---
It was late morning at the dorm, and everyone was rushing around the common area, getting ready to leave for their next match destination. Bags were packed, jerseys were being checked, and Vivaan and Harsh were arguing about who took whose charger again.
In all the noise, only one person was quiet.
Haniya.
She was standing near the wall, hugging her arms around herself. Her skin looked pale, her eyes dull and lifeless. She hadn't slept properly, hadn't eaten properly… not in two days.
Aarav noticed her from across the room.
He frowned.
He walked toward her, ready to ask if she'd eaten anything, but before he could reach her—
Her eyes shut.
Her legs trembled.
And her body gave up.
"HANIYA!" he shouted as she collapsed.
He sprinted forward, catching her just before she hit the floor.
Her head rested against his chest, her body frighteningly light and cold.
Everyone froze instantly.
"What happened?!" Kashvi panicked.
"Bro—bro she fainted?!" Vivaan yelled.
"Someone call the medic!" Harsh shouted, already running.
Aarav lifted her in his arms and carried her to her room, laying her gently on the bed, brushing her hair away from her forehead.
"Haniya… open your eyes," he whispered, voice shaking.
The medic arrived within minutes, checked her vitals, examined her pulse, and then sighed.
"She's extremely weak," he said seriously. "She hasn't been eating properly. Her body doesn't have enough energy to function. She needs food, rest, and medicine. If this continues, she will collapse again."
Aarav's jaw clenched hard.
"Understood. I'll take care of her."
The medic left.
The others stood at the door, worried, but giving them space.
Aarav sat beside her, holding her hand tightly in both of his. Her fingers were cold—too cold.
"Haniya… please wake up," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly.
After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes.
"A… Aarav?"
He exhaled deeply, relieved.
"You scared me so much."
Her eyes watered. "I'm… sorry…"
"No," he said firmly, brushing her tears away.
"You don't apologize for this. You just… take care of yourself. And I'm here. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
She nodded weakly.
---
The Team's Silent Care
While she rested, the others brought food, water, blankets.
Vivaan brought soup.
Harsh brought biscuits.
Kashvi fixed her messy hair gently.
For the first time in days, she felt warmth around her.
Once she ate something and regained some strength, everyone got ready to leave for the match destination.
Aarav walked beside her the entire way—never letting go of her hand.
---
The Bus Ride
They boarded the team bus.
Haniya sat beside the window, Aarav beside her.
"You sure you're okay?" he asked softly.
"Hm… better," she whispered.
"Good," he said with a smirk. "Because I still need to flirt with my girlfriend."
She rolled her eyes. "Shut up."
"You can't resist me," he teased.
She pressed her lips together, pretending to be annoyed, but eventually she smiled.
"Fine. Maybe a little."
"See?" he grinned.
She blushed, looking away.
---
The Kiss That Shocked Everyone
The bus stopped for a short break near a rest area.
Everyone stepped out to stretch.
Haniya stood near the door, breathing the fresh air when—
Aarav suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her toward him, and kissed her deeply.
Right in front of EVERYONE.
It wasn't a shy kiss.
It wasn't a small peck.
It was long. Warm. Intense.
The kind of kiss that says she is mine and I'm not letting her break alone again.
Her fingers curled into his shirt as she kissed him back, eyes closed, melting into him.
Vivaan froze.
Harsh choked on his water.
Kashvi's eyes widened like saucers.
Then—
"BROOOOOOOO?!" Vivaan screamed.
"A PUBLIC DISPLAY OF THIS MUCH AFFECTION?!" Harsh yelled.
"Aarav, give some warning!" Kashvi shouted.
Aarav pulled back slowly, smirking.
Haniya's face was bright red.
She hid behind Aarav's shoulder.
Vivaan pointed aggressively.
"SO YOU TWO ARE JUST—JUST—MAKING OUT IN DAYLIGHT NOW?!"
Harsh laughed. "Love is in the air, boys! The air is polluted!"
Kashvi grinned. "Finally, something normal from them."
Haniya covered her face. "Stop teasing…"
Aarav pulled her hand down gently.
"No, let them tease. I like everyone knowing you're mine."
She blushed even harder.
And for the first time in two whole days—
she smiled.
A real smile.
A soft smile.
The team noticed.
Vivaan whispered to Harsh, "She's back."
Harsh nodded. "About damn time."
Aarav looked at her with relief.
Haniya leaned her head against his shoulder.
And when they boarded the bus again, she didn't let go of his hand even for a second.
Because this time…
She wasn't suffering alone.
---