.
Haniya's phone buzzed. She picked it up, calm as always.
"I don't care," she said. "I will only go to that team. And don't tell anyone… I'm coming back."
There was a pause on the other side. Someone probably sighed. Haniya didn't care. People doubted her all the time. But she was done listening.
For months, she had stayed away. She watched, trained, and got stronger. Now it was time.
She leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping the table lightly. Calm. Cool. Dangerous. That was her style — the kind of vibe people jokingly called "mafia vibes."
She looked out the window at the city below, the lights twinkling, the traffic moving. No one knew she was coming back. Not her fans, not the team, not even her rivals.
"I'm coming back," she whispered. "And this time… no one will know."
Nothing mattered except the team, the game, and her place at the top.
Haniya was back — fearless, unstoppable, untouchable.
---
The stadium was packed. The lights flashed, and the roar of thousands of fans filled the arena. The MPL finals were on, and the team Haniya was about to join was in the championship match.
Kashvi sat on the bench, eyes glued to the screens, heart racing. Across the stage, the team's veteran player, Anamika, stepped forward, her right hand wrapped in a light bandage from a previous surgery. Every move required extra effort, but she still held herself with quiet strength.
The crowd fell silent as the announcer handed her the microphone.
"Fans… teammates… everyone," Anamika began, taking a deep breath. "After this match… I'm retiring."
Gasps filled the arena. Cameras zoomed in on her face, capturing the mix of pride and sadness in her eyes.
She continued, voice breaking slightly. "I've given everything to this team, but… I can't keep up anymore. My hand… my injury… I don't want my struggle to cost the team. I… I think we lost this final because of me."
Aarav's chest tightened. His heart sank. He had liked Anamika for a long time, and hearing her blame herself hurt more than losing the match.
"No," he whispered, shaking his head. "It's not your fault. You've done more than anyone could ever ask."
Harsh nodded quietly, steady as always. "She made her choice," he said softly.
Vivaan groaned dramatically. "Seriously? Now? We needed you to win!"
Anamika gave them a faint, bittersweet smile. "I've done my best. It's time to step aside."
The match ended. They lost. The arena erupted in cheers for the winners, but for Aarav and the team, the pain of losing stung far deeper. Anamika had been the heart of the team, and now she was gone.
No one knew who would replace her. The future was uncertain. And somewhere, hidden from the world, Haniya was already planning her return, though no one had the slightest idea.
---
Back at the team house, the mood was heavy. The lights of the city outside did nothing to lift the gloom inside. The house, provided by the company, usually buzzed with laughter, late-night practice, and chaos—but today, it felt empty.
Anamika's bags were packed. Her favorite hoodie neatly folded on top, and her controllers carefully placed inside. She glanced at each teammate, lingering longest on Aarav.
"I guess this is really goodbye," she said softly.
Aarav's chest felt heavy. His eyes were red, his hands clenched, but he forced himself to stay composed. "Take care, Anamika," he murmured, his voice low. "Don't… don't blame yourself for anything."
She smiled faintly, her gaze meeting his for a brief second. "I'll miss you guys," she said, voice trembling. "And… you, Aarav."
That was all she said before picking up her bag and leaving the house.
Within minutes, the news spread like wildfire across the internet. Fans were shocked: "Anamika retires?!" "Who will replace her?" "What happens to the team now?"
Inside the house, the remaining team members gathered in the living room. Kashvi slumped on the couch, covering her face with her hands. Harsh stood quietly, arms crossed, deep in thought. Vivaan paced, muttering, "I can't believe she's gone… What's Aarav thinking?"
Everyone's eyes kept flicking to Aarav. He sat near the window, staring blankly outside, lost in thought. His gestures, the way he lingered when Anamika spoke, the quiet care he showed—it was obvious to everyone: Aarav liked her.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Kashvi whispered to Harsh.
Harsh shrugged. "He'll manage… eventually. But yeah, it's obvious how much he cared."
Vivaan stopped pacing and shook his head. "Guys, we need to focus. Finals are over, the team lost, and now there's a huge empty spot. We have no idea who the new member will be."
Kashvi peeked at Aarav, who hadn't moved from his chair. Her heart ached seeing him like this. Even though everyone was talking about the new player, Aarav's mind was still with Anamika.
The night stretched on, quiet except for soft murmurs and the occasional sigh. The team had lost their finals, their star player had left, and the next chapter of their journey was about to begin.
But for Aarav, the loss was more than just the championship—it was losing someone he truly cared about. And everyone in the house, from the quiet Harsh to the loud Vivaan, knew it.
No one had any idea who the new member would be. And somewhere, Haniya's return was already in motion.
---
Later that night, in the small office at the house, the team manager rubbed his forehead, staring at the empty seat where Anamika used to sit.
"We need someone to fill her spot… fast," he muttered to himself. The Indian MOBA Championship was just around the corner, and the team couldn't afford to waste any more time.
He turned to Aarav, who was sitting nearby, staring blankly at the wall. His hands were folded on the table, but his eyes looked miles away.
"Aarav… I need your input," the manager said gently. "Who do you think can take Anamika's place? The championship is coming up, and we have to prepare."
Aarav blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He hesitated, swallowing hard. "I… I don't know," he admitted quietly. His mind kept drifting back to Anamika—the way she had smiled, the way she had cared for the team.
The manager leaned forward, concern in his eyes. "We can't wait for feelings, Aarav. The team needs you. We need someone strong, someone reliable. We have to make a decision soon."
Aarav nodded slowly, still lost in thought. "Yeah… you're right. We'll figure it out."
The manager sighed. The pressure was mounting. The Indian MOBA Championship was coming, and the team needed a replacement who could not just play, but lead, inspire, and win.
Little did he know, someone was already planning her return—someone who would change everything.
---