.
---
The team was deep into practice when the coach entered the gaming room, moving from player to player. The atmosphere was intense—mouse clicks, keyboard taps, and heavy concentration filling the space.
When he reached Haniya, he stopped.
Her movements were sharp, her map awareness flawless, her combos clean.
He watched for a full minute before nodding.
"Excellent work, Haniya. Very precise."
Aarav, sitting diagonally across the room, felt something warm explode in his chest. He wasn't even trying to hide his smile—he was proud… proudly jealous… proudly amazed.
And then, Haniya did something unexpected.
She turned slightly and smiled at him.
Soft. Calm. Beautiful.
Aarav's breath caught. He smiled back, eyes locked on hers, refusing to look away.
But it was Haniya who broke the eye contact, turning to Kashvi as she grabbed her arm.
"Come on! Let's do a full five-man match before we leave."
The entire team agreed.
And when they played, something electric happened—
they were perfect.
Every rotation, every combo, every call was smooth. Aarav and Haniya's coordination was so natural it stunned even them.
Inside, Haniya thought:
"Good… now my plan is working."
---
Scene: Anamika Arrives
Just when things were settling, the training room door opened dramatically.
Anamika walked in.
Dressed perfectly, expression confident, chin up as if she was used to all eyes following her.
And they did.
She greeted the team sweetly, but her gaze was fixed on Aarav…
and then slid sharply to Haniya.
She had come to boost her image—and to push Haniya down.
"Let's do a 1v1," she said suddenly, standing right in front of Haniya.
"One by one. If you're as good as they say."
The room fell silent.
Haniya didn't even blink. "Sure."
They played.
And Haniya won every round.
The team burst into cheers, shocked, proud, loud—while Anamika's fake smile slowly cracked.
The coach crossed his arms, impressed.
"Outstanding, Haniya. Your fundamentals are rare at this level."
Aarav couldn't stop watching her with a soft, glowing pride.
---
Scene: After the Challenge – Eye Contact
While everyone continued buzzing about Haniya's win, she caught Aarav looking at her again.
For a moment, she allowed herself a tiny victory smile.
He returned the smile—gentle, deep—and this time tried not to break the eye contact.
But she broke it first, turning when Kashvi pulled her to start another team match.
And again, the five of them played beautifully—as if the team had been warming up for this moment all along.
---
Night Scene: Aarav Visits
The dorm was silent that night.
Haniya had just finished brushing her hair when she heard a soft knock.
She opened the door—
—and froze.
Aarav stood there, hair slightly messy, eyes warm and unsure at the same time.
"Can I come inside?" he asked gently.
She hesitated… then nodded.
He stepped in, closing the door softly behind him.
"Are you… still upset with me?" he asked, voice low.
Haniya looked away.
"You took away all my rights to be upset with you…"
The words hit him like a punch—far more honest than he expected.
"May I tell you something?" she whispered.
Aarav straightened immediately.
"Of course, please."
She sighed—a heavy, shaky sigh.
"I don't think I can perform well in tomorrow's match. Something feels off."
Aarav moved without thinking.
He reached out and held her hand, firmly but softly, making her look directly into his eyes.
"Why not? You're amazing, Haniya. Truly. I'm with you… we all are. Everything will be fine. I promise."
Her shoulders loosened.
Her breath steadied.
She actually felt lighter.
Aarav smiled at her—tender, reassuring.
"Good night. I'm going to bed," he said softly before turning toward the door.
He stepped out, closing it gently behind him.
Haniya brought the hand he had held to her heart, eyes shutting on their own.
A small, peaceful smile spread across her lips.
For the first time in days… she felt calm.
---
.