DMG~The Cinderella Way [New thread; pg.143] - Page 61

Originally posted by: simplyluvdmg

hey sorry again i cudnt comment earlier...ders sumthng rly wrong wid my internet 😡 bt hey im d 1st to comment dis tym 😛 😃 that's okay hun, i'm glad you took the time to comment now...

so here cum my comments fr d last 3 parts

d 51st part was tooo awesome...!!! i mean maan actually proposed her...!!! hw cool is dat...??!!

really cool...😆

d 52nd part well frm d title it suggested sumthng else only...bt im ssure its worthwaiting fr d ryt moment fr ridhimma 2 knw dat maan is armaan n finally she has gt sum hints n is atlst thinking abt dem...!!! aw, i'm am so relieved you understand!

d 52nd part was sad...bt i like d way hw maan cares soo deeply for ridhimma...

great work dear 👍🏼 👏 Update coming up!

continue soon

lots n lots of love ❤️ 🤗

@ Cool vini: Thanks a ton, hun! Yep, that's true... and as of now, yes, it will turn true, you'll find out as you read it. CR is wicked, yes.

@Rihanna: Yeah, we all loved and adored her, but alas... she cannot get it in her thick head, you see it's too thick to fit any sense within... whether she has any plans of harming AR or no, you'll soon know... Thanks!

@Ridds: Thanks!

@ammy_ka_ashu: Thanks hun! That's okay, I understand.

@PrincessBushi: Thanks hun!

@spvd: Thanks! Yep, it's sad but Maan will take care of her grief and wipe it away, as to CR, well...

@sjain: thanks!

@coolvini & sjain: Sorry guys, was caught up with some other things, viz. WORK!

@Asma: Yes, it was sad and shocking too coz it wasn't anticipated. Yep, Maan was there by her side throughout and Dadi wanted to ensure that they'd be together so the promise... thanks hun!

@ammy_ka_ashu: right here!

@vaishiksg : Yep, was busy with work.

@ARKJ_4EVER : Thanks hun! Your comments are highly appreciated! I liked the looong comments..hehhe..lol!!

Thanks everyone for hitting the LIKE button as well!

Hey my ARians!😛

Sincere Apologies! I know you guys have been waiting forever for an update but it was a hectic week and I couldn't find time to update. Anywhoo, now, here I come with another update! I know Dadi's death came as a shock to many of you but that was needed in the story, you'll know why as the story proceeds. There's another shocker waiting for you in this update but I can't help it. If the story has to gain momentum, this is necessary. A request. Please don't be silent readers bcoz I need to know what you feel about the updates!

Recap: Dadi's death.

Chp. 54 Life goes on...

A hand on her shoulder brought Ridhima back to the present. Maan turned her around and gingerly wiping her tears with his fingers he said, "Ridhima, do you think Dadi would like to see you crying?"

Ridhima wiped her tears and shook her head, "I know, but it's just that I can't control them. You know, I lost my parents when I was three and I used to sulk a lot even back then and it was Dadi who'd console me. She used to say that when your loved ones die, they turn into stars and shine over you from the sky. I was too small to realise that she said it only to console me." A brief teary smile flickered across Ridhima's lips, "I grew up believing it and I often talked to the stars when I was too glum or too happy, thinking that I was sharing my grief and happiness with my parents. But childish though it may sound, it gave me a strange kind of satisfaction, strength, and if I ever skipped it, I felt restless until I had a talk with them. Now even Dadi..." She trailed off.

"It isn't childish, you know. When Mom had an accident, she'd slipped into a coma and was kept on life support instruments. The doc had lost all hope and I really couldn't take it. I'd sneak into her room and talk to her for hours, telling her how miserable I felt without her. I didn't know whether she could hear me but I got a feeling of peace whenever I did that. But that was 20 years ago and thankfully things changed for the better then," Maan replied.

Ridhima was surprised. Maan had never mentioned anything about his parents before, then why was he talking about his mom now?

"It's too late Ridhima, you ought to be asleep," he said and led her inside by the shoulder. She sat on the bed while Maan shut the door. As Ridhima sat there and looked around the house, it felt empty and cold, she felt lonely and the tears which she was so desperately wanting to stop, spilled again.

"Ridhima..."

Maan sat beside her and pulled her into an embrace. She leaned on his chest while the tears flowed incessantly.

This was not right, thought Maan. He'd have to do something before Ridhima cried herself sick. If she stayed in this place any longer, it wouldn't be good for her health. There were chances she'd slip into a state of depression. She needed a change of environment at the earliest. He'd have to take her back to the palace as soon as possible. At least, that would take her mind to different things and keep her occupied.

Ridhima's sobs had subsided and her breathing, steadied. Maan looked down and found Ridhima asleep. He heaved a long-held sigh. Finally, she was sleeping. He decided to stay as he was for a while so as to not wake her. After about half an hour, he gingerly eased Ridhima on the bed, making sure not to wake her. He adjusted her head on the pillow and tucked a comforter over her. He placed a kiss on her forehead and caressed her hair, "I'll never leave you alone, love."

He let the windows open and took to the old-fashioned couch opposite the bed. It was way too short for his six-five frame but he'd have to do with this tonight. Besides, he was so damn tired he just didn't care. His whole body was aching due to lack of sleep and there was no other choice. He hit the couch and within moments drifted off to sleep.

The night grew darker and the wind blew fiercely. The curtains swayed, the wind hissed. But Maan and Ridhima were blissfully asleep. Something banged in the far distance and Ridhima was jerked out of sleep. She looked around taking in the surroundings. She looked at the watch, 3.00 a.m. She remembered sitting here and crying a few hours ago. She looked around and found Maan sleeping on the couch, his head resting on one armrest, his legs dangling over the other. He was turning sides due to the cold. Ridhima walked over to the windows and shut them. She took a blanket and tucked it over him. She was thankful to God for sending him in her life. She just couldn't imagine what she'd have done without him. He'd stood by her all through this time without thinking about his work. The way he cared for her and helped her despite her rude behavior and avoidance, the way he came rushing at her call only gave evidence that he had a loving and caring heart, a kind heart, a heart of pure gold! The girl in his life would definitely be a lucky person. He'd love her to the last breath of his life.

Ridhima felt guilty at her behavior towards him. Why did he have to be so kind? So nice? Was she being a jerk in refusing to his proposal? In her efforts to avoid pain, was she going to lose her one chance at happiness? She knew that this wasn't the right time for such thoughts but the way he'd helped her during her most crucial time forced her to think so. Was her decision right? What should she do?

***

Ridhima awoke to a refreshing aroma of strong tea and tomato omelette. She scrambled to a sitting position and looked around for Maan. He was nowhere to be seen. The couch where he'd been sleeping was deserted. She checked the time, 8.00 a.m.! She'd overslept! She walked to the kitchen and found Maan working at the counter; a delicious looking omelette was simmering in a pan on the stove.

"Maan, you're preparing breakfast?" she asked surprised, her voice sounded rusty from sleep to her own ears.

"Good morning, yeah, I was damn hungry and if I'd have waited for you to wake up and then fix breakfast, I'd have starved. So I thought it wise to prepare something myself," Maan shrugged.

The expression which he gave made Ridhima laugh, "You know to cook?"

"Um, I guess so, anyways, even if I mess something, we'll still have burnt eggs and toast, and something is always better than nothing, right?"

Ridhima laughed. Maan smiled inwardly. How many days had it been since he'd heard that musical laugh?

"Okay now, I think we have an edible breakfast ready, so why don't you go and freshen up while I lay the dishes?" he asked Ridhima.

Ridhima agreed and disappeared to freshen up while Maan got everything done. When Ridhima reappeared, Maan was waiting for her. She sat opposite him and took in a delicious aroma that refreshed her senses and made her realize how hungry she was.

She picked a bite and tasted the omelette, "Maan, this is just amazing! Where did you learn to cook? And why were you saying burnt eggs and edible breakfast?"

He grinned, "Hey, by the way, Nikita had called. She was asking about you and said that BR's missing you. When do you plan to return to the palace?"

Ridhima sighed.

"I think we should return to the palace and resume our duties," Maan suggested.

"I know, but there are a few rites which are yet to be performed," Ridhima choked on the last words. She looked away not wanting to meet his eyes. She knew he'd stayed back for her way too long. He had responsibilities back home and delaying him would only be selfish.

"You know we can't stay but we can always come back for them if you agree," Maan softly replied placing a reassuring hand on hers.

Ridhima sniffed and wiped a tear that had trickled down, "You're right, I have certain responsibilities towards my job too."

"Great then, we pack up after breakfast and leave for the palace, right away."

Ridhima nodded.

After breakfast, Maan helped Ridhima pack and they left for the palace leaving behind priceless memories. Ridhima locked the house and handed the keys to Sohni because Ridhima thought that Sohni too had an equal right to visit the house whenever she missed Dadi because even she was attached to Dadi just like Ridhima. Throughout the journey, Ridhima was exceptionally quiet and didn't take any effort to hide her grief even when Maan tried to engage her in conversation.

***

CR was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Rahul. She had given him sufficient time to think over her offer and it was time for the final decision. If he agreed with her, then they could start working on their next plan. As she waited for her son, her cell buzzed. A malicious smile danced across her lips. She held the instrument to her ear and listened intently then said, "You sure it was him?"

"Positive. I can bet," came the reply from the other end.

"Was she really the same girl?"

"Ah-uh, I can recognize her anywhere. Apparently, it was someone's demise that held him back for so long."

"Where were they headed when you last saw them?"

"To the palace, I guess. If all must've been well then they should be at the palace by now."

"That's it for now. Do not execute the plan now. It's on hold for the time being. No, no hit-and-runs, no brake failure, nothing... Wait for my further instructions. A little more probing will get me closer to the mystery. If it is what I think, it will be even more fun to execute the plan."

The call ended with a click. The description fit well with her suspicions. Was it really her? It was indeed some choice!

There was a knock at the door and Rahul walked in. He appeared pensieve. CR observed him for a while and then finally said, "So what's the final verdict?"

"Mom, why don't you understand, this is just impossible!"

CR froze and Rahul continued.

"C'mon mom, it's not that I'm being generous but I'm rather being selfish here, don't you see? With great power comes great responsibility. And power and responsibility at the cost of what? My Freedom? No ways, mom! You know how much I love my freedom, living life my style."

CR relaxed a bit, "Is that it?"

"Huh?"

"The fear of losing your freedom? If that's your only worry, it can be sorted out," she said coolly.

"Really?" Rahul asked with a new light in his eyes.

"Yes, if you agree to my terms, your freedom remains intact," CR replied.

Rahul grinned wickedly, "Wow mom, you mean my freedom is mine and if I obey you, the Shishodiya kingdom as a plus?"

CR nodded, "So what do you say?"

"Hell, yes! What kind of a guy would say no to an offer like that! I'd only be a fool to refuse," Rahul replied enthusiastically. He enveloped CR in a hug and exclaimed, "Love you, Mom!" CR couldn't believe her ears. Her son had finally seen the light of the day, he'd agreed to her plans which meant no one could ever defeat her now. Her dreams were finally going to be fulfilled.

"So what's the plan? Is Armaan's stay on this planet already over?" he asked casually.

"Well, not exactly. But the countdown has begun," she replied.

The countdown has begun Armaan...

*****

hey