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The company cafeteria was bustling with staff and a few visitors, the low hum of conversations mixing with clattering trays. Haniya carried her plate carefully, scanning for Aarav.
She found him sitting at a corner table, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes focused on the empty space in front of him. He hadn't even looked at her yet.
Haniya's stomach twisted. He was still upset with her.
Taking a deep breath, she walked over and slid into the seat across from him.
"Aarav…" she began softly.
He didn't respond, still staring straight ahead.
"I got your favorite—masala sandwich and chocolate milk," she added, trying to keep her voice cheerful.
Aarav glanced at the tray briefly and muttered, "Thanks," but his tone was curt, and he didn't meet her eyes.
Haniya pursed her lips, determined. "So… did you sleep well last night?" she asked innocently, leaning slightly forward.
"Fine," he said, still distant.
She tilted her head, giving him a playful smile. "Really? Because from the way you were tossing and turning, it seemed more like a stormy night."
Aarav blinked, a flicker of something softer in his eyes, but he remained silent.
Haniya leaned closer. "I even considered telling you a bedtime story… but I didn't want to scare you."
He finally looked at her, lips twitching into a faint smirk. "Haniya…" he said slowly.
"Yes?" she asked softly, her hands wrapped around her cup.
"You're really trying hard," he said, a hint of warmth creeping into his tone.
"Oh… am I?" she replied, tilting her head. "Maybe it's because I'm worried about you being mad at me."
He exhaled slowly. "I'm not mad… exactly. Just… disappointed."
Haniya's eyes softened. "Disappointed in me?"
He nodded slightly. "A little."
"Well," she said suddenly, leaning forward on her elbows, "I can fix that. Tell me how to make you happy, and I'll do it."
Aarav stared at her, a mixture of exasperation and warmth in his gaze. "Haniya…"
"Yes?" she whispered, smiling.
"Stop trying to cheer me up with sandwiches and chocolate milk. You're making it impossible to stay mad."
Haniya giggled, her heart lightening. "Fine… then I'll try something else."
The tension between them softened, though the air still carried a faint sting of unresolved feelings.
---
After finishing their lunch, they left the cafeteria together, walking side by side in silence. Aarav's hands were in his pockets, his expression unreadable. Haniya glanced at him occasionally, her small smiles ignored, but she didn't give up.
Once they reached the dorm, she stopped him. "Aarav… please… don't tell anyone about me being the President's daughter."
He looked down at her, frowning slightly. "You still want to hide it?"
Haniya nodded. "Yes… not now. Please, don't tell anyone."
"Alright," he said, his voice softening. "Your secret is safe with me."
Just then, the coach approached. Haniya froze, Aarav's hand subtly brushing hers in reassurance.
"Haniya… Aarav," Coach said calmly, "the team already knows. I mentioned it earlier. Don't worry—they're just curious, not judgmental."
Haniya's eyes widened, but she didn't panic. Aarav squeezed her hand gently. "It's okay," he whispered.
The team soon gathered, their curiosity clear.
Vivaan grinned. "Wait… what? Haniya… the President's daughter?"
Harsh whistled dramatically. "No way… Aarav, you knew?"
Aarav nodded. "I just found out today. But Haniya wanted it private, so I didn't say anything."
Haniya stepped forward, raising her hands slightly. "I wanted to be treated normally, like anyone else. Please… respect that."
Kashvi nodded. "We understand. You're one of us, Haniya. Nothing changes."
Vivaan leaned forward teasingly. "So… free passes now, huh?"
Haniya smirked, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Oh no, Vivaan… now you'll listen to me even more."
Harsh groaned dramatically. "Oh great… new boss Haniya."
Aarav chuckled softly, watching her confidently handle the team. She wasn't hiding anymore; she was bold and clear.
Haniya leaned closer to Aarav, whispering, "Promise me… you won't tell anyone else, okay?"
"I promise," he said, brushing his thumb over hers.
Her head rested lightly on his shoulder, feeling safe, accepted, and ready to face whatever came next.
The cafeteria buzzed around them, but in their quiet corner, Haniya and Aarav shared a small world of understanding, trust, and the start of something deeper than either of them had admitted.
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