to meet (by chance) · to come across

The mountain passes are hard to cross; who will mourn for those who have lost their way? Meeting by chance like drifting duckweed, we are all but travelers in a foreign land.

Those fated to meet will do so regardless of distance. Those not fated will not, even if they are across from one another.

The two met entirely by chance. Being of similar age and appearance, they quickly found themselves admiring one another as they conversed.