---
Aarav's lips were warm against hers, steady but hungry, his hands cupping her face like she was something fragile and precious at the same time. Haniya's fingers twisted in the collar of his t-shirt, pulling him closer as his kiss deepened. It wasn't rushed—just intense, full of all the feelings neither of them had dared to admit out loud.
Her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
His breath fanned against her lips.
His thumb brushed her cheek in a slow, affectionate stroke.
And then—
RING! RING!
Her phone vibrated on the bedside table.
Aarav pulled back immediately, resting his forehead against hers for a second, both of them breathing hard. Haniya blinked, still catching her breath as the ringtone continued.
Aarav smirked softly.
"Your phone is interrupting us," he whispered, brushing his finger over her bottom lip.
She swallowed, turned her head slightly and glanced at the screen—
And her entire body stiffened.
Her eyes widened.
Color drained from her face.
Aarav noticed instantly. "Haniya? Who is—"
"Leave," she whispered, her voice tight.
Aarav frowned. "What? Why? Did something happen—"
"Please," she said quickly, forcing a smile, "just… go. Goodnight."
He didn't believe her for a second, but he didn't push. He stepped back slowly, then leaned down and pulled her into a tight hug.
One hand slid up her spine, the other held her waist.
"Goodnight," he murmured into her hair.
Before leaving, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss on the side of her neck.
Her breath caught—she almost forgot the terror twisting inside her chest.
Then he walked out.
The moment the door clicked shut, she grabbed the phone.
"Hello?" she answered, her voice shaky.
A sharp, familiar voice snapped back immediately.
"Why weren't you picking up my calls?"
"I— I was in the washroom," she lied instantly.
A short pause.
Then the voice spoke again, each word heavy with accusation.
"I think you're falling for Aarav again."
Haniya froze.
Her fingers tightened around the phone.
The voice continued, harsher now.
"You promised you'd give him to my sister. You said you wouldn't fall for him again. That's the only reason I helped you get into this team—don't forget."
Her throat burned. Full panic crawled up her spine.
She forced the words out softly:
"I… I tried. I really did. But I can't do it. I'm falling for him again."
There was silence.
Then a slow, chilling reply:
"Don't worry, Haniya. I'm coming soon."
She jolted upright.
"What!? No—wait, what do you mean? Hello? HELLO?"
The call cut.
She dialed again.
Switched off.
Her breathing turned fast, uneven. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm the storm inside her. But the fear only grew. She stayed awake the whole night—thinking of the past, the deal, and the danger of him returning.
She didn't sleep.
Not even for a minute.
---
MORNING
The sun rose gently—but for Haniya, the morning felt heavy and suffocating. She couldn't go down for breakfast. She barely had the energy to stand.
Downstairs, the team gathered at the dining table.
Kashvi looked worried.
Harsh tapped his foot nervously.
Vivaan kept glancing at the stairs.
Aarav sat still, but his jaw was clenched tighter than anyone else's.
Harsh finally sighed.
"Why didn't she come? She never skips breakfast."
Vivaan nodded. "She was perfectly fine yesterday. Even teasing us. Did something happen in the night?"
Kashvi bit her lip. "Should we check on her?"
Aarav's voice was low, firm.
"I'll check."
Kashvi immediately shook her head.
"No, I'll go. If she's upset, she might not talk to you first."
Aarav swallowed, but nodded slowly.
"Take her breakfast. Make sure she eats something."
Kashvi stood and went upstairs.
---
HANIYA'S ROOM
Haniya opened the door, trying to force her expression into something normal.
Kashvi raised an eyebrow.
"You look pale. What happened? Why didn't you come down?"
"I just… don't feel well." Haniya smiled weakly. "I'll be fine by practice time."
Kashvi studied her carefully.
"You sure? Aarav is worried."
Haniya's heart tightened. "Tell him I'll be okay."
Kashvi nodded, handed her the tray, and left.
The moment the door closed, Haniya sat on her bed, her hands gripping the blanket.
Why am I scared?
When did I become this weak?
This isn't me. I've always made my own choices. Why am I letting someone else control them?
Her heartbeat throbbed with confusion, fear, and anger at herself.
She knew the truth:
She didn't want to lose Aarav.
Not this time.
Not again.
But how could she tell him about the deal?
About the threat?
About the person coming?
Her head spun.
She pressed her palms to her face.
"This isn't the real me," she whispered into her hands.
"I have to fix this… before everything falls apart."
Her phone lay on the table, silent now.
But her mind replayed the voice over and over:
"I'm coming soon."
---