---
Haniya stepped into her room and quickly picked up her ringing phone.
Her face softened the moment she heard the voice on the other side—it was her father, calling to congratulate her for the victory.
They talked for quite a long time, laughter mixed with emotion.
Then someone knocked at the door.
Haniya assumed it was Kashvi.
"Come in, Kashvi…"
But the door opened—and it was Aarav.
Haniya's expression shifted to pure shock. Aarav gave a small smile and said softly:
"Dinner is ready."
She nodded and turned back to her call.
"Okay, Dad… bye. I'll call you later."
Her father's voice chuckled lovingly:
'Why call later? Why don't we meet? Come for lunch tomorrow.'
Haniya's eyes lit up.
"Sure… I want to see you too."
She hung up.
Aarav asked gently, "Who was it?"
She smiled softly.
"My father. He called to congratulate me."
---
Scene 2 – The Dining Table Shift
They both walked to the dining hall where everyone was already seated and gossiping.
But Haniya's smile faded as soon as she noticed something—
Anamika was sitting in her seat, right next to Kashvi, with a smug expression.
As the conversation buzzed around them, Anamika leaned forward and said sweetly:
"Aarav, sit beside me."
Aarav obeyed out of politeness and sat beside her.
Haniya quietly sat in the seat next to him—keeping distance, but still close.
A moment later…
Aarav gently served some dal onto Haniya's plate.
She gave him a small smile.
But Anamika's eyes narrowed.
She instantly leaned toward Aarav, touching his arm, flirting, speaking softly.
Haniya's smile disappeared.
Her mood dropped instantly.
She pushed her plate back.
"I'm done… I'm going to bed."
Her voice was controlled, but her hurt was visible.
Aarav's heart sank as she walked away.
---
Scene 3 – The Visit
Later that night, there was a knock on her door.
Thinking it was Kashvi, Haniya said:
"Come in…"
The door opened, and her breath hitched.
It was Aarav again—holding her plate of food.
He quietly placed it on her bedside table and sat down on the couch, saying nothing at first.
Haniya couldn't hold it anymore.
"Why are you here, Aarav?" she snapped.
"You should be with that Anamika. She'll get upset, right? Don't you feel bad?"
Aarav's reply came calm but deeply honest:
"Yeah… I'll feel bad. But only if you are hurt."
She froze.
"Why do you still care about me?" she whispered.
"Didn't you leave me?"
Aarav's jaw tightened as guilt flickered in his eyes.
"I didn't want to leave you, Haniya. It was my compulsion."
Silence filled the room.
He finally stood and pointed gently at the food.
"Don't be angry at me. I brought food for you. Eat it, or you'll feel dizzy."
He turned to walk away.
Haniya's voice broke softly—almost involuntarily:
"Again… you're leaving me in this condition?"
Aarav stopped…
walked back…
and before she could step away,
he hugged her.
A warm, comforting, protective hug.
"I'm not leaving you, Haniya… I just don't want to force you."
Then he let go and walked out, leaving her breathless.
---
Scene 4 – The Message
The room felt warmer after he left.
Haniya looked at the plate of food.
A tiny smile appeared.
"Idiot…" she whispered lovingly, and finally began eating.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
A message from her father:
Don't forget—tomorrow you're coming for lunch. Don't be late.
Her eyes shined with joy.
She hugged her pillow, smiled softly…
…and drifted into sleep with Aarav's hug replaying in her mind.
---