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The Rangers were finally heading back to the hotel after their intense match. The bus was noisy at first, everyone talking excitedly about the game, but slowly the noise settled into soft chatter. Haniya and Aarav were sitting together near the window, tired but glowing with victory.
Aarav leaned closer.
"Great job today," he said in a soft voice.
Haniya smiled. "You too. You carried the last fight."
He grinned. "Maybe. But someone stole all the objectives before the enemy even realised."
She rolled her eyes lightly. "Well… I am the jungler."
They shared a small laugh. Their hands brushed for a second. Aarav didn't move his hand away.
After a moment, he whispered, "Haniya… give me a kiss."
She turned instantly, eyes widening.
"What? Are you crazy? Everyone is right here!"
He shrugged. "It's just one kiss."
"No," she whispered firmly. "Not in front of everyone."
Aarav sighed dramatically and leaned his head back on the seat.
"Fine… tonight I'm taking my pending kiss."
She bit her lip to hide her smile and nodded.
"Okay… tonight."
Aarav smirked like he already won.
The bus reached the hotel, and everyone slowly stepped off. They were exhausted, sweaty, and hungry, but happy. The coach stood at the entrance of the lobby and clapped loudly.
"Everyone, listen up! Tomorrow night is our company's yearly celebration party. All teams will be there. It's a big event. So be ready, look good, and be on time!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
Harsh shouted, "Party means free food!"
Vivaan added, "And fancy dressing!"
Aarav leaned toward Haniya.
"You'll look beautiful. I can already tell."
She nudged him lightly. "You didn't even see what I'll wear."
"I don't need to," he replied simply.
Haniya looked away, shy but smiling.
They all went to the hotel restaurant for lunch. The Rangers gathered around one table, still teasing and joking.
Vivaan poked Aarav's arm.
"You're smiling too much today, bro. Something happened?"
Aarav sipped his drink without answering.
Harsh said loudly, "It's because someone is sitting beside him."
Haniya lifted her chin. "And what about it?"
The boys laughed.
After lunch, Kashvi tapped Haniya's shoulder.
"Let's go shopping for tomorrow's party. I need to look like I have my life together for at least one day."
Haniya raised a brow. "Only one day?"
Kashvi slapped her arm playfully. "Shut up. You're coming with me."
Haniya nodded. "Okay, fine."
Before she stood up, Aarav leaned closer.
"Where are you going?"
"Shopping," she replied. "For the party."
He hummed. "Good. Choose something nice."
She crossed her arms. "Why? Are you planning to stare at me the whole party?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation.
She froze for a second, cheeks warming.
Then she whispered, "We'll see."
Aarav smirked.
"Don't forget… I still have a kiss pending."
Haniya rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Yes, yes. Tonight."
His smile widened like a kid who just won a prize.
She left with Kashvi, walking toward the exit of the hotel. The sun was bright, and the weather was warm, making the day feel strangely perfect.
As they reached the parking area, Kashvi crossed her arms.
"So… what's going on between you and Aarav now?"
"Nothing," Haniya said too quickly.
Kashvi gave her a deadpan look.
"Haniya… please. Even Vivaan and Harsh can see it."
Haniya opened the car door.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh my god," Kashvi said dramatically. "You LIKE HIM."
Haniya refused to look at her.
"Get in the car."
Kashvi smirked and got in. "Fine. But you'll tell me someday."
Haniya shook her head, smiling faintly.
"We'll see."
She started the engine, and they drove through the city toward the shopping mall. Music played softly, and the roads were peaceful. It almost felt like a perfect small break from all the chaos.
Kashvi leaned back in her seat.
"So what type of dress are you thinking of? Cute? Elegant? Or the 'I want to make Aarav lose his mind' look?"
Haniya choked. "Kashvi!"
Kashvi burst into laughter. "I mean… he already looks half gone."
Haniya kept her eyes on the road, but she couldn't stop her little smile.
"I just want something simple. Comfortable."
Kashvi hummed. "Simple can still kill him, you know."
Haniya sighed. "Why are you like this?"
"Because I'm your friend."
When they reached the mall, they both stepped out, the cool air rushing over them. The mall was bright, busy, and full of weekend energy. Kashvi grabbed Haniya's hand immediately.
"Let's go. We have lots to buy."
They walked through the shops, trying different dresses, laughing at weird outfits, and rejecting half of the mall together.
At one point, Haniya picked a black dress and held it against herself.
"Is this okay?"
Kashvi's jaw dropped.
"Okay? Haniya, with this dress, Aarav will forget how to breathe."
Haniya blinked. "Then I'm not wearing it."
Kashvi groaned. "Fine, fine. Something more decent then."
Finally, Haniya chose a soft, elegant dress—nothing too flashy, but beautiful enough to catch attention. Kashvi chose a sparkling golden one, satisfied with her choice.
When they reached the accessories section, Haniya paused at a men's bracelet. Simple, silver, very Aarav.
Kashvi noticed.
"Oh? Buying something for your man?"
"He's not—" Haniya began, then sighed. "It just suits him."
"So you're buying it?"
"…Yes."
Kashvi smiled like she knew everything in the world.
After finishing their shopping, they headed back to the car with bags in their hands. The sun was setting slowly, painting the sky orange.
Haniya put the bags inside and sat in the driver's seat. Kashvi got in too.
Kashvi said softly, "You look… happy."
Haniya didn't respond for a moment. Then she smiled to herself.
"Yeah… I think I am."
She started the car and drove back toward the hotel, the thought of Aarav and the pending kiss making her heartbeat faster each minute.
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