2 days later  ...

Harman's POV

Two freaking days... and all we did was attend that boring-ass seminar. Matlab pura din lectures, sessions aur yawning contests.

Not like I’m complaining entirely—because obviously, someone didn’t leave a single chance to tease me. (Yes, Abhi, I'm talking about you.)

But, sadly, I didn’t even get one chance to meet Shubman till now.

Today, though... today feels different.

Today, I might finally see him properly.

Excitement is a very small word for what I’m feeling right now.

I pull out my most precious possession from my bag — my Gujarat Titans jersey with "Gill 7" proudly printed on the back. I pair it with black jeans and white sneakers. My hair's flowing free, makeup minimal... just a dab of gloss and mascara... but honestly, my happiness is the real glow today.

I’m just adjusting my jersey, checking myself out in the mirror, when Abhi barges in — as expected, without knocking.

“Oye hoye... full ready ho gayi madam! Shubman ko propose karne ja rahi hai kya?”

He smirks.

I roll my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. “Shut up, Abhi! It's just a match... and he’s a player... and I’m just a fan, okay?”

But my stupid cheeks betray me. I’m blushing like an idiot.

“Haan haan, sab samajh rahe hain hum,” he says, winking.

We leave for the stadium, his constant teasing filling the car ride.

God, give me strength to survive this guy today.

---

Author's POV

They reach the stadium. The toss is yet to happen, and the energy inside is already electric.

Harman and Abhi make their way to their seats — and to Harman’s pure shock, they’re right near the Gujarat Titans dugout.

Her mouth drops open.

Without thinking twice, she hugs Abhi tight. “Thank you, Abhi! You're the best!”

Abhi, obviously enjoying the moment, mocks, “Ab itni mehnat kar raha hoon... confession kar de. Taki meri mehnat bekaar na jaaye.”

Harman slaps his arm lightly, blushing furiously again.

"Shut up, idiot," she mutters, hiding her smile.

They settle in.

The match buzz is growing.

Suddenly, Abhi nudges her.

"Look there!"

And there he is.

Shubman Gill.

Climbing down the stairs to the field.

That trademark lazy yet confident walk.

Abhi turns to tease her... but stops.

Because Harman?

She’s already frozen.

Staring at Shubman like she’s watching Mannat milti hui.

Pure awe. Pure love.

Abhi chuckles, shaking his head. "Gone case," he mumbles.

They wave at Shubman, calling out his name.

Shubman, being the sweet guy he is, notices them and gives a small wave back.

Just a casual fan wave.

Nothing special.

But for Harman? It’s like heaven just blessed her.

Soon, toss happens. Gujarat Titans are bowling first.

Harman’s focus? Solely on Shubman.

First innings flies by.

With Shubman’s smart captaincy, two brilliant catches, and the bowlers killing it, Mumbai Indians manage 200/7 in 20 overs.

A big target, but nothing impossible.

Second innings starts.

And guess who walks in to open?

Mr. Dreamboat himself — Shubman Gill.

Harman crosses her fingers tight, murmuring a small prayer.

And boy, he doesn't disappoint.

Fours. Sixes. Elegant shots.

Shubman is on fire.

Near the end — 18th over.

GT needs 6 runs to win.

Shubman? Just 1 run short of his century.

The bowler runs in... Shubman swings...

SIX!

The ball flies... and guess where it’s headed?

Straight towards Harman and Abhi.

Right in her hands

Her happiness? NO BOUNDS.

Harman clutches the ball tight as if it's her most precious possession, her eyes wide, her heart thudding so loud she can hear it.

From the sight screen, Shubman notices.

Sees a girl... celebrating like crazy... holding the match ball.

Something flickers in his chest — a strange, unfamiliar feeling.

But he brushes it off with a small smile and joins his teammates.

He bows down for his signature celebration.

Team Gujarat Titans lifts him in victory.

Champions.

Second IPL title.

In the middle of all the celebrations, Shubman turns to glance at the stands again.

His eyes searching, almost unconsciously.

He doesn’t know the future.

But somewhere deep inside...

His heart already knows...

------------------------------------------------------------

Postmatch......

The match was over. The trophy ceremony was done. Fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky.

The stadium still buzzing with excitement.

Harman still had the match ball clutched in her hands like it was the Kohinoor.

She was smiling so wide, her cheeks hurt.

Abhi watched her, amused. “Oye, bas kar. Smile zyada phaad degi toh Shubman bhi darte darte bhaag jaayega.”

"Shut up, Abhi!" she said, punching him lightly, still unable to stop smiling.

Just then, an announcement came:

"Fans with special match moment balls, please come to the media lounge for signing and photographs with the players."

Harman’s eyes widened.

“Matlab... main Shubman ko mil sakti hoon?!”

Her voice cracked in excitement.

Abhi laughed. “Mauka hai, haath se jaane na dena... warna main khud confess kar dunga  unse.”

"ABHI!!" she glared.

Without wasting a second, they rushed towards the media lounge.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Inside Media Lounge

Few lucky fans were standing, buzzing with excitement, clutching their souvenirs.

Harman was nervously clutching her ball, heart hammering like crazy.

And then...

He walked in.

Shubman Gill.

Wearing the Gujarat Titans jersey. Slightly messy hair. That dimpled smile. Calm, confident — and somehow... a little curious.

He started meeting fans one by one.

Signing balls, shirts, caps.

When it was finally Harman’s turn...

For the first time in life, the usually chirpy, confident Harman was tongue-tied.

Shubman smiled at her warmly.

“Hi,” he said, taking the ball from her hands.

“Nice catch.”

He winked.

Harman just blinked at him like an idiot.

Words? Dead. Gone. Murdered.

Abhi, from behind, coughed dramatically. "Say something, idiot," he muttered.

Harman snapped out, cheeks burning.

"Umm... Hi... I’m a huge fan! You were amazing today... as always."

Shubman chuckled lightly, signing the ball.

"Thank you. You made a great catch too. Full marks."

He handed her the ball back, their fingers slightly brushing.

An electric jolt ran through her body.

Did he feel it too?

She couldn’t tell.

But for a split second... he held her gaze.

"Name?" he asked casually, taking a black marker to sign her jersey too.

"H-Harman," she managed to say.

He smiled, that double dimple flashing.

"Nice name, Harman," he said, writing "To Harman, with best wishes – Shubman Gill" on the ball and the back of her jersey.

She was about to move when Shubman leaned in a little and said softly:

"Next time... make sure you catch it with one hand. Style mein."

She laughed nervously. "I'll try."

He grinned and added, "Looking forward to it."

Abhi, standing behind, saw the spark between them.

His smirk grew wider.

Destiny working overtime, huh.

------------------------------------------------

Outside the Lounge

Abhi and Harman walk back.

Harman is floating in the clouds, hugging the ball to her chest.

Abhi can't resist teasing.

“Bas naam poochh liya aur tu gayi kaam se... poora pighal gayi madam.”

"Shut up!" she said, hitting him again, but her face is glowing.

Abhi smiled, softer this time.

"Maybe... just maybe... this is just the start."

Harman looked up at the stars, whispering softly,

"Thank you, universe."

Somewhere, in the stadium behind,

Shubman was still thinking about the girl with sparkling brown-black eyes...

and the sweetest smile he had seen in a long, long time.

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