When Fate Finds Love

Chapter 6

Sara, Keart, Lakhwinder, and Shahneel were chatting animatedly in the living room when the door opened, and Shubman walked in, his face flushed from a morning jog. As soon as Shahneel spotted him, she called out playfully, "Here comes the birthday boy!"

Shubman grinned and made his way over, sitting down beside Shahneel. "What's going on?" he asked, looking around curiously.

Sara, who had been sitting quietly, looked a bit surprised and quickly spoke up, "Happy Birthday, Shubman. I didn't know it was your birthday today!"

Shubman gave her a warm smile. "Thanks, Sara."

Feeling slightly embarrassed for not knowing earlier, Sara excused herself to step out. She made her way to the mall with one thing in mind—getting a gift for Shubman. She walked through several stores until a simple yet elegant chain and a stylish bracelet caught her eye. They felt like the perfect gift for him, something understated yet meaningful.

By evening, Sara found herself back at Shubman's house, where Shahneel had invited her to the small birthday celebration. The house was filled with laughter and lively conversation. Shubman was surrounded by his teammates, and they were in the middle of cutting the cake when Ishan, one of his closest friends, decided to smear icing across Shubman's face.

"Ishaaannnnnnn!" Shubman whined loudly, his face covered in cake. Everyone erupted into laughter, enjoying his dramatic reaction. With a playful glare at Ishan, Shubman excused himself to go clean up, disappearing toward the bathroom.

Shahneel nudged Sara gently and whispered, "Go check on him. It's the perfect time to give him your gift."

Nervously, Sara made her way to the balcony where she found Shubman standing, wiping his face with a towel, his back to her. The cool evening breeze ruffled his hair slightly, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure of how to approach him.

"Shubman?" she called softly.

He turned around, a smile forming on his lips when he saw her. "Hey, Sara."

Sara smiled back, taking a step closer. "I have something for you. A small birthday gift."

His eyes lit up with curiosity, and he stepped toward her. "Oh? What is it?"

Sara reached into her bag and pulled out the small box containing the chain and bracelet. She handed it to him, and Shubman opened it with a smile. "Wow, these are really nice," he said, admiring the sleek design of both pieces. He glanced at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know what? Make me wear them yourself."

A bit shy, Sara chuckled but moved closer. She gently lifted the chain from the box, standing behind him to clasp it around his neck. Shubman's face softened, and for a brief moment, their eyes met, creating an unspoken connection. His gaze lingered on her, completely lost in her presence as she fastened the bracelet around his wrist.

"There you go," Sara said softly.

Shubman smiled, feeling the weight of her thoughtful gifts. Just as he was about to thank her again, Sara reached into her bag once more and pulled out a 500-rupee note, holding it out to him with a playful grin.

"Birthday boy, this is for you."

Shubman laughed, the sincerity in her gesture making his heart warm. "You're really giving me 500 rupees?"

"Absolutely!" Sara said with a teasing glint in her eye.

Taking the note, Shubman smiled and slid it into his phone case. "I'll never spend this, I promise," he said, his tone suddenly serious, but his eyes still twinkled with amusement.

As they stood there in the cool evening air, the celebration continued in the background, but for a moment, it was just the two of them, their bond growing stronger in the quiet exchange of gifts and laughter.

Sara stood there, her heart racing as she watched Shubman slip the 500-rupee note into his phone case. The evening breeze brushed against them, and for a moment, the world felt still—just the two of them standing on the balcony, their connection deepening.

Without thinking much, Sara suddenly leaned in and pressed a quick kiss on Shubman's cheek, her lips barely grazing his skin. The softness of the moment surprised her, and before Shubman could even react, Sara's cheeks flushed a deep pink.

"I...uh...," she stammered, but before she could finish her thought, she turned around and darted toward the door. Her heart pounded, a mix of embarrassment and something warm, something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Shubman, completely taken aback, stood frozen for a second. His hand instinctively went to the spot on his cheek where her lips had been. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face, lighting up his eyes. He shook his head in amusement, still feeling the lingering warmth of the unexpected kiss.

"Sara," he murmured to himself, his smile growing wider.

With a light chuckle, Shubman made his way downstairs, his steps lighter than before. As he entered the living room, the laughter of his friends and family greeted him, but his thoughts were elsewhere—on the balcony, on that sweet, shy gesture from Sara that left him feeling something far more powerful than just a birthday celebration.

As he joined the others, Shahneel glanced over at him, noticing the smile that hadn't left his face since he came down. "What's with that goofy grin, Shub?" she teased, nudging him playfully.

"Nothing," Shubman replied, his eyes glancing toward the balcony. But the smile on his face told a different story.