---
The team stepped off the bus, laughter and chatter filling the air. Aarav walked behind them, quietly trying to catch Haniya's attention — but she ignored him completely, as if he wasn't even there.
Inside the party hall, the lights shimmered, and the music flowed softly.
Standing right in the center, waiting with a practiced, confident smile—
was Anamika.
Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Aarav.
"Aarav! You finally came," she greeted warmly.
Aarav smiled politely, but something inside him felt unsettled.
From across the hall, Haniya watched them with a calm expression, unreadable.
But when her eyes met Aarav's by accident, she immediately looked away and walked ahead with Kashvi.
Moments later, Haniya whispered to Kashvi,
"I'll be back… restroom."
Aarav noticed immediately.
Without hesitation, he followed her.
Harsh nudged Vivaan with a smirk.
"Oh ho… drama time."
Vivaan grinned, "Bro is following her like it's a movie scene."
In the quiet corridor near the restroom, Aarav caught her by the wrist and pulled her closer.
Her back brushed against the wall.
"Aarav—?"
Before she could finish, he leaned in—
—and kissed her neck.
Haniya froze, shocked.
"This," he whispered, "is the return for last night."
Her eyes widened. "…What?"
"You kissed my neck yesterday," Aarav said calmly. "I just gave it back. Now I'm free from those thoughts."
She stared at him, expression shifting.
"I never stopped you. Do whatever you want," she said coldly and walked away.
Back inside, she joined Kashvi and casually asked about Anamika as if nothing had happened.
Later, Aarav and Anamika entered the dance floor. With no media present, the moment felt intimate. Their dance appeared smooth from a distance — perfect enough to hurt.
After the dance, Anamika joined Haniya and Kashvi.
"Aarav treats me so well," she said proudly. "He always makes me feel special."
Haniya simply nodded, her expression calm but her thoughts far away.
Anamika drifted away again, flirting openly with Aarav.
That's when Haniya leaned into Kashvi and whispered,
"Kashvi… I don't feel good. I think I drank too much. Something feels… wrong."
Her face had lost its color.
"Oh God," Kashvi said, gripping her shoulders. "Let's go outside."
They slowly walked toward the exit. Haniya stumbled, her legs weak.
Aarav noticed instantly from across the hall.
Without a second thought, he walked away from Anamika mid-conversation.
Anamika's smile faded as she watched him leave.
At the entrance, Aarav reached them quickly.
"Haniya—what's wrong?"
"I… don't know…" she murmured. "My head… it's spinning."
Her knees gave out, and she nearly collapsed—
Aarav caught her immediately, holding her close.
Haniya instinctively clung to him, her head resting against his chest.
"You're not okay," Aarav said firmly. "We're taking you to the dorm."
Kashvi nodded. "I can't manage her alone."
"Then I'm coming," Aarav said instantly.
He helped her onto the bus, supporting her gently.
Haniya leaned weakly against the window, eyes half-closed.
"Kashvi," Aarav said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Haniya's forehead, "I need to gather the whole team. Stay with her for five minutes."
"Go," Kashvi said. "I'll take care of her."
Aarav quickly went back to the hall, rounding up Harsh, Vivaan, and the others.
"We're leaving. Now," he said in a tone that left no room for questions.
Soon everyone was on the bus.
Aarav returned last and immediately sat behind Haniya, concern etched on his face.
"Haniya," he said softly, leaning forward, "are you okay now?"
She didn't speak — she just nodded weakly, still half-conscious.
Across the aisle, Harsh elbowed Vivaan, whispering:
"Look at him… full protective mode on."
Vivaan smirked.
"Bro is sitting like her bodyguard."
Harsh added, "Anamika must be crying inside. She saw him run after Haniya."
Aarav heard but didn't react. His eyes stayed on Haniya.
"You need anything?" he asked quietly. "Water? Air?"
Haniya murmured, "Just… sleepy…"
Kashvi smiled. "She'll be fine once we reach."
And as the bus pulled away from the glittering party, leaving behind lights, music, and unfinished emotions—
Aarav stayed right beside Haniya, silently watching over her…
while in the entrance of the hall,
Anamika stood frozen, hurt, and alone, watching him disappear with someone else.
---
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