DMG~The Cinderella Way [New thread; pg.143] - Page 41

Chp. 39 Kunwar Rahul & Rajkumari Muskan's engagement

When BR woke up in the morning, she was greeted by a beautiful sight. She was surprised and at the same time very happy. On the couch opposite to her bed, Armaan and Ridhima were sleeping. To BR it looked like they had been talking and then both of them must've dozed off to sleep without realizing. Ridhima's head was leaning on Armaan's shoulder while Armaan's head was leaning on Ridhima's and all her hair was falling over her face. BR just smiled.

Nikita and Abhimanyu, unaware of last night's happenings had been searching for Kunwar Armaan and on not finding him anywhere, they decided to check BR's room. They really felt bad for him because a day which was supposed to be a memorable one in a person's life would be doomsday for Armaan. But they could hardly do anything about it now. They entered BR's room and to their surprise BR motioned them to remain silent. They followed BR's line of vision and were shocked. Nikita had tears in her eyes and just ran away from there. She felt bad that her brother would be deprived of his true love and the biggest and the most important relationship of his life would be a compromise.

"Nikita!" Abhimanyu called out and ran after her.

Armaan heard his voice and woke up. However, seeing Ridhima sleeping with her head leaning on his shoulders, he decided not to disturb her. She was a beautiful sight first thing in the morning. Armaan smiled to himself. He gently tucked back the hair falling on her face, his fingertips gently grazing her skin. Ridhima smiled in her sleep. Armaan was silently watching her when suddenly his cell phone buzzed. Ridhima stirred and Maan pretended to be asleep. Ridhima woke up and realized that she was leaning on Maan and that they'd spent the night here in BR's room. Ridhima was shocked. She checked the time and it was 8.00 a.m.! It was Kunwar Armaan's engagement today, she realized with a pang in her heart- and Maan probably would be having a lot of work to do. Moreover, BR also usually woke up by this time Ridhima didn't want her to see Maan and her in this state and get any ideas! She decided to wake Maan before it was too late.

"Maan," she called his name gently shaking him by the shoulder.

He stirred.

"Maan, wake up it's already 8.00, you'll get late," she said.

Maan woke up. He saw Ridhima and gave her a smile. "Morning, Ridhima."

"Morning. Listen, I'm late today, need to get BR's breakfast. I s'pose you gotta rush too? Should I get your breakfast here too?"

"Nope. Don't bother, I'll manage."

"Okay. See you around later."

He nodded. "Yeah, fine. Take care."

Armaan smiled. She was thinking more about him than she ought to. She was caring more for him than she ought to. His smile widened as he realized where this was leading to. She was falling for him and that was exactly what he wanted!

He rushed to his room to shower and change and decided to come back later and share the good news with his mom. BR however, unaware of the happenings of the previous night felt sad that his life was going to take a turn for the worse today.

*****

The change in the engagement was more than welcome to the members of the royal family except for CR. But there was little that she could do at this juncture because she didn't want to take any steps, the result of which would be her losing her son. Everyone was happy for Rahul and Muskan. When Abhimanyu and Nikita heard the news, they were ecstatic. Nikita had tears of joy in her eyes. Nikita was happy for Rahul too. Rahul and Muskan was a good match. Rahul wanted Nikita to attend the engagement too but she didn't want any issues so she refused. Rahul had really tried hard but Nikita wouldn't budge and finally he had to give up. RS had talked to King Aryabhan who didn't have much to say and heartily agreed for his daughter's happiness. He was thankful to RS for agreeing to the change in the first place.

News about the change in engagement spread through the palace like wildfire, a new aspect being added by every person it travelled through. So much so that by the time it reached the royal members again, it was a totally different story. Kunwar Armaan, however, wasn't shocked as he was already aware of the amazing power of gossip and the harm that could be done by it. So he summoned Deenu kaka, the head servant and Bhanumati, the kitchen in-charge and instructed them to curb the tales and warned them that anyone found guilty of spreading such rumors would be strictly dealt with.

*****

With all due fanfare, the evening finally arrived. The final preparations were done. The hustle and bustle soon began as the guests started arriving. The press photographers too were invited to capture this grand event. The members of the royal family soon made their way one by one into the banquet hall. CR was looking stunning in a silver colored sari and gems and jewels perfectly matching. Her hair tied up in an elegant bun in a becoming style. She sure looked like the groom's mother. RS too was elegantly dressed and had the royal demeanor around him. Anjali was her arrogant self and was dressed in a red and green sharara. Her hair was curled and falling loose.

Kunwar Armaan and Kunwar Rahul were yet to arrive. The guests were waiting impatiently for the princes to arrive. Their patience was rewarded and the princes soon made an appearance. Dozens of pairs of eyes glued on them. The two princes together in one frame were a sight for sore eyes. Kunwar Armaan was sporting a debonair look in a cream sherwani with silver embroidery and a sophisticated turban elegant on his head. Whereas, Kunwar Rahul looked his charming self in a peach and maroon sherwani and a diamond encrusted turban. Not only Kunwar Rahul but also Kunwar Armaan was the centre of attraction.

King Aryabhan arrived with his wife, Queen Ramsha Devi and daughter, Rajkumari Muskan. Rajkumari Muskan as usual was looking stunningly beautiful in a mermaid style, heavily sequined sharara. Her hands were adorned by the many bangles around her wrist. Her face, as per the royal tradition was veiled. Rahul was all eyes for her and Armaan couldn't help but grin.

"I can understand your restlessness, Rahul. A few quick rasams and then she's all yours," Armaan whispered in Rahul's ear.

"Bhaiyya, quick rasams? You kidding me. Seen the priest there? He has all the time in the world and so he's gonna take his own sweet time," replied Rahul making a face.

Armaan chuckled. "Isn't it still a fair deal?"

"Yeah, sure it is."

CR and RS welcomed them. Though CR wasn't at all happy with this engagement, she tried to control herself. She complimented Muskan about her appearance and Muskan could only blush. Her eyes were scanning the hall for her dream prince and she soon found him. The sight of him filled her heart with an inexplicable joy. He was handsome as ever yet there was something new about him today. A new charm, a new charisma- attracting her towards him. She couldn't take her eyes off him and was thankful that her face was veiled and no one could know that she was staring at him. She smiled knowing fully well that he wouldn't be able to see her as yet.

A special pooja was to take place for the prince and the princess and their safe and bright future before the engagement and it was time for it already. All through the pooja, Rahul and Muskan were equally restless wondering when would it end. Soon the pooja came to an end and Rahul was eagerly waiting for the moment when their engagement would be announced. As if RS read his mind, he announced the news that Rahul and Muskan both were waiting for and the whole hall broke out in a thunderous appalause.

Kunwar Rahul and Rajkumari Muskan were asked to sit by each other on two huge ornate chairs. Rahul and Muskan took their seats while everyone else stood surrounding them. The priest came forward and conducted a few rituals. It was now time to exchange rings. Rajkumari Muskan's heart was thudding wildly. An excited Anjali offered Rahul a beautiful ring with a brilliantly blue sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds. Kunwar Rahul took it and Queen Ramsha Devi asked her daughter, Rajkumari Muskan to hold out her hand. Rahul took her hand and was surprised to find it cold. Muskan was not the shy types. He gave her hand a gentle and subtle squeeze and slipped the ring down her finger. Muskan understood his concern and smiled to herself. Now it was her turn. She took in a deep breath and took the ring and quickly slipped it down Rahul's finger. The whole hall broke out into applause. CR had to make huge efforts to control her mounting rage. She had never even in her wildest dreams thought that her plan would backfire so drastically. The priest asked Kunwar Rahul to lift Muskan's veil. Muskan felt her heart flutter. Rahul slowly and gently lifted the veil to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful Muskan. She had her eyes downcast and Rahul was simply mesmerized.

"Rahul, you'll have plenty of time to look at your fiance and admire her. Now it's time to take the blessings of your elders," Armaan whispered in his ear with a smile.

"Absolutely true bhaiyya," Ryan joined in. he was enjoying teasing his best friend on his special day.

Rahul felt embarrassed on being caught, "Bhaiyya, don't worry. I'll have my turn soon too and Ryan, same goes for you."

Ryan and Armaan laughed.

Armaan was surely missing Ridhima but he had his obligations. He sighed and thought, Sure Rahul. I hope you get your turn soon.

The Prince and the Princess went and took the blessings of both the families and then posed for the photographers who clicked happily to their heart's content. Rahul secretly held Muskan's hand and Muskan smiled in reply. The photo session went on for a while and then a series of congratulations began drifting Rahul and Muskan apart taking them to different corners of the hall. However, Rahul saw to it that Muskan was always within his line of vision. His eyes followed her across the hall wherever she went. Song and dance followed and the evening went by swiftly. Soon dinner was announced and Rahul felt relieved. Now he could be with Muskan. Dinner was a lavish affair with so many delicacies of various kinds. After dinner the guests started departing and soon it was time for Muskan and her parents to leave too. Before Muskan could leave Rahul wanted to meet his Badi Mom and take her blessings too. So they went upstairs. BR was delighted to see the newly engaged couple and showered her blessings on them. She was happy that a right step by Rahul had saved so much chaos.

When they left BR's room, Rahul took a left turn and Muskan was surprised.

"Kunwar Rahul, this way leads to the terrace and we're supposed to go to the main hall. Everyone's waiting for us."

"I know…"

"Then why are we going there?"

"Muskan, isn't it injustice? Today is our engagement and we don't even get a private word?"

Muskan smiled. The night air was cool and the effulgent moon was shining brilliantly in the sky.

Rahul took her hand in his and pulled her close.

"You're looking gorgeous today. Did anyone tell you that?" He whispered huskily.

Muskan smile shyly and nodded.

"You're not the first one to say that," she teased.

"Really? Yeah I'd seen how every guy at the party was ogling at you."

"Jealous?"

"Now now, that is my sole right, now that you're engaged to me."

"Oohh... possessive, I see."

"Yes... Any problem?" he asked suddenly bringing her face very close to hers.

Muskan just gazed into his eyes. Rahul was about to kiss her when Muskan suddenly pushed him away and ran to the door laughing at his shocked face.

"Muskan what?" he asked shocked.

"Sorry Kunwar Rahul, but everyone's waiting for us," she replied still giggling.

Rahul was surprised at Muskan's behavior. She had never been shy and nor did he have any particular interest in shy girls. In the hall also before their engagement she was nervous. She was never the timid, bold rather. Whatever, he was liking this shy Muskan.

***

The guests had all left and King Aryabhan and Queen Ramsha Devi were waiting for Rajkumari Muskan in the main hall. Rahul and Muskan came down and took the blessings of CR and RS and then Muskan's parents. Rahul walked Muskan and her parents to their car. The Shishodiyas bade goodbye to them and Muskan gave Rahul a mischievous smile and winked before they drove off and Rahul was left gaping at her. This was gonna be fun, he thought.

*****

Btw, I don't send PMs. 😳