**Book 1 of Triad of Destiny series**
Dhruvi, a talented jewelry designer, has always been overshadowed by her insecurities, scars left by a past she tries desperately to forget. Just as she's about to step into a new life, her groom abandons her a...
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Dhruvi laughed, the tension easing as she pulled out the scarf. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Adhiraj nodded, his smile widening. "It really is. Just like you."
Dhruvi's eyes widened, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She looked at him, shocked by the unexpected compliment. "W-What did you say?"
Adhiraj's smile turned sheepish, realizing the effect of his words. "Uh, I meant the scarf is beautiful. You're...beautiful too, of course. But I was talking about the scarf." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the awkwardness settle in.
Dhruvi's blush deepened, and she quickly looked down at the scarf, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns. "Thanks, I guess," she mumbled, feeling a strange flutter in her chest.
Trying to lighten the mood, Adhiraj chuckled. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're actually blushing."
Dhruvi shot him a playful glare. "Oh, shut up. It's just the heat," she said, though her voice lacked its usual bite.
Adhiraj leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Sure, blame it on the heat. It's always the weather, isn't it?"
Rolling her eyes, Dhruvi couldn't help but smile. "You wish."
There was a moment of silence, a comfortable one this time, as they both contemplated the odd situation they were in. A marriage of convenience, a deal to keep their families happy and avoid unnecessary drama. Yet, this moments made them wonder if there could be more to it.
Adhiraj broke the silence first, his tone brightening. "You know, I think we're actually doing pretty well at this whole marriage thing. Who would've thought, right?"
Dhruvi looked at him, noticing the way his eyes sparkled with genuine amusement and warmth. His positivity was infectious, and for a moment, she felt a pang of something unfamiliar—was it longing? She quickly brushed it off, forcing a laugh. "Yeah, we're practically pros."
Adhiraj grinned. "See, we might just be the best accidental couple ever. I mean, we haven't killed each other yet, so that's a win."
Dhruvi laughed, but it felt strained. She could feel the anxiety bubbling up inside her, the weight of their unusual situation pressing down. His light-heartedness was charming, but it only made her more aware of the reality they were in—a reality she wasn't sure how to navigate.
"I... I need to use the washroom," she said abruptly, standing up and clutching the scarf tightly.
Adhiraj's expression shifted to concern. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just need a moment," Dhruvi replied quickly, offering a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
She hurried to the washroom, closing the door behind her and leaning against it with a heavy sigh. Her heart was racing, and she felt a mixture of confusion and frustration. This wasn't supposed to happen. They were supposed to co exist, not... whatever this was turning into.
