The hotel lobby was calm when the Rangers arrived, the kind of calm that settles in late at night. Soft lights reflected off polished floors as the team collected their bags and headed toward the elevators. Fatigue showed on everyone's faces, but beneath it was focus. Tomorrow mattered.
Haniya and Aarav walked side by side, close enough that their arms brushed. Neither moved away.
Inside Haniya's room, she dropped her bag near the chair and kicked off her shoes. Aarav leaned against the door for a moment, watching her like he always did—quietly, carefully.
"So," he said, breaking the silence, "strategy meeting or flirting session?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Why not both?"
He smiled and stepped closer. "You were sharp today. The way you read their rotations on screen earlier… impressive."
Haniya sat on the edge of the bed. "You think so?"
"I know so," he replied. "Tomorrow they'll try to pressure you early. Don't panic. Let them overcommit."
She nodded, serious now. "If they do, you cover the mid transition. I'll bait them."
Aarav tilted his head. "You trust me that much?"
She looked up at him. "With everything."
The words lingered between them, heavier than any tactic.
Before he could respond, Haniya's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and her face instantly softened. "It's my mom."
Aarav stepped back slightly, giving her space. She answered with a smile. "Hi, Maa."
Her voice changed, lighter, warmer.
"Yes, we reached safely," she said, walking toward the window. "The hotel's nice. Don't worry."
There was a pause, then a small laugh. "I'm eating properly. I promise."
Aarav watched her reflection in the glass. The way her shoulders relaxed. The way her eyes softened.
"I'll call after the match," she continued. "No, I'm not nervous… okay maybe a little."
She smiled wider. "Love you too."
The call ended, and for a moment she just stood there, holding the phone to her chest.
"You okay?" Aarav asked gently.
She turned, nodding. "Yeah. Talking to her helps."
He walked over and stood in front of her. "You're doing amazing, you know that?"
She teased, "Is this pre-match motivation or boyfriend bias?"
"Both," he admitted, grinning.
She laughed, then stepped closer. "Promise me something."
"What?"
"No matter what happens tomorrow… don't pull away."
His expression softened. "I won't."
Their foreheads touched briefly, a quiet moment, just breathing each other in.
Later that night, at the dining table, Vivaan and Harsh wasted no time.
"Oh look," Vivaan said loudly, "they survived alone in a room. Miracles do happen."
Harsh added, "Any strategic breakthroughs? Or just emotional ones?"
Haniya sat down calmly. "We decided you both talk too much."
Kashvi smiled from across the table. "I like this version of you."
Aarav shook his head, amused. "Sleep, all of you. Tomorrow's a long day."
As they headed back to their rooms, Haniya glanced at Aarav once more. No words this time. Just a look that said everything.
Tomorrow would test them.
But tonight, they were steady.