Shubman sat in the living room of his Mohali home, surrounded by his family. 

The atmosphere was serious, a stark contrast to the usual warmth and laughter that filled the space. His parents and sister sat across from him, their expressions somber.

The conversation started with subtle hints and veiled references to the rumors swirling around Shubman's personal life. 

His family's concern was evident, their words laced with worry and apprehension.

"We've been hearing things, Shub," his mother began, her voice gentle but firm. "About your relationships, your... interactions with girls."

Shubman's heart sank as he realized where the conversation was heading. He exchanged a glance with his sister, who looked equally solemn.

His father continued, his words carefully chosen. "We understand that you're young and successful, but these rumors, they can affect your career, your reputation, beta"

Shubman felt a wave of frustration and helplessness wash over him. He knew the media scrutiny was inevitable, but hearing it from his family made it all the more real.

Shahneel spoke up next, her tone softer but no less concerned. 

"We just want what's best for you, Kaka. Maybe it's time to consider... settling down, finding someone who will support you and stand by your side through everything."

His mother reached out and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "We're not saying you have to rush into anything, Beta. But it's something to think about, to consider for your future."

His father spoke up next, his expression serious. "Son, you know that we've always respected your choices and supported your career in cricket. But now that you're getting older, we think it's time for you to consider settling down."

Shubman's heart sank as he realized where this conversation was heading. "You're talking about marriage, aren't you?"

His mother nodded solemnly. "Yes, beta. We believe it's time for you to find a suitable life partner and start a family of your own."

Shubman felt a surge of annoyance bubbling up inside him. "But I'm not ready for marriage, Mummy! I'm focused on my cricket career, and I don't want to be tied down right now."

His sister placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We understand, kake, but it's important to think about your future. And we've already found a suitable match for you."

Shubman's eyes widened in disbelief. "You've already found someone? Who is she?"

His father cleared his throat, his expression slightly uncomfortable. "She's the daughter of one of my close friends. A Gujarati tall, fair girl, around your age. We think you'll get along well."

Shubman felt his frustration growing with each passing moment. "I can't believe you're arranging my marriage without even consulting me first! This is ridiculous!"

His mother reached out to him, her eyes pleading. "Beta, please try to understand. We just want what's best for you."

But Shubman couldn't suppress his annoyance. "What's best for me is to make my own decisions about my life! I won't be pressured into an arranged marriage, no matter how 'suitable' the match may be."

Shubman stood up, pacing the room, his frustration evident. "I can't believe this. How could you set this up without telling me?"

His father sighed deeply, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

 "Shubman, we've known her family for years. They're good people, and we believe she could be a good match for you. They're coming over the day after tomorrow to meet you."

Shubman's heart sank further. "The day after tomorrow? You've already arranged for them to come here?"

His mother reached out to him again. "Beta, we just want you to meet her. No one is forcing you into anything. Just give it a chance."

He shook his head, feeling cornered. "I don't need to meet anyone right now. I have too much going on with my career. This isn't the time for me to be thinking about marriage."

His father spoke firmly but kindly. "We understand your concerns, but we ask you to at least meet her. If you still feel the same way after the meeting, we won't push you any further. But please, hamare liye, uss ladki se mil le."

Shubman took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside him. "Fine. I'll meet her. Lekin mei sirf aapke liye kar raha hu. Don't expect me to change my mind about marriage."

His mother smiled gently. "Thank you, kake. We just want you to be happy."

Shubman nodded, though his mind was still racing with thoughts of Hira and the complications of his personal life. 

As he left the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread about the upcoming meeting. The last thing he needed was more confusion, especially when his heart was already tied up in knots over someone else.

Hira sat at the dining table with her parents, quietly enjoying the simple meal her mummy had prepared. 

The comforting hum of everyday conversation filled the room, and she felt a rare sense of peace.

 They talked about her latest flight, her mom's new recipes, and her dad's work anecdotes. It was an ordinary evening, but Hira cherished these moments of normalcy.

Her father cleared his throat, causing Hira to look up. "Hira,dikra (child), there's something we need to discuss," he began, his tone shifting from casual to serious.

She raised an eyebrow, setting down her spoon. "What is it, Papa?"

Her mother gave her a reassuring smile, though Hira could sense a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "You know we only want the best for you, right?"

Hira nodded, feeling a growing sense of unease. "Of course, Mummy."

Her father continued, "We've been thinking about your future, and we believe it's time for you to consider settling down. There's a family we're quite close to, and they've expressed interest in meeting you."

Hira's heart skipped a beat. "You mean... for an arranged marriage?"

Her mother nodded, reaching out to hold her hand. "Yes, beta. The boy is a well-respected cricketer, and we think you two might get along well."

Hira's mind raced, trying to process this unexpected development. "A cricketer? Who?"

Her father exchanged a glance with her mother before answering, "His name is Shubman Gill. His family is coming to meet us the day after tomorrow."

Hira widened her eyes .feeling a mix of shock and disbelief. The Shubman Gill? 

The same Shubman she had been trying to distance herself from, the same Shubman she had shared a complicated history with? 

The same Shubman she was starting to have feelings yet broke his heart?

She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her emotions. 

"Papa, Mummy, I'm not sure about this. I'm focused on my career right now, ane hu haju lagna mate ready nathi ( and I'm not ready for marriage yet)

Her mother squeezed her hand gently. " ame samajhiye che beta (we understand, beta) But just meet him and his family. There's no pressure. If you don't feel it's right, we won't force you into anything."

Hira sighed, feeling cornered yet again. "Alright, I'll meet them. But I'm doing this for you both, not because I want to get married."

Her father smiled, relief evident on his face. "Thank you, beta. We just want you to be happy."

Her mother reached out, placing a comforting hand on hers. 

"We know this is sudden, but we believe this is a good opportunity. The boy's family lives in Mohali, and they've arranged for us to meet them the day after tomorrow in Delhi."

Hira's eyes widened. "Day after tomorrow? That's so soon!"

Her father nodded again. "We wanted to give you some time to prepare. We trust you'll make the right decision, but we ask you to keep an open mind."

Hira's thoughts raced. She had been trying to deal with her feelings for Shubman, the complications of her past, and now this. 

The idea of an arranged marriage, meeting himunder such formal circumstances, felt overwhelming.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within her. "Okay, I'll meet him. But I'm not promising anything."

Her parents exchanged relieved looks. "That's all we ask, beta. Just give it a chance."

Hira nodded, though her mind was still in turmoil. She couldn't help but wonder what Shubman would think if he knew about this. 

The day after tomorrow was fast approaching, and she knew it was going to be a pivotal moment in her life.

Sssuuuppp guysss
This was the thirteenth chapter of the book!

Our Shubi doesn't even know it's his Dream girl whom he will meet!!!

Hamari Hira jaanti hai😂

Anyways back to the topic
How was it?

Please comment your views and thoughts 💭
Always welcome from my side

Im sure y'all know about the next one

Till then
With love
Yours author ✍️🎀♌️