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The moment Haniya stepped inside the grand hall, her eyes instantly softened. Her mother stood near the center, warmly greeting guests. Without a second thought, Haniya rushed toward her.
"Mom!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her tightly.
Her mother laughed softly, brushing Haniya's hair with affection. "My beautiful girl… finally, I see you properly. You look stunning."
Haniya smiled, her heart warm. They talked for a few minutes—small things, silly things, things she didn't know she missed until now. But just as she leaned back, a flash of movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Aarav.
And next to him… Anamika.
Haniya's eyes widened slightly. I leave him alone for five minutes… and this is what he does? Anamika was talking too closely, leaning forward a little more than necessary. Aarav looked polite, not interested—but still, the scene ticked her nerves.
Before her expression could deepen, Kashvi appeared beside her.
"Whoa, what's with the face?" Kashvi nudged her shoulder teasingly. "He didn't run away with her. Chill."
Haniya exhaled and shook her head. "Nothing like that."
"Hmm, sure," Kashvi grinned. "Come on, show me your room! You promised."
Haniya agreed easily and led her upstairs, walking through the quiet corridor of her mansion. She pushed open the door to her room, letting Kashvi look around.
"No way…" Kashvi gasped. "Haniya, this is a whole apartment!"
Haniya chuckled. "It's just a room."
"Just a room? Girl, stop. This is bigger than my entire house."
They laughed, talked, and admired dresses and photos for a while. Kashvi fell in love with the balcony view, and Haniya shared small childhood stories. After some time, when the noise from downstairs rose again, they headed back to the main hall.
And there he was.
Aarav, still in the same spot.
And Anamika, still next to him.
Kashvi immediately whispered, "Okay, now even I'm annoyed. She's sticking to him like gum."
Haniya narrowed her eyes but kept her posture calm. She walked toward them, and immediately Aarav turned—relief flickering in his expression.
Kashvi smirked behind her and whispered, "Go. Claim your man."
Haniya rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small smile forming. She stepped closer and gently touched Aarav's arm.
"I need to talk to you," she said, soft but firm.
Aarav nodded without hesitation. Anamika opened her mouth to say something—but Haniya didn't even look her way. She simply led Aarav a few steps aside.
Kashvi, meanwhile, used the opportunity to pull Anamika aside. "Come with me, princess. Let's talk."
Anamika gave a stiff smile but followed her, clearly annoyed.
Now, alone with Aarav, Haniya finally let out the breath she had been holding.
"You're… just standing with her all the time," she murmured, trying not to sound childish but failing a little.
Aarav's lips lifted into a slow, irresistible smile. He leaned slightly closer. "Are you jealous?"
"No," she answered too quickly—then corrected herself, looking straight into his eyes, "Actually, yes."
His eyebrows lifted.
"You only belong to me," she whispered, her voice lower, full of the quiet intensity she rarely showed. "Not anyone else."
Aarav's smile deepened—soft, warm, completely hers.
"And I do," he said gently. "Only to you."
She looked away for a second, embarrassed by how sincere she had sounded, but he caught her chin, making her look back at him.
"I wasn't interested in whatever she was saying," he said. "I was just waiting for you."
Haniya's heart melted instantly.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Kashvi and Anamika were talking—Kashvi doing most of the talking, teasing, and smirking, while Anamika subtly tried to get information.
"So, tell me," Anamika said casually, though her eyes were sharp, "Haniya and Aarav… are they close?"
Kashvi grinned. "Close? Oh sweetheart, they're practically glued. She's the only girl he sees."
Anamika blinked, clearly not liking that answer.
Kashvi leaned closer and whispered with a mischievous smile, "And trust me… Aarav is crazy about her."
Anamika's jaw tightened.
Kashvi walked away proudly, leaving Anamika frustrated and confused.
Back on the other side of the hall, Aarav and Haniya were still standing close, the world fading around them as they talked softly.
And for the first time tonight, Haniya felt completely sure.
She didn't need to worry.
He was hers—undeniably, unquestionably, and only hers.
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