DMG~The Cinderella Way#2 [ON HOLD] Jun 20 - Page 6

Lmao!!!! 🤣

Crap!

Girls, you'll have driven me crazy! 🤣

Gimme 5 mins! Crazy IF not letting me edit!

Alrighty people! As promised, here is the next update. Just so you know I stayed awake till 3 last night to get this update done. Initially, the update was supposed to be only 6 pages but I extended it to 9 just to compensate for the delay. Read, enjoy and leave your comments!

Chp. 62 Coward is Nikita?

The morning was crisp and bright, a morning that reflected the gaiety and happiness of the royal family. It had been a week since Armaan's birthday and BR's revival to a state of normalcy and the royal family couldn't stop celebrating. It was breakfast time and the whole royal family was present at the dining table with RS taking seat at the center while BR and CR sat on either sides followed by Prince Armaan and Princess Nikita on BR's right and Prince Rahul and Princess Bhavyata on CR's right. RS had also given in to BR's request and agreed to let Nikita join them for meals everyday.

"RS," said CR, "Now that everything is as great as it can be, I believe we should proceed with the preparations for Kunwar Rahul's wedding. Don't you think we should set the date?"

"Yes, we should. In fact, I was thinking that we should also look out for a prospective bride for Kunwar Armaan and see if we can get both our Kunwars to tie the knot on the same day," said RS. "It wouldn't look good if the younger prince of the kingdom marries while the crown prince is single. It would give the message of abstainance from duties."

CR's arrow had hit the bull's eye. By bringing up the topic of Rahul's marriage, this was exactly what she expected. She knew that while RS had agreed to Rahul's engagement prior to that of Armaan, he would never agree to Rahul marrying before him. CR was well aware that any topic of Armaan's marriage was bound to bring up Ridhima and thus, things would soon start falling against Armaan.

Armaan merely looked from CR to his father, to BR, exasperated.

"RS," BR intervened, "Wouldn't it be too early to pressurize Kunwar Armaan into any kind of a commitment already, considering that he's been through it before only to..." She let the sentence hang in midair and then continued after a while, "And it wouldn't be just to keep Kunwar Rahul waiting while we look for a bride for Kunwar Armaan and finalize things." She smiled at Rahul knowingly.

"Ah, but BR, maybe Kunwar Armaan already has someone in mind and we wouldn't have to go through the hassle of finding someone for him, after all," interrupted CR, "Yes, Armaan?" She quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Is that so, Kunwar?" asked RS surprised. "If it is, I trust your judgement and look forward to meeting the young lady."

Armaan sighed, "Sure pitaji. But I'd prefer it if we didn't rush matters and concentrated on Kunwar Rahul's wedding for now. I'd appreciate the luxury of some time while I can assure you that there is no shirking of duties involved here. We need some time and I'll appreciate it if I could get some. "

"Very well, son," I'll take your word on it.

The matter now laid at rest, CR's conniving mind wasn't at peace and was on the lookout for another card to play in this game where she felt she was suddenly lagging behind. She had the ace up her sleeve and she was all set to use it with an assurance of a strong response.

"BR, now that you're well and recovered, I think it would be safe to assume that Ridhima's services are no longer required at the palace and she can be dismissed?"

"No"

The simple yet strong declaration evoked a mixed response from everyone at the table; one reason being that the question was directed elsewhere while the answer sprang up from elsewhere. CR looked at Armaan with feigned surprise, while Rahul and Anjali looked interested. BR had a wary look on her face while Nikita was on edge, worry daunting her pale countenance. RS merely looked on, his face masked with a questioning expression.

"Yes, Kunwar?" CR queried.

"No. I do not think that Ridhima should be dismissed, yet. She has played a great role in restoring mom's health to its normal state and she hasn't been rewarded for it, yet. Moreover, with Kunwar Rahul's wedding around the corner, I do not want Mom to tire herself and for that matter, Ridhima can be a great help. She can help mom with whatever's necessary and at the same time ensure that mom doesn't miss out on her medications or go overboard and neglect her health. Mom's health is still at a delicate stage and it is necessary to exercise precaution," stated Armaan.

"But surely, Kunwar, there are others-"

"No, choti maa, no one but Ridhima. She's proved her competence and it would be injustice to not give credit where it's due. I can't trust anyone with mom's health but Ridhima," Armaan said to CR, who was gloating inwardly. She looked at RS expecting an icy retort. However, she seemed to be running out of luck today as RS nodded and said, "I agree with Kunwar Armaan."

He then called Bhanumati and asked her to send for Ridhima. After breakfast when they were settled in the hall, Ridhima came in and conveyed her respects.

"Ridhima, the royal family would like to express it's gratitude to you for what you've done for us. Your zeal and enthusiam, and your devotion to work is unmatched and that you've proven by tending to BR so well that you almost worked a miracle. As a token of our gratitude, you're granted a wish. You can ask for anything that you wish and it shall be yours. So ask," said RS.

"I'm humbled, your highness, if the royal family thinks so. However, I have worked no miracle, just given my best to what I did with the belief that my efforts shall bear fruit and the result is what we all see. I'm honored to know that your highness wishes to reward my efforts, however, I do not find myself in need of anything, so I'd thank you for your generosity, RS," Ridhima replied, impressing RS. BR and Armaan had looks of admiration on their faces while CR sat with her lips pressed in a thin line.

"You may not be in need of anything, but it is the norm for us to reward hard work and excellence. So you can feel free and ask for anything," replied RS.

Ridhima knew refusing insistently could be termed as insolence which she had no intention of showing. But at the same time, she truly didn't need anything. There was nothing that could be weighed against BR's health. Any effort to do so would fall short drastically. So she said, "Would it be appropriate to ask of this favor at a later point in time when I might truly be in need of it, your highness?"

RS looked at Ridhima with interest, "Very well, you have been granted this. You can avail of this favor whenever you feel the moment is right."

"Thank you, your highness."

Ridhima gracefully exited from their presence. She knew that this favor that she'd kept secured, would come in use soon, very soon.

***

The royal priest was contacted for setting a date for Kunwar Rahul and Rajkumari Muskan's wedding. According to him, there wasn't a day until the next six months, more auspicious than the one at the end of two weeks from the present day. And so, the date was set. The level of activity and excitement increased manifolds with this declaration and the hustle and bustle in the palace could not be subdued by anything.

Ridhima was walking to her quarters after returning from a walk in the garden with BR when she decided to take the route through Abhimanyu's chambers. She saw him engrossed deep in thought. She knocked and was rewarded with a smile when Abhimanyu looked up. She raised a brow and Abhimanyu said, "Ridhima, you needn't ask permission to enter, you know that."

"Yes, I do, thank you." She walked in and made herself comfortable on the couch. "What's bothering you, dear brother? I can see that frown marring your features. What's going on in that head of yours? Spill it out."

Abhimanyu sighed, "Nikita."

"Ooh! What's up, loverboy?" Ridhima teased.

"I think it's time we really talked, Nikita and me. I'm tired of playing this hide and seek game. I want her to know the true extent of my feelings for her and also know that I intend to talk to Armaan about us soon."

"About time. So what's the problem?" queried Ridhima.

"I need to take her out," said Abhimanyu rather boldly and Ridhima raised her brows.

"And you don't know how to do that?"

"Of course, I do. Thing is, this time I do not want to do it on the hush hush. I want Armaan to know that I've taken his sister out and also why."

"Ah! And you can't work up the courage to talk to him?" Ridhima teased. "Don't worry, big brother, I can help you here."

"What would I do without you," said Abhimanyu dramatically and Ridhima rolled her eyes.

Abhimanyu laughed then said, "No, Ridhima, this is something that I have to do."

***

That afternoon when Armaan returned to the palace, his mood was not particularly good. Work was not exactly his concern because the school project which was nearing completion was well ahead of time, and a couple of unanticipated issues had popped up from unexpected fronts but it was nothing that he couldn't handle. His major concern, however, was how was he going to tell his father that the girl he wished to marry was not a princess, but an ordinary village girl. And if this were any less, he also couldn't put the matter of Nikita and Abhimanyu behind. It needed attention and he was tired of keeping it secret waiting for the right moment to appear. He realised that until he wanted, the moment would never be right. It was high time stupid societal customs were done away with and practicality practised. If a person wanted to choose another after their partner had passed away, there was nothing wrong with it and the sooner people understood it, the better. It was rightly said -you should be the change you wish to see. If he wanted to change the practices of his kingdom, his family and his palace was the place to begin with. The best course to deal with it was to talk to Nikita and Abhimanyu about it in as many clear words as he could and then bring the matter to his father's notice. With luck, if he was successful in convincing his father -he would, he had to be!- then a lot of good could come out of this marriage season. He could see two couples happily married if all worked fine. And once that was settled then he could talk about himself and Ridhima.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Armaan looked up to see Ridhima in the doorway and his face lit up with a dazzling smile as it always did at the sight of her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked surprised. Ever since his birthday party, they'd decided to keep their meetings more covert and meet only in places that were out of people's eyes, so seeing her at his door indeed surprised him.

"Your highness, her highness, BR, wishes to see you and I am here to convey her message," said Ridhima seriously but Armaan could see the mirth dancing in her eyes.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her in with a hand while the other secured the door shut. She gasped as he pulled her into his embrace against the door.

"Your highness, what are you doing?" Ridhima asked with a horrified expression on her face.

"Well, pretty maiden, you've ensnared me in your charms and stolen my heart," replied Armaan as his finger trailed across her jaw line, "so you have to be punished for this deed."

"Wha- what's the punishment, your highness?" Ridhima queried making a fear stricken face.

"Well, to begin with, you have to tell me why did you do it and then, you will be taken captive and will have to be my wife for your entire life," said Armaan with a teasing glint in his eye.

"Uh-uh, you can't wriggle it out of me, Kunwar Armaan Shishodiya," Ridhima said pushing his hand away that was playing with her tresses.

"What? Ridhima, it's only fair. When I've told you that I love you, why can't you tell me the same?"

"Well, of course, I do. Or I wouldn't have been here right now."

"Then why not spell it out?"

"Well, it isn't necessary! And moreover, that is your punishment for playing the Yudi-Armaan game all along. Face the consequences," Ridhima winked and escaped from his embrace.

"You can't do this to me!"

"Of course, I can," Ridhima laughed, a bubbly tinkling sound and Armaan pulled her into his arms again.

"God! I've missed your laughter," Armaan said as he buried his face into her hair and nuzzled her.

Ridhima smiled as she leaned in his chest and they remained like that for a long moment. Suddenly, Armaan pulled back and said, "Let's go for a drive."

"Let's take Nikita and Abhimanyu along?"

Armaan looked at her with raised brows.

"Abhimanyu wants to take Nikita out, and well, he wants you to know -or more like, wants your permission," replied Ridhima. "Did he talk to you?"

"Not yet. But this is going to be interesting since neither my best friend, nor my kid sister have told me anything about their love interest," Armaan said amused.

"That's exactly why Abhimanyu didn't know how to broach the topic before you. I offered to help but he refused outright. You find this amusing?" she asked seeing the amusing glint dancing in his eyes.

"It'll be interesting to see how they spill it out, shy and secretive love birds that they are," he laughed.

At Ridhima's raised brow, he said, "Ridhima, I know that Abhimanyu and Nikita love each other and Abhimanyu is the perfect guy for her -who, though not royally rich, has a heart of pure gold and will give her all the happiness in the world - but they have to be strong and express it. They should be able to stand strong for each other and face the world. Theirs is a situation which will raise questions and objections and they will have to answer them. And do you think, pitaji is ever going to approve of this if they save face? I have given it some thought and was hoping to talk to them, before you came in."

"In that case, shall we postpone that drive to the evening?"

***

"You should've see the way bhaiyya defended you!" Nikita exclaimed as she sat with Ridhima going over lehengas and deciding on one that Ridhima could wear for Rahul and Muskan's wedding. "No, choti maa, no one but Ridhima. She's proved her competence and it would be injustice to not give credit where it's due. I can't trust anyone with mom's health but Ridhima," she imitated in as close a semblance to her brother as possible and Ridhima burst out laughing.

"Nikita, that's mean! You're mocking your own brother?" said Ridhima who was on the defensive for Armaan.

"Oh god! Anyone could have gone ga-ga over him seeing him like that," Nikita said, "He looked so adorable yet all macho-prince."

Ridhima smiled.

"I'm really happy for you, Ridhima. Bhaiyya and you make an adorable couple. Everyone should have that love in their life that bhaiyya and you have for each other. He adores you, admires you and also respects you, and I love him for that."

"Yes, the kind of happiness that I've found with your brother, I've never known in all my life," Ridhima whispered. She thought back to those days in the village when Dadi had passed away. Despite the turmoil in their life, the strains in their relationship, Armaan had been her support and her hold, undemanding, never letting her slip into the abyss of sorrow that so pulled her.

"And that's why you should get married as soon as possible. A double wedding sounds fun! Rahul and Armaan bhaiyya, both of 'em tying the knot at the same time, would be amazing."

"Yes, and what about you? Don't you think that it's time even you thought seriously about life?" queried Ridhima.

Nikita frowned, "What about me? My life is as it is. It is destined to be colourless; nothing can be done about it."

"And Abhimanyu? You think it'll be right to give him false hopes all the time?"

"I've not given him any false hopes. He knows that the two of us can never be," said Nikita defiantly.

"But he loves you, and so do you!"

"Yes, but what good will come out of it? Do you think pitaji would even want to hear about it?" Nikita snapped.

"And I thought you wanted to marry him," Ridhima sighed.

Nikita flushed.

"Don't be silly, even considering the thought will have the Shishodiya ancestors turning in their graves," she replied dryly.

"Well let the dead rest, but tell me, why are you scared? Why are you denying this when it is truly your heart's desire?"

"Because I don't live in the world of fantasies."

"In that case, neither do I."

"Oh no! Lord, I'm sorry, bhabhi. That's not what I meant. You predicament is way better than mine, bhabhi. You know it, my life is a mess," groaned Nikita.

"And you are responsible to sort it. Why don't you talk to your brother? Do you not trust him?"

"Of course, I do. But I know that pitaji would never agree to it. So what's the point in raising false hopes when you know they're going to be savagely crushed?"

"Nikita, look at these clothes," said Ridhima spreading her hand over the clothes that lay on the bed, "look at these accessories, these diamonds, look at you. You have every right to these things as any unmarried girl. You have every right to live your life and pursue your dreams, have your own joys and sorrows in life, to have a shot at happiness like any normal person. Then why deprive yourself?"

"This is never going to happen, bhabhi."

"So you mean you're ready to see Abhimanyu married to someone else?"

Nikita was taken aback, "I-"

"Or is it that you think he is your personal property, to do with as you wish, and expect him to stay by your side all through life, never demanding, only giving? That'd be a bit too selfish, I'll say."

"I never asked him to do that. He's free to live his life as he wishes," Nikita turned away. She didn't like the turn the conversation was taking.

"He's been by your side until now, knowing that you need him and hoping that one day you would want him to be with you in every sense, together, like man and woman. But only if he knew that you didn't have the gall to even dream, let alone fulfill his dream which is now a far cry. I'm sure he didn't know you'd be such a coward, Nikita."

Nikita's lips quivered and tears streaked down her face. "I'm not a coward," she said through gritted teeth. "I'd never promised him anything. It is his fault if he thought so."

"Yes, you're right. It was his fault he stood by you in the most difficult of your times. It was his fault he consoled you and was your comfort when you had no one to turn to. It was his fault he held you when you cried, his fault he loved you selflessly, his fault he never expected anything in return, his fault he patiently waited believing that you'd come around to loving him someday, his fault he taught you to laugh again and live again, his fault he trusted you, his fault he dreamt of a life with you someday, isn't it?"

The tears now streamed endlessly down Nikita's face. "You don't know anything!" she cried.

"Oh, I know, Nikita, I know. I know you're afraid. You're afraid to take that chance that life is giving you once again. Afraid because you beleive it's too good to be true. You don't want to take that chance again, telling yourself that you don't need it and abstaining from any kind of emotional involvement. You fear that you might lose it all again, and only to protect yourself from that heartbreak, that loneliness that waits at the other side of the cliff you're pretending you don't care about him. And if you're telling yourself that you're being faithful to Ajay's memory, then let me tell you, Nikita, you're only using him as a sheild," said Ridhima. "If I'm wrong and you truly don't love Abhimanyu, if he has truly misunderstood you, then go and clear his misunderstanding. Tell him that you want nothing to do with him and release him of your bonds. Let him live his life as he truly ought to. He has every right to live and enjoy his life. And if there's no place in your life for him, make it known to him. Go and clear his misunderstandings, Nikita, because it is necessary. Abhimanyu told me this morning that one of Deenu kaka's friends had a proposal for him but he refused to consider it since he loved you and wanted to spend his entire life with you. In fact, he was thinking of taking it a step ahead and taking you out, formally. He's going to talk to your brother about it."

***

Armaan sat at his desk in his study, his files scattered on the desk while he perused one of them. There was a knock on the door and Abhimanyu entered.

"Yes, Abhimanyu?"

"Kunwarji-"

Armaan looked up from his file at the formal address and raised his brows.

"Kunwarji, I wished to ask a favor of you," said Abhimanyu.

"Yes, go ahead."

"I know this is against the rules of the aristocracy but I wished to take Rajkumari Nikita out for the evening, if you'd allow it," replied Abhimanyu.

"And what's the occasion, may I ask?" queried Armaan coolly.

"Nothing special, just two friends going out for a coffee, and if it is anything more, you shall soon know, I assure you," Abhimanyu replied.

"Very well, you have my permission. But take care of my sister, Abhimanyu. You know how special she is to me," replied Armaan.

"You can be assured, Kunwar Armaan, your sister is in safe company."

"Abhimanyu," Armaan called as he turned to leave.

"Yes?"

"You might need these," said Armaan handing him his car keys.

Abhimanyu wanted to refuse, then thought better of it and pocketed the keys with thanks.

***

Dekha girls, kitna pagal kar diya hai tum logo ne mujhe?!🤣

Originally posted by: bimley

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