Morning light slipped quietly into the dorm, softer than the chaos of the last few days. Haniya woke up feeling lighter than before—not completely healed, but steady. For the first time since the video incident, her chest didn't feel like it was collapsing inward.
When she reached the dining area, everyone was already there.
Vivaan looked up first and grinned. "Finally. Sleeping beauty decided to bless us."
Harsh nudged him. "Careful. She looks peaceful today. Don't ruin it."
Kashvi stood up immediately and hugged Haniya gently. "You okay this morning?"
Haniya nodded with a small smile. "Yeah. Better."
Aarav was watching her quietly from his seat. When their eyes met, he smiled—not playful, not teasing—just relieved. That alone made her sit a little straighter.
They all made space for her at the table, conversations slowing down, everyone subtly trying to make her feel safe without making it obvious. No questions. No pressure.
Far away, at the airport, Aira stepped out into the warm Indian air.
She removed her sunglasses, eyes sharp with determination. Ayaan stood beside her, uneasy.
"You didn't have to come like this," he said. "Without talking to anyone."
"I did," Aira replied calmly. "Because everyone keeps deciding things without asking me."
Reyansh joined them near the exit, arms crossed. "You're making this worse."
Aira turned to him. "I'm making it clear."
"Clear about what?" Reyansh snapped. "That you want Aarav even when he loves someone else?"
Aira's jaw tightened. "Love changes."
Ayaan shook his head. "Not like that."
They drove in silence after that, tension filling the car like thick smoke.
Back at the dorm, practice was intense. Haniya pushed herself harder than usual—not recklessly, but with focus. Every move was sharp, every call precise. Coach watched from the side, unreadable.
During the break, Haniya wandered into the garden area behind the practice building. The greenery calmed her. She touched the leaves gently, breathing in the quiet.
Arms wrapped around her from behind.
She didn't flinch.
Aarav rested his chin near her shoulder. "You disappeared."
"I needed air," she replied softly.
"You're doing better," he said. "I can see it."
She leaned back into him slightly. "Because you didn't give up on me."
"Never," he murmured.
He turned her gently so she was facing him. "No matter who comes, no matter what they say—I'm here. With you."
Her eyes softened. "I know."
He brushed his thumb over her knuckles, grounding her. "You don't have to fight alone anymore."
Elsewhere in the city, Haniya's mother sat beside her husband, worry etched into her face.
"She sounded tired yesterday," her mother said quietly. "Not weak—but tired of being strong."
Her father nodded slowly. "She's always carried too much on her own."
"What about Reyansh?" her mother asked.
"He'll come around," he replied. "He loves her. He's just scared."
Back at the dorm, the evening brought uneasy news.
Aarav's phone buzzed.
Message from an unknown number.
Aira: We need to talk. I'm in India.
His expression hardened.
Haniya noticed immediately. "She messaged you."
"Yes," he admitted.
She exhaled slowly. "Then it's happening."
Aarav reached for her hand. "Whatever happens, I won't let it hurt you."
She squeezed his fingers. "I trust you."
Across town, Aira stood on a balcony, city lights glowing behind her. Her voice was steady as she spoke to Ayaan.
"I'm not here to fight Haniya," she said. "I'm here to claim what I believe should have been mine."
Ayaan replied quietly, "And if he doesn't choose you?"
Aira smiled faintly, eyes cold with resolve. "Then I'll make him remember why he once did."
Back at the dorm, laughter echoed faintly from Vivaan and Harsh arguing over food.
Haniya stood beside Aarav, watching the night settle.
Something was coming.
And this time, no one could stop it.