Moments

Chasing clouds

"But baby...
Running after you is
Like chasing the clouds..."

Clouds, One Direction
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Today is the day. Arnav had been waiting for this since the day he stepped onto the business world. From an emerging businessman who was struggling to set his foot right in the industry to the CEO of world's 3rd biggest fashion house, ASR is today seated in the front row of Forbes Businessmen Awards. Although he had won some awards on best fashion house and emerging businessman, this year he is certain that he will win the award he had been ogling at for all these years - Businessman of the year, the biggest award and honour a businessman can ever get in his life.

The smile didn't leave his face as he recalled his efforts for the past years and his success in the industry. No one can stop him now. Not even the Philips group who had been consistently winning the award for the past 20 years.

"Stop smiling like a fool" he heard Aman hissing and he rolled his eyes. "Aman, I was asked to get any one person accompany me to this function and why on earth did I invite you?"

"Because you didn't want Khushi mam to squeal Arnav ji and cry out her hearts live in front of cameras when you win your award" Aman said chuckling.

There suddenly came a noise and Arnav and Aman looked back from the front seat to the door of the huge crowded venue. People were gathered around at the entrance and media were going crazy. Arnav and Aman looked at each other and heard the announcement, "And there ladies and gentlemen, we have the star of the show...the man who had been talking the award for the businessman of the year to his fireplace for the past 20 years. He is back here and might take the 2017 award to meet its ancestors....fingers crossed....stand up guards, move aside people, focus cameras, ladies and gentlemen, GREET THE LEGEND....welcome to the show Mr. Adam Joan Philips."

The people moved aside for the legend of business industry and Arnav watched the 54 year old man walking through the red carpeted floor. He couldn't help but gape at the man like he did since the day he saw him at the same award venue 7 years ago. With his slightly grey hair gelled to a short quiff and dressed in a black in black suit and glasses without frame adorning his tanned face, his body language screaming authority and his eyes showing its power, Adam Joan was a freaking legend.

The men watched the king walking towards the front row with a man running in front of him showing him his way. Arnav and Aman, along with other dignitaries, stood up as the man in fifties walked to them. "Right here sir" the man in his uniform showed his palm and bowed. Mr. Philip followed his hand and so did Arnav.

"Thank you" Mr. Philip said and sat on his seat next to Arnav. Arnav sat down and looked at Aman who was to his left. He then turned to his right and cleared his throat. "Hello Mr. Philip, nice to meet you"

Mr. Philip looked at him with his scrutinising eyes and then at Arnav's forwarded palm. He raised his eyebrow and asked in his deep voice, "And you're?"

Ouch! That hurts! Arnav took back his palm and said, "Arnav Singh Raizada"

"I didn't ask for your name young boy. From which company are you?" Mr. Philip asked scoffing.

"AR fashions" Arnav said curtly.

"Now that's something I'll remember. Names aren't important in business field. Your company is your identity" Mr. Philip said and extended his palm. Arnav nodded and shook palm.

"AR Fashions. You had been taking home the award for best fashion house for years, haven't you?" He asked as soon as they let go of the handshake.

"Yes" Arnav said smiling proudly.

"I remember. See you remember a company's name boy, not its owners' name. Lemme ask you, what is my name?" Mr. Philips asked.

"Adam Philips" Arnav said.

"How do you know?"

"The announcer just...."

"Ah the announcer. Its just been three minutes past the announcement and you've already forgotten my middle name. The moment you step out of the venue you'll forget my first name and then I'll be back to the name my company gave me - Mr. Philips. That's the identity we all have. We cannot chase behind it. It comes to us."

Arnav kept silent and nodded.

"By the way, you can call me Adam" he said.

"You're elder to me" Arnav said.

"Call me Adam" he said again, this time sternly.

"Ok Mr....sorry Adam" Arnav said laughing.

"And your name young boy. Sorry I forgot"

"Arnav and I'm not a young boy. I have a 6 year old son" Arnav said laughing.

Adam laughed and shook his head.

And for the first time in his life, Arnav was not jealous of the man who had been taking his eye candy for years.

"And the award for the businessman of the year goes to.....give it up for the man who won this for 20 years....ADAM JOAN PHILIPS" the announcer announced and for his shock, Aman found Arnav smiling and clapping for the man who took the award home.