Third person's pov!

"Shrey, what is taking you so long?" The words, accompanied by the incessant knocks on the door, startled them..

"Damn.." Dhruv cursed under his breath as he pulled away from Shraddha. Shraddha was panicking. How would it look if Drishti caught her with Dhruv in the trial room? Sid must be somewhere close too.

"Oh Krishna! She is going to catch us.." Shraddha murmurs in panic and Dhruv stares at her furiously.

"I am not your secret lover. I am your bloody husband.." Dhruv hissed at her and Shraddha pushed him away, glaring at him.

"Shrey? All okay?" Drishti's voice came in again.

"Err.. Drishti, could you please check if there is a different size to this one? This is a bit tight for me.." Shraddha lies.

"Tight? Really? I thought it would be a perfect fit for you. Anyways, just wait in there, I will go and check if there is something else that suits you. These boutiques wouldn't have the same thing in different sizes. Maybe we can ask for an alteration if we don't find anything else." Drishti said from the other side and Shraddha listened closely to the retreating footsteps of Drishti.

She slightly opened the door and peeked outside to make sure nobody else was there. A sales girl was standing there checking some gowns, but she was facing the other way around.

"Leave.." Shraddha said coldly.

"Don't waste your time here, Shraddha. You know I have designed a gown for you to wear for the function. You will be wearing that for our launch. My wife should shine like a star and I am very particular about it. Your dress will reach you on time." Dhruv said.

"Over my dead body.." Shraddha said angrily and Dhruv flicked his flingers on her tense lower lip and Shraddha hissed in pain.

"Don't speak such nonsense.." Dhruv said in a warning tone and leaned forwards and pressed a kiss on her cheek before slipping out of the trial room.

As Drishti returned, clutching a deep purple gown with intricate design, the store hummed with pleasant music and muted voices from other customers. Her eyes twinkled as she passed it to Shraddha.

"Here! Try this one. I bet it'll fit like a glove," Drishti stated confidently.

Shraddha took the gown, her thoughts still swirling with Dhruv's words and the lingering warmth of his touch. She stepped back into the fitting room and changed into the gown. It hugged her perfectly, the rich purple fabric enhancing her natural beauty. Shraddha halted before walking out.

"Wow," Drishti said, clasping her hands together. "Shrey, you look like a queen. Siddhu, come on, look at her."

Siddhu, who had approached the counter to check out some cufflinks, turned to Shraddha and nodded in agreement.

"That's not bad. Even I can tell it's a winner."

Shraddha examined her reflection in the mirror, her fingers stroking against the stone designs. The gown felt perfect, but she still struggled with the thought of wearing something Dhruv hadn't picked. She shook her head, pushing the thought away.

"Okay, this one," she said softly, her lips curving into a small smile.

"I knew it! Alright, let's pay and get going. I already chose mine. We still have to finalise accessories!" Drishti clapped her hands joyously.

After making their final purchases and neatly putting the gowns into boutique bags, the trio left the store. Shraddha inhaled the cool air of the mall, relieved to be out of the boutique's small confines. Just as they were about to reach the escalators, a familiar, towering figure appeared in front of them.

"Well, well, fancy running into you all here," Dhruv said softly, his dark eyes lingering on Shraddha for longer than needed.

Shraddha tensed, clutching her shopping bag tightly. Drishti, on the other hand, smiles with a wide smile.

"Mr. Khuranna! What a pleasant surprise. Siddhu told me that you were the one who brought Shraddha to the hospital when she got into the accident. I have also read a lot about you on social media. Nice to meet you here." Drishti spoke, her voice full of charm.

"Please call me Dhruv. There is no need for formalities." Dhruv arched his lips into a pleasant smile. He only hoped she wouldn't reveal everything she read in the tabloids like Siddhu did.

"Of course, " Drishti said with great enthusiasm. "Siddhu told me they are working on the ad campaign for your BelleAura release."

"That's correct. And thanks for allowing us to hold the launch on your island." When Dhruv meant to be charming, he may be very so.

"How come you are here on a working day, Dhruv? If you're looking for clothes that are better for the island, don't go to the mall like these girls did." Siddhu said, shooting a sarcastic look at Drishti.

Dhruv laughed, his deep voice sending shivers down Shraddha's spine.

"I was just on my way through. I figured I might get something for the launch. But now that I have come across you all, would you like to join me for some food? I know a fantastic place not far away."

"Oh, that sounds fantastic! After all this shopping, I am starving." Before Shraddha could object, Drishti nodded excitedly.

"Why not? Free food always tastes better." Siddhu grinned.

Shraddha sent an angry glance at Siddhu and Drishti, but they were already following Dhruv's lead toward the exit. She had no choice but to follow them, her heart racing with each step. Siddhu and Drishti began arguing about something, and Dhruv fell into step beside her, his voice low enough, only for her to hear.

"Relax, Shraddha. It's only lunch. Or are you scared you won't be able to withstand my charm?" Dhruv asked huskily.

"Do not flatter yourself, Mr. Bhatra. I am here because of them, not you." Shraddha stared at him, her voice similarly hushed.

"We will see about that, Mrs Bhatra." Dhruv smirked, obviously loving her defiance.

As they approached the restaurant, a cozy, elegant establishment with dim lighting and plush seating, Shraddha couldn't shake the impression that she was walking into a trap—one that Dhruv had expertly set.

A/N

Please do vote and comment...

Love,

SF❤️