The Googly of Fate||ICT IMAGINE||

Serendipity in the Stacks

Rain lashed the windows, driving Kiara to the library's familiar embrace. Browsing the financial section, she found solace in a book titled "The Psychology of Money."

Across the room, Devdutt, a cricket star lost in unfamiliar territory, found refuge from car trouble. Uneasy amidst engrossed readers, his gaze landed on Kiara, captivated by a book. A spark ignited as their eyes met briefly.

For unknown reasons, Kiara closed her book and left, leaving Devdutt with a lingering curiosity. The rain had stopped, yet he returned the next day, inexplicably drawn. Disappointed to find her absent, he buried himself in a book, genuinely engrossed this time.

The unspoken ritual began. Days turned into a silent library romance. They'd arrive, steal shy glances, exchange knowing smiles, then disappear. The library, their sanctuary, held a story waiting to be written in the quiet spaces between the shelves.

Disappointment gnawed at Kiara when their encounters ended. The library, once a source of comfort, now felt strangely empty. A week passed, devoid of Devdutt's presence. The silence echoed louder than ever.

On the eighth day, a familiar figure hunched over a mountain of books. Kiara approached, their eyes meeting. A hesitant smile bloomed on her face, mirrored by the boy who stood awkwardly, dusting off his jeans.

Silence stretched. Kiara, gathering her courage, waved.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Hi," he rumbled, nervousness flickering in his eyes. Another long pause filled the air.

"You here often?" Kiara blurted, wincing at the question.

Devdutt chuckled, warmth crinkling his eyes. "Seems like we both do."

Kiara glanced at his book. "Interesting choice."

"It is," he agreed, his gaze lingering on her. "You? Exams?"

"Always," she sighed dramatically.

Devdutt laughed, a richer sound. "Tell me about it."

They fell into a rhythm of small talk, punctuated by shy smiles. Devdutt loved sports, while Kiara was a literature student. Just as it flowed, his phone buzzed.

"Gotta go," he said, disappointment lacing his voice.

Kiara mirrored his frown. "Oh."

Devdutt, hesitant, offered a tentative smile. "Tomorrow? Same time?"

Relief washed over Kiara. "Yes," she said, her voice stronger.

Devdutt's smile widened. With a final shy glance, he left. Kiara stood amidst the shelves, hope blossoming. No numbers exchanged, yet a silent promise hung heavy – a connection between introverts, whispered smiles their only language.

The next day, warmth bloomed in Devdutt's chest as he entered the library. Kiara, unlike her usual self, sat on the floor surrounded by cushions, phone glued to her hand, a frown etched on her brow. Ditching his usual spot, Devdutt settled beside her.

Kiara, oblivious, continued tapping her phone, excitement betraying itself in her foot tapping a rhythm. The silence ended when she removed an earphone.

"Not reading today?" Devdutt teased.

Kiara startled, blushing. "Hi! It's, uh, India vs Australia."

Devdutt's eyebrows shot up. "Test cricket? You like that?"

Kiara's frown transformed into a grin. "Like? Love it," she whispered, her enthusiasm bubbling. "Here, watch with me. Rohit Sharma's on 97!" She offered him the other earphone.