Dil Se - [Abhishek Sharma]

Chapter - 3

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The morning sun poured through the large glass panels of the hotel lobby, casting a golden hue over the marble floors. The hum of guests checking in, the soft notes of the piano playing in the background, and the gentle mountain chill that drifted through the rotating doors gave the place a serene energy.

Near the entrance, Abhishek stood with his teammates—Riyan, Shubman, Yashasvi, Ishan, and Dhruv—all dressed casually in hoodies and track pants, sunglasses in hand, clearly ready to head out and explore Manali before their training resumed.

"Bro, mujhe coffee chahiye sabse pehle," Dhruv said, stretching lazily. "Nahi toh main kisi ko pehchaan bhi nahi paunga."

"Ja na tu coffee lene, par kisi aur se na takra jaana," Ishan teased, throwing a pointed look at Abhishek who was, once again, distractedly scanning the lobby.

Before Dhruv could reply, Yashasvi nudged Abhishek. "Tere left mein dekh... guess who?"

And there she was.

Meera, dressed in a soft yellow kurta with minimal makeup and that quiet confidence he had begun to associate only with her, was walking toward the elevator with her family. Vedant held little Ritvi in his arms, Krish was scrolling through his phone, and Priya and Roohi were busy talking animatedly.

As soon as Meera spotted the group of cricketers, particularly Abhishek, her steps faltered ever so slightly. Abhishek caught her eye, and this time, he didn't just smile—he walked forward.

"Good morning," he said politely, addressing her and then the rest of the family. "Heading out?"

Before Meera could reply, Priya jumped in with her warmest smile. "Yes! We're just heading out for the day, sightseeing and a bit of café hopping. Manali is too beautiful to waste indoors."

Abhishek smiled. "Agreed. We had the same plan."

Shubman, ever the smooth talker, added, "Vaise toh yeh bas ek chhoti si outing hai, lekin lagta hai Sharma ji ka din aur bhi sundar ho gaya."