Scene 1: The Introduction
The preparation room buzzed with post-match energy. Players were unpacking gear, stretching, and quietly discussing strategies.
Haniya's brother, tall and imposing, leaned casually against the wall. His sharp eyes swept across the room, taking in each team member with an unreadable expression.
Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but carrying authority:
"Alright, team. I'm Haniya's brother. You can call me Reyansh."
Vivaan, ever the joker, grinned.
"Woah… so this is the famous brother! Are you as scary as everyone says?"
Reyansh's eyes flicked toward him.
"I'll decide that when I see the work you put in. And trust me… I'm serious."
Harsh leaned closer to Vivaan, whispering:
"Bro, I told you… he looks like he could bench press Aarav."
Vivaan whispered back, wide-eyed:
"And probably throw him out the window if needed."
Haniya rolled her eyes but stayed quiet.
Aarav stepped forward cautiously, keeping his tone respectful but steady.
"Sir… I'm Aarav, the team leader. I'll make sure she's supported during the matches. You have my word."
Reyansh tilted his head, scrutinizing Aarav from head to toe.
"You're the leader, huh? Good. Then you better have a plan. No mistakes. And don't try anything funny with her either."
Aarav nodded firmly.
"Absolutely. My focus is the team's performance — and hers too. I'll protect her in and out of the game."
Reyansh's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile.
"I like that. Straightforward. Keep it professional, and we won't have problems."
Vivaan nudged Harsh, whispering:
"Straightforward? Bro, he just said Aarav better behave. This is pure intimidation."
Harsh smirked.
"I told you. This guy's the final boss of the team."
Reyansh continued, turning his gaze to the rest of the team.
"Kashvi, you handle mid. Keep an eye on positioning. Vivaan and Harsh, flanking responsibilities. Don't let anyone take Haniya out of the equation."
Vivaan muttered,
"Whoa… he just assigned us like generals in a war."
Haniya smiled nervously.
"Bhai… maybe tone it down a little?"
Reyansh looked at her, then softened just enough to show a small grin.
"Fine. But don't think that means I'm not watching. Every single one of you is under my radar. Got it?"
The team nodded, some stiffly, some nervously.
Aarav exhaled quietly, muttering:
"Professional, huh… yeah, right."
Vivaan whispered to Harsh again:
"Bro, I think Aarav just got a new personal trainer. And his name is Reyansh."
Harsh laughed quietly.
"Yep. And he's giving zero mercy."
Haniya smiled, watching her brother carefully.
"You may scare them, but… thank you, Bhai. For caring."
Reyansh's eyes softened for a brief moment.
"Always. And don't forget — play smart, play together. I'm watching."
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Scene 2 & 3: Private Words and a Brother's Goodbye
After the introductions, Reyansh motioned for Aarav to step outside.
The corridor was empty except for faint echoes of footsteps. Reyansh turned to Aarav, his expression calm but sharp.
"Do you… like Haniya?" he asked directly.
Aarav froze, caught off guard. His eyes widened, and he hesitated.
Reyansh's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"I thought so. Don't worry, I'm not here to lecture you. But listen carefully…"
He stepped closer, gaze locking with Aarav's.
"You protect her. Always. Never leave her alone. I don't care what happens in the game or off it. If you ever let her down, I'm not going to let this slide. Understand?"
Aarav nodded firmly.
"I… I understand. I promise. I'll protect her."
Reyansh's smile softened slightly.
"Good. That's all I needed to hear."
He patted Aarav lightly on the shoulder, then returned to the preparation room. Aarav watched him go, feeling the weight of the conversation — but also strangely relieved.
Back inside, Haniya noticed her brother's subtle shift in mood. He had one final thing to say.
"I'm leaving now," Reyansh said gently.
A wave of sadness washed over Haniya's face. Words failed her — she wanted to ask him to stay, to walk with her, to give her one more moment — but nothing came out.
Reyansh hugged her tightly, holding her close as if conveying all his care in a single embrace.
"Take care," he whispered.
"And… bye."
Haniya nodded, tears threatening to spill.
"I… I will. Bye, Bhai."
With one last reassuring squeeze, he let go. Haniya stood there for a moment, feeling the emptiness he left, but also the lingering warmth of his protective presence.
Her eyes drifted toward Aarav, who had quietly returned. They exchanged a look — unspoken understanding passing between them. Haniya's heart felt both heavy and light: heavy with her brother leaving, but light knowing Aarav had made a promise she could trust.
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Scene 4: The Unwanted Confession
The preparation room had calmed down when a player from the opposing team approached Haniya. His eyes held an intensity that made her instinctively step back.
"I… I like you," he said, voice low but firm. "I've admired you for a long time. I want you — be with me."
Haniya froze, completely shocked. Her mind raced, and she glanced at Aarav. His jaw tightened, hands clenched, but he said nothing.
"I… I'm not interested," Haniya said gently, trying to pull her hand away. "I appreciate your feelings, but I'm not interested in you."
The player ignored her words and tightened his grip.
"I said… I'm not interested. Please leave me now," she demanded firmly.
He leaned closer, attempting to kiss her. Aarav's muscles tensed — he was about to intervene — but Haniya acted decisively.
With a sharp slap across his cheek, she pulled her hand free.
"You are only mine," the player hissed, pride wounded.
Haniya looked him straight in the eyes, voice dripping with confidence.
"Keep dreaming," she said arrogantly.
Aarav finally stepped closer, protective but controlled, his presence a silent shield.
Haniya gave him a small, mischievous smile.
"I'm fine," she said.
The player, realizing he had crossed a line, stumbled back, embarrassed and furious, and quickly retreated.
Vivaan whispered to Harsh:
"Bro… that guy just met his match."
Harsh chuckled quietly.
"Yeah… he learned the hard way not to mess with Haniya."
Haniya stood tall, fearless, while Aarav remained quietly vigilant by her side — a protective wall that no one could breach.
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