The night journey stretched endlessly, and after hours on the bus, the team finally pulled into a small, cozy restaurant tucked between pine trees and a quiet highway. Everyone climbed down with sleepy faces and rumbling stomachs.
"Eat whatever you all want!" Haniya announced cheerfully, swinging her bag over her shoulder. "Today's treat is from my side."
Half the team blinked at her.
Aarav's eyebrows shot up. "Haniya, no. Relax. I'll pay."
She tilted her head. "Why? Can't I pay?"
He hesitated. "…It's a big group."
"Exactly," she smirked. "So what? I said I'm treating you. That's final."
Everyone exchanged confused looks.
Vivaan whispered to Harsh,
"Bro, does she even know how expensive this place is?"
Harsh muttered back, "Maybe she thinks we're only ordering tea."
At the table, laughter slowly filled the air as food arrived—soups, noodles, rice dishes, momos, and desserts they definitely didn't need but ordered anyway. Haniya quietly enjoyed watching them enjoy.
When they finished, Aarav walked with her to the counter.
"Haniya," he insisted softly, "please. Let me pay this time."
She stepped forward before he could. "Nope. Move aside, Mr. Overprotective."
She handed her first card.
The staff scanned it… paused… scanned again.
"Ma'am… this card is blocked."
Aarav gave her a look like See? Let me do it.
But Haniya snorted. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I gave the wrong card."
She opened her wallet again—this time pulling out a matte black card with a gold insignia.
The staff's eyes widened respectfully.
Everyone nearby stopped talking.
The machine beeped. Payment successful.
When she turned around, the entire team was staring at her.
Kashvi leaned closer and whispered, "Haniya… are your parents… rich?"
Haniya casually tucked the card away.
"Not very. Just… quite rich."
The entire team froze.
Vivaan whispered to Harsh,
"'Quite' rich?? Bro, that card is richer than our whole existence."
Harsh replied, "I suddenly regret every momo I ate."
Haniya only laughed and walked out.
---
The Return to the Bus
Once inside, the bus dimmed down again. This time, with full stomachs and comfortable seats, everyone slowly drifted into sleep. Aarav leaned against the window, occasionally glancing at Haniya asleep a few seats ahead. Something about her calm face after all the chaos tugged at him… but he shook the thought away and closed his eyes.
They slept through most of the ride, the bus cruising through winding mountain roads.
---
Morning Arrival
By dawn, the bus rolled to a stop in front of a large hotel. The moment the doors opened, loud cheers erupted.
"TEAM!! Over here!!"
"HANIYAAA!! WE LOVE YOU!!"
Fans surrounded the entrance holding banners, flags, flowers, and photos. Flashes sparkled like a wave of tiny stars.
The team stepped out with warm smiles.
Haniya received letters and small gifts. Aarav ruffled some kids' hair. Kashvi signed jerseys.
It was a short but sweet welcome.
Once they reached their allocated rooms, the team finally got a few hours to rest before the afternoon match. Hot showers, fresh outfits, and a quick breather later—they regrouped in the lobby.
---
Heading to the Arena
The bus dropped them at the championship destination, and once again fans gathered outside cheering loud enough to echo.
This time, the team waved confidently, feeding off the energy.
Inside the strategy room, the coach clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone. Sit. Listen."
A white tactical board stood covered in diagrams.
The coach and manager broke down:
Opponent defensive weaknesses
Timing of their striker
Movement patterns
Counterattack strategies
Haniya pointed out a gap in the opponent's left flank.
Aarav suggested a formation shift during the second half.
Kashvi highlighted a misalignment in their rotation.
It was clean. Focused. Professional.
By the end, the atmosphere buzzed with something new—confidence.
Not fear.
---
The Tunnel
"Players to the tunnel," the announcement echoed.
They lined up side-by-side. The tunnel opened like a glowing path, sunlight brightening the exit.
Fans screamed the moment they stepped out.
The energy was electrifying.
---
The Match
The first whistle blew sharply.
From the start, their teamwork flowed like water.
Haniya's reflexes were sharp, her passes swift.
Aarav dominated midfield with elegant control.
Kashvi blocked every attempt with unmatched timing.
Midway into the first half…
Aarav passed.
Haniya dodged a defender.
Shot.
GOAL. 1–0.
The stadium erupted.
In the second half, the momentum only grew stronger.
Haniya dribbled through two defenders with a graceful spin, then passed the ball to Aarav who timed his strike perfectly.
GOAL. 2–0.
The final whistle blew.
They won.
A clean, solid victory.
The team hugged, breathless and thrilled.
The crowd chanted their names.
Aarav looked at Haniya—her smile wide, eyes sparkling with satisfaction.
She looked ahead, thinking only one thing:
Next match is in Himachal…
And my brother will be there.
She felt her heart grow warm.
The road ahead was long, but she wasn't alone anymore.
---