A few months had passed since that day at the restaurant. Shubman and Hira found themselves struggling to find time for each other amidst their hectic schedules. 

With Her constantly traveling and piloting planes around the world, and Him busy with the test series, their moments together were few and far between. 

However, they stayed connected through frequent video calls, sharing the details of their days, their joys, and their challenges.

One day, destiny finally aligned their paths. Both of them found themselves in the same city—Dubai. Eager to seize the opportunity, they decided to meet.

Hira adjusted her shirt, took a deep breath, and entered the restaurant in Dubai.

She spotted Shubman waiting at a corner table, his face lighting up as he saw her approach. As soon as she reached the table, she started talking, her frustration spilling over.

"You won't believe what happened yesterday ," Hira began, sitting down. 

"My copilot made a completely reckless decision while I was on a break. He almost caused a crash! I had to rush back and take control to save the plane."

Shubman listened intently, his eyes filled with concern. "That sounds terrifying. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just shaken up," she admitted, her hands still trembling slightly. "I can't believe how irresponsible he was. It's like he didn't even care about the passengers' lives."

He reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand. "You did an amazing job, Hira. You kept everyone safe. That shows what a great pilot you are."

Her anger began to subside, replaced by a sense of relief. "Thanks, Shubman. It means a lot to hear that."

They continued talking, the initial tension easing into a comfortable conversation. he listened patiently, offering support and understanding as Hira recounted the day's events.

They looked over the menu, chatting casually about their flight experiences and the beautiful sights of Dubai. 

When the waiter arrived to take their order, Hira surprised Shubman by ordering two dishes for herself.

"You sure you're going to finish all that?" he asked with a playful grin.

Hira chuckled, "Oh, definitely. I have a big appetite. You'll see."

When the food arrived, she didn't waste any time digging in. He watched, amused and slightly amazed, as she happily devoured her meal. 

"Where does it all go?" he asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're so thin!"

She paused mid-bite, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "I walk a lot. Like, a lot. It helps me burn off all the extra calories."

Shubman laughed, genuinely enjoying her company. "Well, that explains it. I might have to join you on one of those walks to keep up."

They continued eating and talking, the initial awkwardness fading away as they discovered more about each other's quirks and habits. 

Hira's enthusiasm for food and Shubman's genuine interest in her life made the evening fly by, leaving them both feeling more connected and comfortable with each other.

As they finished dinner and stepped out of the restaurant, Hira stretched and looked around.

 "Well, we still have the night ahead of us. How about we go to Al Sufouh Beach? I've heard it's beautiful at night."

Shubman smiled at her suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea. Let's go."

They took a short drive to Al Sufouh Beach, the lights of Dubai twinkling in the distance as they arrived. 

The beach was serene, with only a few people scattered along the shore. The gentle sound of waves added a calming backdrop to the night.

As they walked along the beach, he slowly reached for Her hand. She hesitated for a moment before entwining her fingers with his, both of them feeling a warm sense of connection.

"So," Shubman started, "what kind of music do you like?"

Hira's face lit up. "I'm a hardcore Bollywood fan. There's just something about those songs that gets me every time. The emotions, the beats, everything."

He laughed. "Bollywood, huh? I should have guessed. I'm more into Punjabi music. The energy, the rhythm—it just makes me feel alive."

She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Punjabi music? Oh please, Bollywood has so much more variety and depth. Can Punjabi music make you cry and dance at the same time?"

"Absolutely!" he shot back, laughing. "Have you heard some of the soulful tracks from Punjabi artists? They have the same emotional punch as Bollywood songs, if not more."

"Sure, but Bollywood has a song for every situation," she argued. "You have the romantic tracks, the heartbreak anthems, the peppy dance numbers. It's like a complete package."

Shubman squeezed her hand gently. "I won't deny that. Bollywood is great, but Punjabi music has this raw energy that just makes you want to get up and move."

Hira giggled. "Okay, I'll give you that. Some Punjabi songs are perfect for dancing. But can they match the magic of a Bollywood love song?"

"Depends on your definition of magic," he said, smiling. "To me, magic is in the way a song makes you feel, and Punjabi songs do that for me. They have this unique way of capturing joy and pain."

"Maybe we should have a music exchange," she suggested. "You share your favorite Punjabi tracks with me, and I'll give you my top Bollywood songs. Deal?"

"Deal," he agreed, grinning. "But be prepared to get hooked on Punjabi beats."

"And you better have tissues ready for those Bollywood heartbreakers," she teased.

They continued walking along the beach, the conversation flowing easily between them. 

They talked about their favorite songs, shared stories associated with particular tracks, and laughed at each other's attempts to sing their favorites. 

The night felt magical, the moonlight reflecting off the water as they bonded over their differences and similarities.

the soft sounds of waves crashing and the scent of the sea breeze filled the air, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

 Hira and Shubman walked side by side, their conversations flowing effortlessly as they shared stories from their childhood and dreams for the future.

"So, what made you want to become a pilot?" Shubman asked, genuinely curious.

Hira smiled, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I've always been fascinated by planes since I was a kid. The idea of flying, being up in the sky, and seeing the world from above—it just felt magical to me. And then, when I grew up, I realized I could actually make it a career. So, I went for it."

"That's amazing," She said, admiration evident in his voice. "It must feel incredible to see the world from up there."

"It really is," she agreed. "And what about you? What inspired you to pursue cricket?"

He shrugged modestly. "I grew up watching cricket with my family. My dad was a huge fan, and we used to play together in the backyard. I guess I just fell in love with the sport. And once I started playing seriously, I knew it was what I wanted to do."

She nodded, understanding the passion in his words. "It's incredible how we've both followed our dreams. I'm really proud of you, Shubman."

"Thank you, Hira," he said, his smile broadening.

As they continued walking, Hira suddenly spotted an ice cream truck in the distance. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she grabbed his hand. 

"Oh my gosh, ice cream! Let's get some!"

Shubman laughed at her childlike enthusiasm. "Sure, let's go."

They made their way to the ice cream truck, and Hira eagerly examined the menu. 

After some deliberation, she chose a chocolate cone, while he opted for a vanilla sundae. They found a nearby bench and sat down to enjoy their treats.

As they ate, he accidentally got some ice cream on his cheek. she noticed and giggled. "Hold still," she said, reaching over with a napkin to wipe it off. 

Her touch was gentle, and the moment felt unexpectedly intimate.

Shubman's heart raced at her touch, and he couldn't help but stare at her with a soft, appreciative expression. 

Hira noticed his gaze and blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

"Thanks," he said, his voice slightly husky.

"No problem," She replied, her voice a bit shy. She looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment but also feeling a flutter of excitement.

He took a deep breath, deciding to share something personal.

 "You know, Hira, I've been thinking a lot about us. I know we started this whole thing with a lot of uncertainties, but I've come to realize how much I enjoy spending time with you."

Her blush deepened, but she met his gaze. "I feel the same way, Shubman. It's been... unexpected, but in a good way."

He smiled, relieved and happy to hear her words. "I'm glad. I want us to take our time, get to know each other better. There's no rush."

She nodded, appreciating his understanding. "I agree. Let's just enjoy the journey."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, finishing their ice cream and watching the waves.

 The beach around them buzzed with the laughter and chatter of other visitors, but for Hira and Shubman, it felt like they were in their own little world.

She took his hand, feeling a warmth spread through her at his touch. They strolled along the water's edge, their feet sinking into the cool sand, and the gentle waves lapping at their ankles.

 They talked about everything and nothing, losing track of time in each other's company.

Eventually, they stopped and faced the ocean, the setting sun casting a golden glow over them.

 Shubman looked at Hira, her face radiant in the twilight, and felt a surge of affection. "This has been one of the best evenings I've had in a long time," he confessed.

She smiled, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "Me too, Shubman. Me too."

As He decided to drop Her off at her hotel, they enjoyed a comfortable silence during the drive. Hira turned to him and asked, "Do you mind if I play some music?"

"Sure, go ahead," Shubman replied, smiling.

She scrolled through her playlist and selected "Softly" by Karan Aujla, knowing it was one of Shubman's favorite singers. 

The familiar beats filled the car, and His smile widened. "You have good taste in music." She laughed softly. "I know what you like."

As they reached the hotel, they both realized they were staying at the same place. They shared a chuckle over the coincidence. 

"Looks like we can't get stay from each other, even if we tried," Shubman joked.

"Not that I mind," Hira replied, giving him a playful look.

As they were about to enter the hotel, they were suddenly surrounded by paparazzi. The flashes of cameras and barrage of questions made them pause. 

They exchanged a quick glance and silently agreed to pose for a few pictures. They smiled and stood close, creating the perfect photo op.

After a few moments, the hotel security stepped in and guided them through the crowd into the quieter hotel lobby. 

The noise and chaos of the paparazzi were left behind as they found themselves in a much calmer environment.

"Well, that was unexpected," he said, shaking his head with a smile.

She nodded, still a bit overwhelmed but laughing it off. "Guess we're quite the popular couple."

As they stood in the lobby, Hira felt a gentle touch on her leg. She looked down to see a cute, small boy staring up at her with wide eyes.

 She cooed at him and bent down, her face lighting up. "Hello there, cutie! What's your name?"

The boy giggled and held out his small hand. "I'm Agastya."

Shubman, noticing the interaction, smiled and crouched down beside them. "Hey, buddy," he said, ruffling the boy's hair. "Having fun?"

Agastya nodded enthusiastically and started playing with Hira, showing her his toy car.

 Shubman couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "You're really good with kids," he remarked to Hira.

"Thanks," she said, her eyes twinkling as she played with Agastya. "He's adorable."

Just then, Hardik and Natasa came running into the lobby, their faces filled with concern.

 "Agu! Where did you run off to?" Hardik called out, relief washing over him when he spotted his son with Shubman and Hira.

"Looks like we found him," Shubman said, standing up and greeting Hardik and Natasa with a smile.

"Thank you so much!" Natasa exclaimed, picking up Agastya and giving him a kiss on the forehead. "You scared us, Agu."

Hardik grinned at the sight of his son with his friends. "What a surprise! What are you two doing here?"

"We were just about to head up to our rooms," Hira explained. "But we couldn't resist playing with this little guy."

Natasa glanced at Hardik, and they both smiled mischievously. "Why don't you two join us for dinner?" she suggested. "We'd love to catch up."

Shubman interjected with a polite smile, "We actually just had food a few hours ago, so we're pretty full."

Hardik raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, a date, huh? Look at you two, all cozy."

Hira blushed, and Shubman laughed, shaking his head. "It's not like that," he said, though his smile betrayed his words.

Natasa joined in on the teasing. "Oh, come on, you two. You can't fool us. You're a cute couple."

Hira, trying to divert the attention, said, "We just bumped into each other and decided to hang out. That's all."

"Sure, sure," Hardik said, winking at Shubman. "Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us."

"Thanks for the invite," Shubman said, still smiling. "We'll definitely keep that in mind."

As Hardik and Natasa walked away with Agastya, who waved back at them, Shubman turned to Hira. "Looks like we're making it quite obvious" he said with a chuckle.

"Seems like it," she agreed, smiling softly. "But it was nice seeing them. And Agastya is adorable."

As Hardik and Natasa walked away with Agastya, Hira and Shubman decided it was time to call it a night. 

They turned to each other, and he opened his arms. She stepped into the embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. They hugged each other tightly, savoring the warmth and comfort of the moment.

Shubman gently pulled back and kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment. "Tonight was perfect," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. I'm really glad we spent this time together."

Hira smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "Me too, Shubman. It's been one of the best nights I've had in a long time."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers grazing her cheek. 

"You know," he said, his tone serious yet tender, "I don't care what the paparazzi or media say or think. All that matters to me is us and how we feel about each other."

She nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I feel the same way. Let them talk. As long as we're honest with each other and know where we stand, that's all that matters."

Shubman chuckled softly. "You always know the right thing to say. But seriously, Hira, I'm committed to this. To us. No matter what anyone else thinks or says."

She looked up at him, her heart swelling with affection. "Thank you, Shubman. That means a lot to me. I'm committed to us too. I want to see where this goes."

He grinned, a boyish charm lighting up his face. "Good, because I'm not letting you go that easily."

They both laughed, the sound blending with the quiet hum of the hotel lobby. Shubman held her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

 "So, let's not worry about the outside noise. Let's just focus on us and enjoy every moment we have together."

Hira felt a surge of gratitude and happiness. "Agreed. And thank you for tonight, for spending time with me and for being so patient. It means more than you know."

"Always," he replied, his eyes soft with promise. "You mean a lot to me, Hira. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this work."

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's gaze, before finally stepping back. 

"I guess we should get some rest," he said, though he seemed reluctant to let her go.

"Yeah," she agreed, feeling the same reluctance. "But we'll see each other tomorrow, right?"

"Absolutely," he said, his smile reassuring. "Goodnight, Hira."

"Goodnight, Shubman," she replied, her heart light and full of hope.

As they headed to their respective rooms, they both felt a sense of peace and certainty. They knew that no matter what challenges came their way, they had each other to rely on. 

The rumors and paparazzi no longer seemed daunting because they were committed to each other and their budding relationship. 

With that thought, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the future they were beginning to build together.

Heyyy guys
This was the fifteenth chapter of the book!

So this was their first date as an couple! I hope you liked the chapter!

Agu is so cute istg 💘

Any guesses for the next one?

Comment down below your thoughts and suggestions!
Always welcome from my side 💜

Till then
With love
Yours author ♌️🥰