from me."

He turned and left, leaving her in silence.

But inside, Kanika swore to herself—

"One day, Karan… you'll understand. One day, you'll see how much I love you. And when that day comes… I'll be the one walking away."

She wiped her tears, fixed her lipstick, and walked back into the crowd with her usual radiant smile, like nothing had happened.

The night ended, the awards were collected, and the Roy family returned home in style.

But something had begun to shift…

And soon, life would bloom most unexpectedly.

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