Destined

A Chance Outing

Dubai Central Mall

Arjun and Shubman sat in the bustling food court, sharing a tray of fries and milkshakes.

"Have you been here before?" Shubman asked offhandedly.

"Yes I think so, awhile back. They have nice collections like Dior and Gucci stuff. But I'm not really into fashion," Arjun replied.

Shubman nodded, munching on a fry. He knew most of the stores here were out of his price range. He had to carefully manage his paychecks to cover travel and family expenses. It's not that he was struggling, there just was no room for Gucci.

"My sister loves this place. Shopping is her thing for sure, I hate it."

Shubman perked up at the mention of Sara. Truthfully, he had been looking for a way to meet her again, perhaps through her brother.  He wasn't trying to manipulate anything, he enjoyed Arjun's company. He just also hoped to open up some chance with her.

His all-time idol having an attractive, pleasant daughter his age was too enticing to him.

"It's my first time in Dubai, let alone this mall Arj. I've never seen a place like this."

"Oh bro, my school is full these brats who come to Dubai and lose their minds. I've lost interest from their stories, they are plain stupid."

He paused, sipping his drink.

"Mom and dad were very strict to me and Sara. They kept us away from those people and all the parties, drama, glamour lifestyles. I focused on cricket and my sister on school. She's doing some complex medicine courses now."

"Your sister is almost done with uni then?"

"Yes, she's in her last term after this holiday."

Arjun's eyes shifted, and he craned his neck.

"Speaking of the devil," he murmured.

Shubman turned to see what he was looking at.

And there was Sara.

She was dressed simply, in a white tank top and jeans. Her sunglasses were pushed up on her hair, and she wore delicate jewelry. She was flanked by two girls on either side of her, the three in jovial conversation.

He couldn't believe his timing.

"Thank you bhagawan ji," he thought looking up.

As Sara strode through the mall with her friends, Sanvi and Alya, a waving arm caught her attention. She squinted to see her brother grinning widely.

She smirked to herself, knowing the reason behind his big smile. Arjun had a "hidden" crush on Sanvi, and seemed all too excited to see her.

He was sitting across from someone who was turned away, and she was taken aback when she got close enough to see who it was.

The boy from the match. What was he doing here?

"Hey sis, hi Sanvi," Arjun greeted them as they neared the table.

Alya cleared her throat loudly.

"I'm here too, pal."

"Of course, of course, hi Alyaa," Arjun replied sheepishly.

"This is my friend Shubman. He's on the U-19 team, actually he's the vice captain," Arjun said gesturing to him.

"Hi guys," Shubman replied generally.

Hearing him speak for the first time, Sara felt he had a surprisingly delicate voice, a contrast to his sharp features.

"U-19? Good luck for the World Cup," Sara said, locking eyes with him for the first time.