The plane touched down at the airport in India, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the runway. Haniya adjusted her sunglasses, slinging her bag over one shoulder. She moved with the same calm confidence she had always carried—someone who belonged in every room without needing permission.
As she walked through the terminal, her phone buzzed in her hand. She picked it up with one hand, scrolling through the notifications with the other.
"I'm almost there," she said into the call, her voice smooth and certain. "I can't come right now because I have something else to do first… but let's plan the meeting at today's party. Everything has to go according to plan."
There was a brief pause on the other side. Someone laughed nervously.
"Don't worry," Haniya added, tilting her head slightly, her tone playful but commanding. "I've got this. Just make sure everyone's in place. I'll handle the rest."
She ended the call and took a deep breath, letting the familiar air of India fill her lungs. After months abroad, training, observing, and planning, she was finally back.
Haniya's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Tonight wouldn't just be any party—it was the start of her return, the moment she reclaimed her place, and everyone who had forgotten her power was about to be reminded.
Her phone buzzed again, a message lighting up the screen: "We're ready. See you tonight."
A small smile curved her lips. Calm, confident, unstoppable. Haniya was home.
---
Flashback – The Beginning Abroad
Haniya sat in the quiet practice room, her fingers hovering over the laptop keyboard. The room smelled of electronics and energy drinks, a hum of anticipation hanging in the air. Today was the team's international audition, and this was her chance to prove herself—not because of her family, her reputation, or connections, but because of her own skill.
Her heart raced, but not with fear. Excitement. Focus. She had trained for months, learning every trick, every strategy, every nuance of the game. And now, it all came down to this.
One by one, candidates played, showing off their talent. Haniya watched silently, analyzing every move. When it was finally her turn, she leaned forward, narrowed her eyes, and let her fingers fly across the laptop keyboard.
Click. Type. Execute. Attack. Defend.
Every move was precise, every strategy flawless. She didn't just play the game—she dominated it.
The judges exchanged glances, impressed. Haniya finished her session, breathing lightly, her heart still racing. She didn't look at the results immediately. She had done her best, and that was what mattered.
A moment later, the lead judge approached, smiling. "Congratulations, Haniya. You're in."
A rush of joy surged through her. For the first time, she had achieved something entirely on her own, without relying on her family name or influence. She had earned her place purely by skill, determination, and hard work.
Haniya's lips curved into a proud smile. She clenched her fists lightly, savoring the feeling. This was her victory. Her beginning.
For the first time in her life, she felt truly independent, truly capable—and it was exhilarating.
---
Atthe Team Base
The team gathered in the base's living room, the usual hum of strategy discussions and casual banter filling the air. The mood was a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
The team manager cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright, team," he began, "today at the party, we'll finally meet the new member. And just a reminder… she is also a girl."
Kashvi's eyes lit up instantly. She bounced slightly on the couch, smiling widely. "Yay! A new friend!"
Vivaan chuckled and nudged Harsh. "Looks like Kashvi is already excited."
Aarav, however, remained seated on the armchair, arms folded, eyes slightly narrowed. His tone was calm but indifferent. "We'll see later," he said softly, clearly uninterested—or so he tried to appear.
Harsh tilted his head, observing Aarav. "You're hiding something, Aarav. Admit it—you're curious too."
Aarav shook his head subtly, looking away. "Curious doesn't mean anything. Let's just focus on the game for now."
Vivaan groaned dramatically. "Game, game, game… always so serious! Can't wait to see this new player. I hope she's good."
Kashvi leaned forward, excitement barely contained. "I wonder who she is… and what she's like!"
The manager smiled, watching the team chatter. "Patience, everyone. Tonight, you'll meet her. And trust me… she's going to make an impression."
The team exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts about the mysterious new member. Little did they know, the arrival of this girl would shake up not only the team dynamics but also their hearts in ways they couldn't yet imagine.
---
At the Company Office
The office buzzed with the usual corporate energy, but today, all eyes were on her. Haniya walked in, moving straight toward the president's office without asking for permission. Every step she took left people momentarily speechless—her poise, elegance, and fashion sense made everyone stop and stare.
She reached the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.
Her father, the company president, looked up. Haniya froze for a moment. She had expected confusion, disappointment, or maybe even a lecture—but his reaction was completely different.
A gentle smile spread across his face. Without a word, he stood up and pulled her into a warm hug.
It had been a long time since she had seen him. Haniya felt a wave of comfort wash over her and hugged him back.
Finally, her father released her, looking at her with pride and amusement. "So… you are the new player?" he asked.
Haniya nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Yes, I want to join the team by my own skills."
Her father raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need to join the team? Become the team owner instead… after all, you are my precious daughter."
Haniya shook her head firmly. "No, I want my own identity."
Her father chuckled softly. "Fine, do whatever you want, princess."
Then he asked more gently, "You don't want to meet your mother?"
Haniya thought for a moment. "I'll meet her at the party. But there… don't tell anyone that I'm your daughter. I don't want anyone to know. And you explain it to mom too, okay?"
Her father smiled and nodded, a mixture of pride and amusement on his face.
Haniya straightened her posture, adjusting her outfit, her eyes shining with determination. "Now I'm going. I need to get ready for the party."
With that, she turned and walked out confidently, leaving a mixture of admiration and awe in her father's office. Everyone on the floor whispered, trying to catch another glimpse of the girl whose presence had just lit up the entire company.
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