Morning came faster than anyone expected.
The hotel was already buzzing when Haniya stepped out of her room. The air felt different—heavier, charged with anticipation. Today was match day. She took a deep breath, adjusting her jacket, reminding herself to stay calm.
At breakfast, the team gathered around the long table. Vivaan was unusually quiet, Harsh was scrolling through his phone, and Kashvi looked focused, sipping her coffee slowly.
Aarav arrived last.
The moment Haniya saw him, something settled inside her. He sat beside her without saying much, just nudging her knee gently under the table.
"You nervous?" he asked softly.
She shook her head. "Not scared. Just… alert."
He smiled. "Good. That's when you play your best."
Vivaan suddenly grinned. "Wow. Look at them. So calm. Either this is confidence or denial."
Haniya didn't even look up. "And you're loud because you're scared."
Harsh laughed. "She's not wrong."
The bus ride to the venue was filled with low chatter. Headphones went on. Screens lit up. Some closed their eyes, visualizing plays. Haniya sat by the window, Aarav beside her. Their shoulders touched, and neither moved away.
"You okay?" he asked again, like he always did.
She nodded. "With you here? Yeah."
When they reached the arena, chaos greeted them.
Cameras flashed. Microphones pushed forward. Reporters shouted questions from every direction.
"Haniya, about the viral video—"
"Haniya, are you distracted before today's match?"
She kept walking, face calm, eyes straight ahead.
One reporter stepped directly into her path. "Is it true that—"
Aarav's hand wrapped around hers instantly. Firm. Protective. He gently pulled her forward, placing himself half a step ahead of her without saying a word.
That single gesture spoke louder than any answer.
Inside the preparation room, the door closed, and the noise faded. Everyone let out a breath at the same time.
Vivaan clapped his hands. "Alright. That was dramatic."
Harsh grinned at Aarav. "Nice hero entry."
Haniya finally relaxed, rolling her shoulders. "I hate reporters."
Aarav looked at her. "You handled it well."
They sat on the benches, getting ready. Gloves. Headsets. Final checks.
As they waited near the tunnel, the crowd's roar echoed through the walls. The announcement was about to begin.
Haniya glanced at Aarav. "How do I look?"
He smiled slowly, eyes scanning her face. "Like someone who's about to win."
She laughed nervously. "That's not what I meant."
He leaned closer, voice dropping. "Beautiful. But your lips look dry."
Before she could respond, he brushed his lips against hers—soft, brief, warm. Just enough to steal her breath.
The announcement echoed.
Aarav pulled back instantly and intertwined his fingers with hers. "Let's go."
She was still frozen when he gently tugged her forward, guiding her toward the stage.
The lights blinded them for a second. The crowd roared louder. They bowed together, the Rangers standing strong.
As Haniya straightened, her eyes scanned the audience out of habit.
That's when she saw her.
Aira.
Sitting a few rows ahead. Watching. Smiling faintly.
Haniya's breath hitched.
Aarav noticed immediately. "What's wrong?"
She shook her head quickly. "Nothing."
But her grip on his hand tightened.
The match began.
It wasn't easy. The opponents pushed hard, forcing mistakes, testing patience. Every move mattered. Every second felt stretched.
Haniya focused, shutting everything else out.
They adapted. They held their ground. Slowly, the momentum shifted.
When the final moment came, the arena erupted.
They had won.
Back in the preparation room, laughter and cheers filled the space. Vivaan shouted something unintelligible. Harsh nearly tackled Aarav in excitement. Kashvi leaned against the wall, smiling in relief.
Before Haniya could even sit down, Aarav grabbed her wrist and pulled her out into the quiet hallway.
"What—" she started.
He pressed her gently against the wall, standing close. "You were incredible."
Her heart raced. "Aarav—"
"You didn't panic. You trusted us."
She smiled softly. "I trusted you."
He leaned in, teasing. "That deserves a reward."
Before anything else could happen, footsteps echoed.
Aira stepped into the hallway.
She froze for a fraction of a second when she saw them that close. Then she smiled, perfectly controlled.
"Oh," she said lightly. "Am I interrupting?"
Haniya straightened immediately, her expression cooling.
Aarav stepped back, polite but distant.
Aira looked between them, eyes sharp, but her voice stayed sweet. "Congratulations on the win."
"Thank you," Aarav replied.
Inside the room, Vivaan peeked out. "Uh… we're all here."
They moved back inside together.
Aira introduced herself with ease. Vivaan and Harsh were instantly engaged, impressed by her confidence. Kashvi listened quietly.
"And you," Aira turned to Haniya, scanning her softly styled look. "Your fashion sense changed."
Haniya finally met her gaze. Calm. Unbothered.
"People change when they're comfortable," she replied. "I am."
The room went quiet for half a second.
Then Harsh coughed. "Awkward."
Haniya didn't care. Her eyes went back to Aarav.
And Aarav, without hesitation, moved closer to her side.
Whatever storms were coming next—
She wasn't facing them alone.