Chapter 59: A Tribute To Raftaar

Later...

(After the ceremony concluded, Abhimanyu stepped forward, taking the microphone in hand once again.

A mischievous yet excited smile played on his lips as he looked over the gathered crowd.)

Abhimanyu: (smirking) Ladies and gentlemen, before we wrap up this incredible evening, I have a very special announcement to make...

(A murmur rippled through the audience, curiosity piqued.

Abhimanyu took a measured pause, letting anticipation build.)

Abhimanyu: Today, among us, we have a legend. A name that once dominated the racing circuits, a force to be reckoned with... and, to be honest, when her face popped up on the viewing screen during the race, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. (chuckles) At first, I told myself, "No, it can't be her," but after confirming with reliable sources, I realized, I was absolutely right!

(Gasps of intrigue spread through the audience. People exchanged glances, some leaning forward in their seats.)

Abhimanyu: Now, the younger generation may not have had the privilege of watching her in action, but for us... (pauses dramatically, scanning the crowd) She was THE Racing Queen! The undisputed champion who ruled the tracks and left her competitors eating dust! So, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the three-time national champion...

(He raised his arm with flair, his voice ringing through the arena.)

Abhimanyu: RAFTAAR!!!

(The crowd erupted into a deafening roar of applause and cheers.

Some older spectators gasped in recognition, while others turned to each other, whispering in excitement.

The younger ones, unfamiliar with the name, looked around, intrigued by the reaction.)

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(In the midst of it all, Kiara's ears perked up. Her breath hitched as Abhimanyu's words echoed in her mind.

Her head instinctively snapped toward the audience, her gaze darting between faces, searching... until her eyes landed on Naina.

Kiara's lips parted slightly, her heart hammering in her chest.

A warmth spread through her, a pride so overwhelming that she felt her eyes burn.

With glistening eyes, Kiara smiled. Not just any smile-but a proud, admiring, almost reverent one. Her mother wasn't just hers. She belonged to the racetrack, to history. And Kiara had never been prouder.)

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In the audience,

(Naina froze, her breath catching in her throat as her name echoed through the massive stadium.

The spotlight swung toward her, blinding for a moment, illuminating the sheer disbelief on her face.

A murmur rippled through the audience-some whispering in recognition, others craning their necks to get a better look.

Beside her, Purab smirked, nudging her with his elbow.)

Purab: (leaning in, whispering with a teasing lilt) Kya dekh rahi ho? Tumhara naam liya hai, Nunu. Jaao!

Naina: (barely audible, heart pounding) Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha, Pogo... Main yahaan kaise-

Purab: (interrupting, shaking his head in mock exasperation) Arrey, tum ek national-level race attend kar rahi ho... Tumhe kya laga? Koi tumhe pehchaanega nahi yahaan? Yeh tere liye naya nahi hai, champ!

(A warm chuckle sounded from the other side.

Naina turned to find Vikram watching her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of nostalgia and encouragement. His smile widened.)

Vikram: Jaao, Raftaar! This is your moment to shine!!!

(Naina swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the edge of her seat. The roar of the crowd grew louder-some voices calling out her name now.

Finally, she let out a slow breath, squared her shoulders, and stood up.)

(The entire race track erupted. Cheers, applause, and whistles filled the air as she made her way toward the stage.

Each step felt surreal-like stepping back in time, yet moving forward all the same.)

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At the Stage:

(As she reached the stage, Abhimanyu extended a welcoming hand, his expression one of admiration and respect.)

Abhimanyu: Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the one and only-Raftaar!!!

(The applause crescendoed, a wave of sound enveloping her.

She turned back for a brief second, locking eyes with her family and friends.

Their unwavering support fueled the fire in her chest.

Naina smiled, truly and fully this time, before stepping into the spotlight-where she belonged.)

Abhimanyu: Raftaar!!!!! It's an absolute honor to have you here today.

(Naina smiled and bowed her head in gratitude.)

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(As Naina stepped onto the center stage, a hush fell over the audience.

The bright lights momentarily blinded her, but her gaze instinctively searched for the one face she knew would ground her—Kiara.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, words were unnecessary. Kiara’s lips curled into a wide, gleaming smile, her eyes shimmering with unspoken pride.

She gave her mother a subtle thumbs-up, a silent yet powerful message: You’ve got this, Mom.

Naina chuckled softly under her breath, shaking her head in amused disbelief.

Her heart swelled at the sheer confidence radiating from her daughter. If nothing else, Kiara’s unwavering faith in her was enough to steady her nerves.

Then her gaze flickered to the other side of the stage, where Aryan stood with his signature mischievous smirk.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression a perfect blend of playfulness and admiration. And then, in true Aryan fashion, he gave her a mock salute.

Naina rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small, appreciative smile that tugged at her lips.

Trust Aryan to turn even a serious moment into something lighthearted.)

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Then,

(Before she could react further, Abhimanyu’s voice echoed through the microphone, drawing everyone's attention.)

Abhimanyu: Guys... today, I want to share something with all of you. I'm a five-time national champion with four consecutive wins. That was the highest for an Indian rider until this guy—(He pointed toward Ritwik, who grinned, acknowledging the recognition.) Ritwik Mehta broke it by claiming five national championships in a row!!!

(The crowd erupted into applause, some even whistling in appreciation as Ritwik gave Abhimanyu a respectful nod.

Abhimanyu let the cheers die down before continuing, his voice carrying a note of reverence now.)

Abhimanyu: But even with all my accomplishments, there's one record I could never break. And honestly, I don't think anyone has the guts to even attempt it in today's time. And that record… belongs to Raftaar!

(A wave of murmurs swept through the audience as all eyes turned toward Naina.

Abhimanyu gestured toward her, his expression filled with both admiration and nostalgia.)

Abhimanyu: She is the only Indian motorcycle racer to win three consecutive National Championships... all of them under the age of 18! Can you believe it?

(For a brief second, there was silence—almost as if the audience was processing the sheer magnitude of the statement.

Then, the entire ground exploded with cheers and applause.

The thunderous sound of claps and whistles filled the air.

Naina felt a lump rise in her throat as she clasped her hands together, her gaze sweeping over the audience.

She took a deep breath, letting the moment sink in, before pressing her hands together in gratitude.)

Abhimanyu: (grinning) And let me tell you something else... in my career, I lost my first three national championship finals... (he turned, pointing toward Naina with a playful smirk) to the one and only—Raftaar!!!

(A wave of surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Naina’s eyes widened, caught completely off guard. She turned sharply toward Abhimanyu, her lips parting in disbelief.)

Naina: (stunned) That was you?!

Abhimanyu: (nodding) Yes, ma’am. Those three silver medals I won? They were all because of you. (his voice grew nostalgic) I still remember those days like they were yesterday... In fact, if you hadn’t retired from racing, I might not have even won my first title on my fourth attempt... let alone the next three after that!

(A mixture of emotions flickered across Naina’s face—shock, nostalgia, and, most of all, gratitude.

She smiled graciously and dipped her head in acknowledgment.

The humility in Abhimanyu’s voice made her heart swell; she had never realized she had been a part of someone else’s journey this way.)

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Then,

(Abhimanyu turned back to the audience, his tone shifting to something more formal.)

Abhimanyu: Today, on behalf of the organizing committee, we want to present a special memento to honor your legacy and salute everything you’ve achieved in Indian motorsports.

(The applause returned, louder and more enthusiastic this time.

A staff member walked onto the stage, carefully carrying a gleaming memento trophy.

The metallic surface shimmered under the stage lights, reflecting the emotions of the moment.

Abhimanyu took the trophy in his hands, examining it for a moment before breaking into his trademark grin.)

Abhimanyu: (into the mic) And now, to present this memento to the legendary Raftaar... I would like to request Aryan to do the honors!

(A ripple of excitement passed through the audience as Aryan, who had been standing at the edge of the stage, grinned mischievously.

He sauntered forward with the confidence of someone who had been waiting for this moment.)

Aryan: Oh, surely! I’d be honored.

(But instead of handing it over immediately, he paused dramatically, his gaze flickering toward Naina.

The playful glint in his eyes sent alarm bells ringing in her head.)

Aryan: (to the crowd, smirking) And, for the record... Raftaar and I go way back.

(Naina instantly narrowed her eyes, already sensing where this was going.

She shook her head in warning, but Aryan was on a roll.)

Aryan: (grinning) Both of us are best friends! We’ve known each other since school!

(A collective murmur of curiosity swept through the audience. Some leaned forward in their seats, eager for more details.)

(Abhimanyu, who had been standing beside Aryan, stiffened in visible shock. His head snapped toward Naina, his eyebrows shooting up.)

Abhimanyu: (blinking) Wait... you’re telling me that Raftaar and you...

Aryan: (grinning wider) Oh, yes. Believe it or not, we survived school together. And let’s just say, she hasn’t changed a bit—still as fierce and unstoppable as ever.

(A mix of laughter and intrigued whispers filled the auditorium. Naina exhaled dramatically, shaking her head but unable to hide the amused smile creeping onto her face.)

(Aryan handed her the memento, the gesture unusually gentle despite his teasing.)

(Naina took it, turning slightly toward the mic. Her voice carried mock exasperation, but there was unmistakable warmth in her tone.)

Naina: Don’t listen to him too much, Abhimanyu. Aryan loves his dramatic reveals.

(The crowd burst into laughter. Even Abhimanyu, still looking amusedly stunned, chuckled.)

Abhimanyu: (shaking his head) Well, I didn't see that coming! It seems there's no end to the surprises today.

Aryan: (grinning) I have another surprise for you.

(He turned toward the audience, pausing just long enough to build anticipation.

Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, intrigued.)

Abhimanyu: Oh? And what might that be?

(Aryan’s smirk widened as he pointed toward Naina, his voice ringing with excitement.)

Aryan: The current National Championship winner… Toofani… she’s her daughter!!!!

(A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a stunned silence.

The revelation hung in the air for a moment before Abhimanyu’s expression morphed from shock to sheer admiration.)

Abhimanyu: (grinning) Wow!!! Seriously? No wonder where Toofani gets her talent from!!!

(He turned back to the crowd, his voice booming with enthusiasm.)

Abhimanyu: Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a huge round of applause for not just one, but two champions from the same family!!!

(The hall erupted into deafening cheers, the energy in the room reaching new heights.)

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Then,

(Aryan stepped back, his arms crossed smugly, clearly reveling in the moment.

Naina, still clutching the memento, shot him an exasperated yet affectionate glare.)

Naina: (muttering) You just love dramatic reveals, don’t you?

Aryan: (grinning) Guilty as charged.

(As the applause continued, a staff member walked up to Naina, handing her a microphone.

She hesitated, gripping it tightly for a second before taking a deep breath and stepping forward.

The noise gradually died down, anticipation thick in the air.)

Naina: (softly) Thank you, Abhimanyu. (pauses, her voice carrying warmth and sincerity) Honestly, I didn’t expect this at all. I wasn’t even sure if anyone would still remember me.

(She glanced around, taking in the cheering crowd, the beaming faces, the sheer energy in the room.)

Naina: (smiling) You know, when I left racing, I thought that chapter of my life was over. I hung up my helmet, put away my racing suit, and convinced myself that speed, adrenaline, and the roar of the track were things of the past. I got married,  became a mother to twins, I built a different life, and I embraced it with all my heart.

(She looked toward Kiara, her gaze softening before turning back to the audience.)

Naina: But standing here today, hearing these cheers, feeling this warmth... it makes me realize something. Racing wasn’t just a phase of my life—it was a part of me. And no matter how much time passes, some things never really leave you. Once a racer, always a racer!!!

(The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. Aryan clapped beside her, nodding in agreement.)

Naina: I’ve always believed that champions are not just those who cross the finish line first. Champions are those who keep moving forward, no matter the challenges. Those who fall, get back up, and race again. And today, I realize... my biggest victory wasn’t on the racetrack. It was learning how to balance my past, my present, and my future.

(She glanced at the memento in her hands, her fingers running over the engraved details.)

Naina: Winning championships was an honor, but moments like these? They’re priceless. Because this isn’t just my moment. It belongs to every young racer who had dreams, every girl who has been told she doesn’t belong in a high-speed sport, and every person who has ever had to step away from their passion, thinking they wouldn’t be able to return.

(She exhaled, her voice steady yet filled with emotion.)

Naina: I may have been known as Raftaar once, but today, I stand here simply as Naina—someone who never stopped loving the race, even when she wasn’t on the track. And I have a message to all the young racers out there.... chase your dreams with everything you have, because one day, they’ll bring you to places you never imagined.

(Abhimanyu, visibly moved, was the first to start applauding, followed quickly by the rest of the audience.

Aryan shot Naina a look of pure admiration, while Kiara wiped away another tear, pride shining in her eyes.)

(Naina smiled, holding the microphone for just a second longer before softly saying—)

Naina: Thank you... for making me feel like I never truly left. Winning championships was an honor, but moments like these? They’re priceless. (Smiles)  Thank you, Abhimanyu, and a big thanks to the entire racing committee for making this moment so special… so unforgettable.

(She stepped back, her voice slightly thick with emotion.

The entire audience rose to their feet in a thunderous standing ovation.)

The sound was overwhelming, a powerful echo of acknowledgment and respect.

Naina stood in the center of the stage, momentarily closing her eyes, letting the moment wash over her.

For a moment, it felt like Naina had reclaimed her throne as the racing queen, her past glory shining brightly in the present.)

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Then,

(As Naina, Kiara, and Aryan stepped down from the stage, their family rushed forward to greet them, their cheers echoing even louder than the crowd’s applause.

It was a moment of pure joy, of pride, of years of emotions spilling over into laughter and tight embraces.)

(Vikram and Purab led the charge, their faces beaming with pride. Kiaan and Abhir followed close behind, grinning from ear to ear, while Paarth clapped enthusiastically, his excitement barely contained.)

Vikram: (pulling Kiara into a tight hug) Kiara! I am so, so proud of you, my baccha!!!! (turns toward Naina, his eyes shining with admiration) And you too, babe. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder.

(Naina chuckled, shaking her head as she accepted his side hug, the warmth in his voice filling her heart.)

Naina: (smirking) Well, I didn’t expect to be dragged back into the limelight like this, but hey… old habits die hard.

(Kiara laughed, leaning into her mother’s embrace as Kiaan grabbed her by the shoulders, his excitement barely contained.)

Kiaan: (eyes gleaming) Kiru!!!! You were just awesome!!! I knew you'd win—I never had a doubt!

Abhir: (patting Kiara’s back) You've left us all speechless today!!! Do you even realize what you've done?!

Kiara: (grinning, breathless from all the attention) Thank you!!!! Thank you so much!!!! But honestly.... aaj toh, Mumma stole the show!!! Hai naa??

(She turned to look at Naina, whose face still held traces of awe at the unexpected recognition.)

Purab: (laughing) I knew something like this would happen! You can't hide Raftaar for too long! Some legacies are meant to shine forever!

(The family swarmed around Kiara and Naina, hugging, congratulating, and teasing them both with affectionate enthusiasm.

The love in the air was palpable, a celebration that went beyond victories—it was about belonging, about dreams, about history being rewritten.)

Then,

(Kiara smiled, feeling the weight of her National Championship trophy in her hands.

Then, with a playful grin, she turned to Manav and Prabhas, who were practically bouncing with excitement, their eyes fixed on the golden prize.

Kiara: (handing them the trophy) Here! I think you two should hold it—you seem more excited than me!

(Manav let out an ear-splitting scream, punching the air in triumph.)

Manav: Toofani!!!! Tumne kar dikhaaya!!!! I KNEW IT!!!

(Prabhas grabbed the trophy and held it high above his head like a warrior lifting a sword.)

Prabhas: (beaming) Mujhe toh pehle din se hi pata tha ki yeh ladki kuch bada karke dikhaayegi!!!

(The two men began shouting and cheering dramatically, their infectious energy spreading through the group.

Their excitement was so over-the-top that even onlookers from the crowd chuckled, shaking their heads in amusement.)

(Purab folded his arms, raising an eyebrow at the duo.)

Purab: (teasing) Tum dono toh aise behave kar rahe ho, jaise tumne khud trophy jeeti ho!!!

Prabhas: (grinning) Aur nahi toh kya?! Toofani ki trophy, hamaari trophy… Hai naa, Kiara???

Kiara: (laughing, nodding) Bilkul! Aap log ke bina yeh possible hi nahi hota!

(The laughter swelled again, but then Naina felt arms wrap tightly around her. She looked down to see Kiara hugging her fiercely, her grip warm and full of emotion.)

Kiara: (softly) Mumma… this means everything to me. Knowing I’m following in your footsteps… it’s the best feeling ever.

(Naina swallowed the lump in her throat, running a hand over Kiara’s hair, her eyes misty with pride.)

Naina: No, Kiara. You’re not following in my footsteps. You’re making your own path, and I couldn’t be prouder of the champion—no, the person—you’ve become.

(Vikram, watching the mother-daughter moment, couldn’t help but smile as he placed a gentle hand on Naina’s shoulder.)

Vikram: (softly) You may have left the track, Naina, but you never stopped inspiring. Today, that became clearer than ever.

(Naina blinked, looking at her family—her crazy, wonderful, endlessly supportive family. The weight of the memento in her hand didn’t compare to the weight of the love surrounding her.)

(She exhaled, shaking her head as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.)

Naina: (laughing) Okay, okay. Enough with the emotional drama! I think we’ve celebrated enough on stage—now, how about some actual celebrating?

(The moment the words left her mouth, Prabhas and Manav cheered again.)

Manav: PARTY TIME!!!!

Prabhas: Bhai, aaj toh full dhamaka hoga!!!

(The whole group laughed, their voices rising in joyous chaos as they embraced once more, already making plans for the night ahead.

But amidst the celebration, Naina stole one last glance at the stage—the place where she had once ruled, where her past had collided with her present in the most unexpected way.)

(She had thought she had left racing behind.

But tonight, as she stood among her family, her legacy alive and burning brighter than ever, she realized—some victories aren’t just about crossing the finish line.

Some victories are about coming home.)

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Author’s Note

Hey, amazing readers! ❤️🏁

WOW. What a chapter, right? I had chills while writing this! 🏎️💨 Seeing Naina step back into the spotlight, the roar of the crowd, Kiara’s pride, Aryan’s mischief—ugh, it was EVERYTHING! 🔥

I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts! Did you enjoy the drama? The reveals? Who was your favorite in this scene? Drop a comment below—I’m literally waiting to fangirl with you! 😍🎤

And hey, don’t forget to VOTE ⭐ if you enjoyed this chapter! Your votes, comments, and follows keep me going and mean the world to me. 🌍✨

So, hit that follow button if you haven’t already—more twists, emotions, and high-speed action are coming your way! 🚀

Until next time, keep the engines revving and the love coming! 💕🏎️🔥