---
The party lights shimmered across the hall, soft music blending with laughter as the night unfolded into excitement and whispers. The entire team sat together at a round table, soaking in the celebration—well, most of them.
Kashvi was buzzing with happiness.
"I still can't believe Haniya is here… like HERE!" she whispered to Vivaan for what felt like the tenth time.
Suddenly, the hall shifted.
The president of the company entered, and all eyes turned.
At that exact moment…
Aarav and Haniya's eyes met.
Her gaze was fearless, steady, unbothered.
His was heavy… holding sadness he thought he buried long ago.
The president smiled warmly.
"Everyone, please welcome our newest team member—Haniya."
Soft applause.
Haniya bowed politely, smiling only when directly greeted—never before, never after.
Controlled. Mysterious. Almost unreadable.
Then her phone vibrated.
She glanced at it quickly.
"Excuse me for a moment," she said and slipped out.
Down the hallway, she checked that no one was around and entered a quiet room.
Her mother was waiting.
Haniya stepped forward and hugged her tightly—her first real expression of vulnerability that night.
---
Scene 2 – At the Table Again
When she returned, she quietly sat down again.
Harsh squinted at her expression.
"Haniya… is that smile fake? Do you even smile? Everyone else is enjoying except you."
Kashvi gasped and smacked him.
"Harsh! BEHAVE. She is NEW."
Haniya stared at them for two seconds—then unexpectedly let out a soft laugh.
Harsh blinked.
"Wait—why did you laugh? What happened?"
Haniya shook her head.
"Your faces… hilarious. Oh my god."
Vivaan choked on his drink.
Kashvi burst into giggles.
Harsh looked attacked.
Aarav sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"Guys, behave. It's a party. Save this drama for the dorm."
Haniya made a dramatic "rude!" face at him, making everyone laugh again.
For the first time, she blended naturally—smiling softly, teasing a little, opening up inch by inch.
Aarav watched her quietly.
She was both calm and strong… something about her presence tugged at him.
He forced himself to look away.
---
Scene 3 – The Ride Back (FULLY ADDED)
By the time the party ended, chaos had fully bloomed.
Kashvi could barely walk straight.
Vivaan kept saluting strangers.
Harsh was arguing with a decorative plant.
Even Riyan had given up forming real words.
And Haniya…
…her cheeks pink, eyes glossy, stumbling in slow motion.
Only Aarav stood perfectly sober.
The team manager sighed.
"Aarav, I'm heading home. You manage them."
Aarav stared at the drunk squad.
"ALONE??"
"Good luck!"
The manager fled.
Aarav groaned.
---
Getting Them Into the Bus
It was a disaster.
Vivaan tried to open a random car thinking it was the bus.
Harsh kept yelling, "WHY IS THE FLOOR MOVING?"
Kashvi insisted she's not drunk while walking like a baby deer.
Haniya leaned on her car, blinking like she was processing the world frame by frame.
Aarav opened her trunk, grabbed her luggage, and placed it in the bus.
She stared at him slowly.
"W–why… what are you doing?"
Aarav didn't look at her.
"Taking your things. You're coming back with the team."
She nodded five seconds late.
"…ohh."
He helped her into the bus—well, tried to.
She missed the first step.
Twice.
Kashvi laughed.
"Haniya can't walk properly!"
Haniya glared (slowly) and grabbed the railing.
Once they were all seated, half of them passed out instantly.
Haniya leaned her head on the window, eyes fluttering shut.
Aarav sat across from her, watching the city lights slide by.
Despite the chaos, something peaceful filled the bus.
---
Scene 4 – The Dorm Night
When they reached the dorm:
Harsh stumbled into his room.
Vivaan fell on the bed without removing his shoes.
Kashvi disappeared into her room mumbling, "Good night world…"
Aarav dragged a hand down his face.
Three down.
Now, Haniya.
She stood staring at three identical doors.
"Where… do I go…?" she whispered.
Aarav approached.
"This way, the guest room—"
Before he finished—
Haniya abruptly turned—
—and crashed into him.
Her lips brushed his neck.
A soft, accidental kiss.
Aarav froze.
His heartbeat stuttered.
Haniya didn't even realize—she just went limp, falling asleep against him.
Aarav swallowed hard.
"Not tonight. Nope."
He lifted her arm over his shoulder and guided her gently.
---
Anamika's Room
He opened the door.
Lavender.
Anamika's old scent.
Memories hit him like a wave.
Her smile.
Their arguments.
The heartbreak.
He laid Haniya softly on the bed.
Her sleeping face was peaceful, framed by loose hair.
She looked calm… beautiful.
Too beautiful.
Aarav found himself staring, thoughts twisting in directions he didn't want.
What are you doing?
She's just your teammate.
Nothing else. Nothing more.
He stepped back, forcing himself to stop.
With one last glance, he closed the door softly.
The night was quiet again.
But inside him… something had begun.
---