Chance Meeting Sparks Connection

Reconnecting

Sadhana and Shubman arrived at Abirup's home, and as they approached the door, Sadhana could feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She hadn't seen Abirup in quite some time, and she was looking forward to reconnecting with him. She knocked on the door, and after a moment, the door opened to reveal Abirup's mother, Padmavathi.

"Sadhana!" Padmavathi exclaimed, her face lighting up with recognition and joy. She immediately pulled Sadhana into a warm hug, holding her close like a long-lost daughter. "It's been so long! How have you been, my dear?"

Sadhana hugged her back tightly, feeling a rush of affection. "Aunty, I've missed you so much! I'm doing well, just busy with life as usual."

Padmavathi pulled back to look at her, her eyes shining with happiness. "Look at you, all grown up and looking more beautiful than ever. And who's this handsome young man with you?" She glanced at Shubman, her eyes widening slightly as recognition dawned.

"This is Shubman, Aunty," Sadhana introduced him with a smile. "My fiancé."

Padmavathi's eyes widened even further as she processed this information. "Shubman Gill? The cricketer? Oh, my goodness! I didn't realize—come in, both of you, come in!" She stepped aside to let them into the house, still slightly flustered but clearly delighted.

As they entered, Padmavathi called out to her husband, Ramkumar, who was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. "Ram! Look who's here! It's Sadhana, and she's brought someone special with her!"

Ramkumar looked up from his paper and smiled warmly when he saw Sadhana. "Sadhana, my girl! It's so good to see you." He stood up and walked over to them, shaking Shubman's hand firmly. "Welcome to our home, Shubman. You're practically family now."

Shubman smiled and shook his hand back. "Thank you, Uncle. It's a pleasure to be here."

Padmavathi gestured for them to sit down on the sofa. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'll call Abirup down. He'll be thrilled to see you." She quickly disappeared into the hallway, calling for her son.

A moment later, they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Abirup appeared, looking as sharp as ever in a green satin shirt tucked into black pants, his sleeves casually rolled up. He had a look of mild confusion on his face as he took in the sight of Sadhana and Shubman sitting on the sofa.

"Sadhana?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he looked between the two of them. "Is that really you?"

Sadhana rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "No, Abi. It's a ghost that looks exactly like me. Of course, it's me."

Abirup blinked, his confusion giving way to recognition, and then a wide grin spread across his face. "Sadhana! I can't believe it!" He quickly walked over to her and pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her off the ground slightly. "You look amazing! I didn't recognize you at first."

Sadhana laughed as she hugged him back. "Put me down, Abi, you're crushing me!" she teased, though there was nothing but affection in her voice.

Abirup chuckled and set her down, stepping back to look at her more closely. "You've changed so much, but you're still the same Sadhana I know. And Shubman Gill, wow. I never thought I'd see you two together like this."

Shubman grinned, standing up to shake Abirup's hand. "Nice to meet you, Abirup. Sadhana's told me a lot about you."

"Likewise," Abirup replied, shaking his hand firmly. "And congratulations, both of you. I'm really happy for you."

Padmavathi, who had returned with a tray of tea and snacks, set it down on the coffee table and beamed at the trio. "You three look so good together. It feels like old times, doesn't it?"