The dorm was buzzing with energy. Music played softly in the background while the team hurriedly got ready, laughter and chatter echoing through the hallways. Kashvi was practically glowing—her excitement barely contained—as she adjusted her outfit for the third time in ten minutes.
Aarav appeared at the bottom of the stairs, perfectly dressed, calm as ever. But beneath his composed exterior, a shadow lingered in his eyes—the memory of Anamika, her smile, and the words left unsaid. He glanced up at the chaos with a small, half-hearted smile.
"Ready for this?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying a faint weight.
The team manager was already waiting in the lobby, clipboard in hand, checking off names. One by one, the team trickled down the stairs, each showing off their party attire, some with teasing remarks about their friends' fashion choices.
Meanwhile, Haniya stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair with careful precision. Her outfit was perfect, her makeup flawless. Just as she picked up her purse, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, smiled, and answered.
"I'm ready," she said cheerfully, her voice full of anticipation.
Kashvi bounced down last, practically vibrating with excitement.
"I can't wait!" she exclaimed, tugging at Aarav's sleeve.
"This is going to be amazing!"
Aarav forced a grin and nodded. "Yeah… it will be," he replied softly, though his mind drifted for a brief moment to memories of Anamika and the emptiness her absence had left.
The manager gave them a knowing look.
"All here? Good. Let's move out."
Soon, the team piled into the bus, laughter and chatter filling the air. Kashvi pressed her face to the window, watching the city blur past as the bus drove off. Aarav sat quietly beside her, staring out the window, his smile returning only for a moment when Kashvi animatedly described what she imagined the party would be like.
The party wasn't just a celebration—it was a chance to bond, to strategize, and maybe… to see what surprises the night would bring.
Excitement hung in the air like electricity, and Kashvi knew one thing for sure: this night was going to be unforgettable. But for Aarav, part of his heart felt heavy, haunted by the memories of Anamika.
---
The bus pulled up in front of a sprawling, beautifully decorated venue. Lights twinkled like stars, music thumped rhythmically from inside, and laughter floated into the night air. Kashvi practically bounced in her seat.
"Finally! We're here!" she exclaimed as the bus doors opened.
The team spilled out, adjusting their outfits and smoothing hair. The manager clapped his hands together.
"Alright, everyone, stay together. Remember, this is as much about networking as it is about fun," he instructed.
Kashvi's eyes scanned the crowd. People she had only heard about or seen in passing were here, dressed elegantly, chatting in small groups. She felt a thrill run through her.
"Come on, let's meet them!" she said, tugging a couple of teammates toward a circle of players from other teams.
Aarav walked beside her, still scanning the crowd, his mind partially elsewhere. Memories of Anamika flickered in his thoughts each time he saw someone laughing wholeheartedly.
"Hey, I'm Kashvi," she said brightly, extending her hand to a few of the new faces. "Nice to meet you all!"
The group welcomed her with smiles and nods. Meanwhile, Aarav quietly nodded in greeting, his usual charm soft but present.
"Looks like the party is in full swing," one of the other players remarked. "Glad you could make it!"
Kashvi's excitement bubbled over. "Of course! We wouldn't miss it for the world."
As conversations continued and introductions were made, Kashvi noticed Aarav standing slightly apart, quietly observing. She nudged him gently.
"Aarav, are you even enjoying this?" she teased.
He gave a faint smile. "I'm… trying," he said softly, the weight of his thoughts still lingering.
Kashvi frowned slightly but let it go, deciding tonight was about fun. She moved on, introducing herself to more people, laughing and sharing stories.
The night had just begun, and already the energy of the party was contagious. Amid the laughter and chatter, hidden glances and subtle tension promised that this evening would bring surprises, alliances, and perhaps a few unexpected challenges.
--
The party was abuzz when Haniya stepped into the hall. Her presence turned every head, but to the rest of the team, she was a mystery. No one knew her name—only the team manager seemed aware of who she was.
As she walked gracefully through the crowd, something clicked in Aarav's mind. A sudden flashback hit him like a lightning bolt:
Years ago, in school, she had been his classmate—Haniya. They had shared laughter, secrets, and a first love that had felt endless. But then… he had left her behind. His eSports career had demanded a move to a different city, and with a heavy heart, he had ended things abruptly. He had convinced himself it was for the best—but the memory of her never faded.
The flashback faded, and the present came rushing back. Haniya moved closer to the team, her elegance drawing admiration from everyone around. The manager stepped forward, smiling warmly.
"Everyone, meet Haniya," he said proudly. "She's here with us tonight and will be joining the team in some special events. Say hello to the fans and everyone here!"
Haniya's gaze swept the room. Her eyes landed on Aarav, but she didn't give him even a hint of recognition. To the crowd and the team, she appeared perfectly composed, polite, and unaware of any connection with him.
"Hello everyone, I'm excited to meet you all," she said, her voice calm, warm, and confident. She gave Aarav a casual glance, as if he were just another stranger in the room.
Aarav's chest tightened. He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. The past—the memories, the unspoken words, the heartbreak—all surged back in an instant. He forced himself to smile, but it felt brittle, like a mask he couldn't hold for long.
Kashvi noticed the sudden tension around Aarav. "Aarav… are you okay?" she asked softly, leaning slightly toward him.
He nodded, forcing a calm exterior. "Yeah… just… didn't expect someone from the past to show up," he murmured, his eyes still locked on Haniya.
Haniya moved closer to the group, shaking hands and greeting the fans, still keeping her demeanor neutral. To the outside world, she was simply the mysterious new guest—but to Aarav, every step she took was a reminder of the choices he had made, the love he had left behind, and the unresolved feelings that now threatened to surface.
---
Aarav watched Haniya laugh and greet the fans, her presence magnetic as always. Every gesture, every smile, reminded him of the past—a past he had thought he had left behind.
He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. It's the past, he told himself firmly. She's part of my memories, not my present. I have my life now. I have a team, a future, and I can't let this shake me.
Opening his eyes, he focused on the team around him. Kashvi was animatedly talking with the other players, her energy infectious. He saw the trust and camaraderie in his teammates' faces, the shared goals and victories that had built his life here.
I can't go back, he thought. I have to start a new chapter. Haniya… you'll always be a memory, but my life moves forward from here.
He straightened his posture, masking the flutter of emotions in his chest. A small, confident smile appeared on his face—this one for the present, not the past.
Kashvi noticed him glancing at Haniya and raised an eyebrow. "Still distracted?" she teased softly, nudging him gently.
Aarav chuckled, shaking his head. "No… just… focusing on the party now," he said, forcing a lightness into his voice.
Haniya, unaware of the storm she had stirred inside him, continued to mingle with the fans and team, her elegance unshaken. To the world, she remained the mysterious guest—but to Aarav, she was a test of his resolve.
And he was determined not to fail it.
-