Scene 1: Into the Hills
The bus rolled through the twisting mountain roads as early morning fog drifted between tall pine trees. Most of the team was half-asleep, but Haniya sat awake, her head resting against the window. There was something peaceful about mountains — they made her heart feel lighter.
A few seats ahead, Aarav kept glancing back at her every few minutes, trying to pretend he wasn't doing exactly that.
Vivaan, of course, noticed.
He elbowed Harsh and whispered,
"Look at him. If he stares any more, his neck will get stuck."
Harsh nodded seriously.
"At this point, he should just confess. Save his neck from injury."
Aarav shot them both a glare through the reflection in the window.
"Shut up."
Vivaan grinned.
"We will… once you propose."
Before Aarav could threaten them again, Haniya turned.
"What are they talking about?"
Aarav nearly choked on air.
"Nothing! They're idiots."
The whole bus laughed — everyone except Aarav, who turned away, red in the ears.
---
Scene 2: Arrival at the Championship Venue
By the time the bus finally stopped, the sun had fully risen over the hills. A cool Himachal breeze swept over them as they stepped out.
And then—
Fans.
Everywhere.
Cheering, holding posters, calling their names.
Haniya and Aarav greeted them politely, waving and smiling. Kashvi signed some autographs, while Vivaan and Harsh acted like they were superstar celebrities.
But then Haniya's eyes caught something in the distance.
A tall guy in a grey hoodie, hands in pockets, was walking inside the hall through the side entrance. The sharp eyes, the familiar posture, the confident walk…
She knew immediately.
Her brother.
Her heart stopped for a second before filling with warmth.
He didn't look at her — he didn't need to. He walked like he owned the building.
A small, private smile appeared on her lips.
Aarav noticed the sudden change in her expression.
"You okay?"
Haniya nodded softly.
"Yes… perfectly fine."
---
Scene 3: Preparing for the Match
Inside the preparation room, they gathered around the table.
The team manager clapped.
"Alright everyone, today's match is tough. Stay sharp, stick to your roles."
Aarav continued,
"We follow the same plan. Haniya with me, Kashvi mid, Vivaan and Harsh flanking."
Haniya nodded, but her mind kept circling back to the grey hoodie she had seen.
Vivaan leaned close to Harsh and whispered,
"Bro, if haniya has elder siblings he or she must be ten times scarier than her"
Harsh whispered back,
"If he has her anger, I'm resigning."
Haniya didn't even look at them.
"I heard that."
Both boys froze.
The whole room laughed again.
---
Scene 4: The Match
The moment they entered the arena, the crowd roared so loud it echoed off the walls.
"RANGERS!!!"
"GO HANIYA!!"
"AARAV!!!"
Bright lights, hundreds of cheering fans, screens flashing — everything felt charged with adrenaline.
Aarav leaned close and whispered,
"You ready?"
Haniya exhaled slowly.
"Always."
The match began—fast, intense, aggressive.
Their teamwork was perfect:
"Aarav left, I'll cover!"
"Kashvi shift mid!"
"Vivaan, flank right!"
"Haniya, take the final shot!"
The opponents pushed hard, but Rangers pushed harder.
And in the final moment—
Haniya landed the winning shot.
The arena erupted.
Rangers won 2–0.
When they bowed toward the cheering fans, Haniya's gaze drifted across the stands…
And there he was.
Her brother.
Standing still with crossed arms, expression unreadable — not cheering, not clapping, just observing her with sharp eyes.
Her smile returned.
So typical of him.
---
Scene 5: Back in the Preparation Room
The team walked down the tunnel, exhausted but thrilled, and entered the preparation room still buzzing with excitement.
But then—
The door opened.
Haniya turned instantly.
Her breath caught.
Her brother stood in the doorway, leaning casually with that familiar intimidating aura.
Tall.
Sharp-eyed.
Calm.
And unmistakably protective.
The entire room went silent.
He walked up to her, expression softening just a little, and pulled her into a side hug.
"You're finally here…" Haniya whispered, overwhelmed.
"Of course," he said calmly.
"Someone needs to keep an eye on you."
The team froze.
Harsh muttered to Vivaan,
"He looks like he'd break Aarav in half."
Vivaan nodded.
"Aarav is not surviving this meeting."
Aarav straightened up instantly, trying to look confident — and failing miserably.
Haniya's brother glanced at Aarav for one brief second.
That was enough.
Aarav swallowed hard.
Vivaan whispered,
"He's actually scared."
Harsh:
"I don't blame him."
Haniya stepped back from her brother, smiling.
"You came just for me?"
He flicked her forehead lightly — his usual gesture.
"I came to watch your match. And also…"
His eyes shifted to Aarav again.
"…to see who's around you."
Aarav looked like he stopped breathing for a moment.
And that's where the tension began.
---