1
Deliberate Meet
The grand hall of the charity event shimmered with elegance, chandeliers casting a warm glow over the well-dressed guests. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, but within the crowd, Arjun's eyes were fixed on a single figure. Meera stood across the room, a vision of grace in her shimmering gold gown that hugged her slender figure perfectly. Her long, dark, wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her deep brown eyes sparkled under the lights. She was already a household name in India, her face adorning magazine covers and billboards. Arjun, on the other hand, was still climbing the ranks, a promising cricketer yet to become a national sensation.
From the moment he saw her, Arjun couldn't help but be captivated. Meera exuded an aura of confidence and poise, but there was something more—an air of vulnerability that drew him in. He noticed her stealing glances in his direction, quickly looking away whenever their eyes met. Arjun smiled to himself, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves. He decided he had to meet her, no matter what.
As the evening progressed, Arjun strategically positioned himself in the room, hoping for a chance encounter. Meera, engrossed in conversation with a group of admirers, moved through the crowd, unaware of his plan. She turned, and in a moment of orchestrated coincidence, bumped into Arjun.
"I'm so sorry," Meera said, looking up at him with a mix of surprise and mild annoyance. She quickly tried to hide the flicker of attraction in her eyes. Arjun, sensing her discomfort, smiled warmly.
"It's quite alright," Arjun replied. "I'm Arjun, by the way."
Meera offered a polite smile, trying to keep her composure. "Nice to meet you, Arjun. Excuse me, I need to get back to my friends."
As she walked away, she couldn't help but think about the magnetic pull she had felt toward Arjun. His tall, athletic build and confident stance had caught her attention. His dark, expressive eyes held a depth that intrigued her, and his warm smile made her heart flutter despite herself. She tried to push the thoughts aside, reminding herself that she couldn't get involved with someone who wasn't as popular as she was.
Arjun watched her walk away, undeterred. He knew he had to try again. Later in the evening, he spotted her standing alone, taking a break from the crowd. He moved toward her, timing his approach perfectly. Once again, they collided.
Meera looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you sure you're not bumping into me on purpose?"
Arjun grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Have you been looking at me deliberately all night long?"
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "You would be the last person in the room that I would look at." But as she said it, a blush spread across her cheeks, betraying her true feelings. She couldn't help but notice the strength in his arms and the charm in his rugged good looks.
Arjun seized the moment, his smile softening. "Come on, lying isn't really your thing, is it?"
Meera tried to maintain her indifferent facade, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Alright, Arjun. You've got my attention. What would you like to talk about?"
He took a deep breath, determined to make the most of this chance. "There's more to you than the model on those covers, and I'd love to find out."
She hesitated, giving him short, guarded answers. Despite her reluctance, there was a part of her that wanted to open up, to share her story with someone who seemed genuinely interested. But the night was wearing on, and Meera felt overwhelmed by the intensity of their conversation.
"I really have to go now," she said, glancing at the time. "It was nice meeting you, Arjun."
"Wait," Arjun said, his voice earnest. "Can I have your number? I'd like to talk more, maybe over coffee sometime."
Meera hesitated, torn between her desire to see him again and the fear of letting someone new into her life. "Alright," she said, finally giving in. "But don't get any ideas. I'm very busy."
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