The Rhythms Of Her Dreams✨️

22. The Perfect Counterplay✨️

The innovation fair buzzed with excitement, the sprawling venue packed with enthusiasts from all walks of life. Engineers, developers, entrepreneurs, and investors roamed the stalls, each showcasing cutting-edge advancements. The event was a nexus of technology and sports, with a special highlight on the cricket league’s partnership with rising tech firms.

Kaira adjusted her blazer, her IIT badge gleaming against the fabric. She had been working tirelessly for weeks on a groundbreaking AI-powered analytics tool designed to optimize athlete performance. Being one of the few student-led projects selected for the fair was an honor—and nerve-wracking, especially knowing that the cricket team Shubman was part of would be here, too.

Shubman had told her he’d attend with a few teammates, but she hadn’t seen him yet. Part of her was relieved—she wanted to prove herself in her element, without being seen as “Shubman Gill’s girlfriend.”

Her project was drawing attention, and she felt a surge of pride as visitors praised the AI’s potential. Just as she finished explaining the tool to a group of investors, her phone buzzed.

Shubman: We just entered. Where are you?

Kaira’s heart fluttered. She quickly typed back: Near the main stage. You?

His reply was swift: Heading there. See you soon.

She tucked her phone away and took a deep breath. Professionalism first, she reminded herself, though the thought of seeing Shubman in this environment made her stomach flip.

Dressed in a sharp blazer, she stood confidently by her stall, answering questions from curious investors and engineers. She could already feel the weight of eyes on her—not because of her project, but because of who had just entered the fair.

Shubman.

Flanked by a few teammates, including the ever-animated Ishan Kishan, Shubman’s presence was magnetic. Cameras clicked, fans murmured, and heads turned as the cricketer navigated the venue with casual grace. His eyes found hers across the room, and a small, private smile passed between them.

When Shubman arrived, it was like a magnetic pull. His effortless charm, combined with his stature and familiarity, drew eyes wherever he went. He was accompanied by a small group of players, including Ishan Kishan, who waved animatedly when he spotted Kaira.

“Kaira!” Ishan called out, drawing Shubman’s attention to her.

Shubman’s face lit up as he walked over, his stride confident. “Hey,” he said softly, his smile reserved just for her.

“You made it,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady despite her racing heart.

“Of course,” Shubman replied, glancing at her setup. “This is amazing. You’ve done all this?”

Kaira nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes. “Let me show you.”

As she began explaining her project, the group of players leaned in, genuinely intrigued. Ishan asked a barrage of questions, his curiosity infectious, while Shubman listened intently.

“This could revolutionize how we approach training,” Shubman said, his voice laced with admiration.

Kaira flushed under his praise but maintained her composure. “That’s the goal.”

The moment was interrupted by a sharp voice. “Impressive setup, Kaira. But does it hold up in the real world?”

Kaira turned to see a man in his early thirties, his sharp suit and polished demeanor exuding confidence. Shubman’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a steely expression.