---
Scene 1: Morning Excitement
Haniya woke up early the next morning, excitement fluttering inside her chest. The first thing she remembered was last night — Aarav coming to her room, the way he held her, the way he reassured her. A soft smile bloomed on her face.
Then she remembered something even more important.
Today she was meeting her parents.
She quickly got ready, dressing neatly and beautifully, and walked down the stairs. As soon as she appeared, everyone in the living area looked up — stunned by how bright she looked.
Kashvi tilted her head, smiling knowingly.
"Is something special today?"
Haniya nodded happily.
"Yes. After practice, I'm going to meet my parents."
"Wow, that's great!" Kashvi said, hugging her lightly.
They all moved to the dining table. The maid served breakfast, and the atmosphere was warm — almost like a big family. They laughed, teased, and talked about yesterday's victory.
Harsh suddenly said,
"Haniya, you should smile more. You look too good while smiling."
Before Haniya could reply—
Anamika entered.
Haniya's smile vanished instantly.
With a perfectly straight face she said,
"Don't you have a house of your own? If not, I can get you one. You keep coming here anytime you want."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Anamika's face stiffened, but she pretended not to care.
At that moment, the team manager arrived.
"Time for practice, everyone."
They all headed to the gaming room. After practice, the team manager made an announcement:
"We'll leave tonight. The destination is far, so be on time. And yes, Haniya — your leave request for the afternoon is approved. But you must return by evening."
Haniya smiled gratefully.
"Sure, I will."
After practice, she grabbed her bag and walked toward the gate.
Aarav followed her.
"Let me drop you."
She shook her head.
"No, it's okay. I can drive. Don't worry about me."
Still, he walked her out to her car.
He hesitated… wanting to hug her.
Haniya noticed, stepped closer, and softly said,
"Hug me."
Aarav blinked.
"What?"
"Hug me," she repeated with a tiny smile.
He finally pulled her into a warm embrace. She hugged him back.
"Come back fast… and drive carefully," Aarav whispered.
"It's just two or three hours," she replied.
"Still… I'll miss you."
Haniya smiled, got into the car, and drove away.
---
Scene 2: At Home With Her Parents
Haniya reached her home, and the moment she stepped inside, her mother rushed to hug her. Her father stood behind them, smiling proudly.
They sat together in the living room and talked for a while. Then Haniya suddenly asked:
"Where is bhai?"
Her mother sighed gently.
"He went to Himachal Pradesh to learn TCM — Traditional Chinese Medicine."
"Himachal Pradesh? That far?" Haniya's eyebrows shot up.
"I wanted to meet him. He didn't even call me!"
Her father laughed at her dramatic expression.
"Don't worry. One of your championship matches is in Himachal. After tomorrow's match, when your team travels there, I'll call him. You two can meet during the event."
Haniya's face brightened instantly.
"Really?"
"Yes," her father said. "I'll make sure he comes."
Feeling relieved and excited, she joined them for lunch. They talked for a long time — about her team, her role, yesterday's victory, and how proud they were of her.
After lunch, she hugged both of them tightly.
"I'll visit again soon. Pray for tomorrow's match."
"You don't need prayers," her father said gently.
"You have skill."
Haniya smiled and left for the dorm.
---
Scene 3: Returning to the Dorm
Haniya finally reached the dorm.
The moment she stepped inside, Aarav — who had been pretending to scroll on his phone — immediately looked up.
His expression softened.
A small, uncontrollable smile appeared on his face, the kind he didn't show to anyone except her.
Before he could walk toward her, the team manager clapped his hands loudly.
"Good, you're back on time. Haniya, pack your things. We'll leave in two hours."
Haniya nodded quickly.
"Okay, sir."
She rushed upstairs to her room, her footsteps light and fast.
As soon as she entered, she tossed her bag on the bed and began packing everything she needed — her team jacket, her headphones, spare clothes, charger, gaming gloves, and the small keychain her mother had secretly slipped into her hand before she left.
Her heart was still warm from meeting her parents.
Her brother… Himachal… tomorrow's match…
Everything felt exciting and overwhelming.
As she packed, she didn't notice that Aarav had quietly walked to her door.
He leaned on the frame, watching her with a soft fondness he couldn't hide.
---
Scene 4: The Unexpected Bump
Haniya turned around to grab the small gift she had bought from abroad for her brother. The box was neatly wrapped with a red ribbon, ready to be packed safely.
But in that split second, she didn't notice Aarav stepping out of her wardrobe area.
Their bodies collided.
"Oh!" Haniya gasped, instinctively holding the gift tighter.
Aarav's hands shot out, steadying her. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, concern flashing in his eyes.
Haniya blinked, slightly startled. "I-I'm fine. Sorry, I wasn't looking."
Aarav gave a faint, amused smile. "Seems like you're always rushing, even when packing."
Haniya let out a soft laugh, her nerves calming slightly. "It's just… we have to travel continuously for three matches now. I want to make sure everything is ready."
Aarav nodded, his gaze lingering on her. There was something about the way she packed, her focused gestures, that made him smile inwardly.
For a moment, the room was quiet except for the rustle of clothes and the soft thud of Haniya setting the gift into her bag. Their eyes met briefly—something unspoken passing between them—before Haniya turned back to finish her packing, and Aarav quietly stepped back, letting her have her space.
---
Scene 5: The Call and Departure
Haniya was just finishing packing when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and froze — it was the same number she had spoken to at the very start of the novel. A small, unreadable smile appeared on her face as she swiped to answer.
"So… you want to meet with me?" the familiar voice asked.
Haniya's eyes sparkled. "Yeah… why not? After all, you were the one who convinced me to come back and gave me the strength to chase my dreams."
The voice chuckled softly. Haniya's heart skipped a beat — it was her brother.
She felt a warm glow inside, then cut the call with a small laugh.
Just then, Aarav called out.
"Haniya! Are you ready?"
Haniya quickly grabbed her bag and rushed toward the gallery, heading down the stairs to the hallway. Aarav was already waiting, quietly ready to assist.
He took her luggage in his hands, and immediately, Harsh and Vivaan started whispering and gossiping, trading teasing remarks:
Vivaan: (whispering) "Bro… look at Aarav! Always carrying Haniya's stuff. Do you think he's secretly her bodyguard?"
Harsh: (grinning) "Bodyguard? More like personal servant. Seriously, does he do this for anyone else?"
Vivaan: (nudging Harsh) "Bet he's practicing to propose. Watch, by the end of this trip, he'll probably have a speech ready."
Harsh: (laughing quietly) "Or he's just smitten. You can see it in his eyes! Come on, don't act like you don't notice."
Vivaan: (mock whispering) "I think he's already imagining her as the MVP of his heart too!"
Harsh: (pretending to be shocked) "Shh! Don't let Haniya hear us… she might use this against him."
Aarav ignored them completely, keeping his focus on Haniya.
Carrying her bag steadily, he led her through the hallway to the bus. Everyone watched the small interaction, some smiling, some whispering, but no one dared interrupt.
Once they reached the bus, Aarav placed her luggage carefully in the storage compartment. He returned to his seat, nodding at her.
"Everyone, prepare for departure!" the team manager announced.
The team bus filled with excitement and chatter, engines humming. Haniya settled in her seat, her heart light, her thoughts a mix of family, the championship, and the quiet closeness she shared with Aarav.
---