Destined

Yin and Yang

August, 2018

Chandigarh, Punjab

"Oye kaka. Kaka!" Shahneel yelled waving a arm at his face.

Shubman jumped slightly, startled.

"You got negative points again. Where's your mind at bubs," she scoffed shuffling the cards.

KP smirked.

"Isn't it obvious Shahneel? He's in lala land, he's in loveee."

"Saale chup kar," Shubman retorted, throwing a card at him.

It was true, he had been thinking of Sara. But he'd never admit that.

"Then why you've been so out of the game today? Usually you would even cheat and lie for a point," KP shrugged.

"Sach hai bhai, my brother's under a love spell," Shahneel conceded.

"It seems Krishna has found his Radha in all the gopis," KP continued in full enjoyment.

Shubman rolled his eyes. Shahneel and KP were fully updated on his love life, much to his ire. He wasn't even official with Sara yet and they were already impossible.

"Bacche dinner ready," Keart called out, interrupting the game.

Soon the Gill family and KP settled around the table to feast on delicious aloo paratha.

As they ate, the news on the living room tv played in the background.

IPL debutante Nivesh Diwakar hospitalized after suicide attempt. Sources say he was depressed after a breakup from his longtime lover.

Lakhwinder shook his head in contempt.

"There is no reason or logic for a younger player to have a girlfriend. It's simply outrageous."

He stopped to take a bite.

"Look at Sachin. He established himself and the right life partner came to him, he didn't waste time chasing someone," Lakhwinder continued.

KP choked on his food as Shahneel suppressed her laugh.

"Kya hua puttar?" Lakhwinder uncle asked with concern.

"Kuch nai uncle, throat thoda dry," KP replied, glancing at Shubman mischievously.

Shubman felt his face burning up.

"Papa what if the girl truly motivates and stands by the guy?" Shahneel asked.

"Kyu Shahneel, you've got your eye on someone?" Keart interjected with jest as she set down more parathas.

"No just saying love can be good sometimes."

Lakhwinder remained steadfast, uneasy after hearing the news report. He couldn't bear it if something like that happened to his son.

"Cricket should be the focus when young. Only focus. Sahee baat hai Shubman?"

"Ji papa," he answered evenly keeping his eyes fixed on his plate.

London, England

"Congrats again dear," Sachin warmly greeted Sara with a bouquet and Anjali lovingly adjusted her graduation cap.

"Thanks baba," she replied, beaming at her family's proud reception.

She was finally done with her degree after much toil and effort.

"So what's next," asked one of her uncles with a smile.

"I'm joining as a researcher for a skincare company. Excited to start."