Love Happens With A Twist

32

Delhi

Poonam looked around her surroundings with disgust, her expression twisted in distaste.

"Ugh, not here, not anywhere," she groaned, her voice turning into frustration.

"Everything feels suffocating, like a prison." She collapsed onto the bed, her fist punching the soft mattress in annoyance.

"I can't live in this room. It's all so...Shraddha. The furniture, the decor—it's all tacky and tasteless."

Her face screwed up again in disgust, then she sprang up from the bed.

"Rudra, come and rescue me as soon as possible. I'm relying entirely on you," she whispered to herself.

She left the room, encountering Shraddha on the stairs.

"Excuse me!" she exclaimed.

Shraddha stopped, turning to face her with a curious expression. "Yes?" she replied, her voice neutral.

"Is this the room you expect me to stay in? This is my father's house. After his room, mine should be the biggest and most beautiful, which I'm certain you took for yourself. Vacate your room immediately. I'm moving in there," she said with an authoritative tone.

Shraddha only smiled, lost for words, before responding, "You could tell your father to vacate his room too, so you can move in there, you know? After all, the princess should have the biggest chamber."

"Let's not play games, Shraddha. I know you're secretly hoping they'll lock me up forever, so you can finally get rid of me for good." Her eyes narrowed accusingly at her.

Shraddha's smile was calm as she responded. "You're right; let's stop the act. If you want to make peace, I'm still willing. After all, I am your stepmother, whether you like it or not. But..." She paused, her voice turning serious. "Don't think for a second that I'll tolerate your disrespect. I am your father's wife; better accept that."

"Just keep your mouth shut. Honestly, your voice irritates me. I know you're a two-faced woman, but it baffles me why my dad can't see through your act. Anyway, I want your room cleared out now. Meanwhile, I'll go ask my father about my real mother, Lakshmi." Her smile was forced as she turned to leave, while Shraddha rolled her eyes and followed her.

"Let's see what your precious father has to say about the room. Should I vacate it for you since you seem to think you're his rightful partner—or, should I say, his mother? Or should it remain mine, considering I'm the one he actually married?"

"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" Poonam spun around, anger flaring in her face.

"That's the hypocrisy I can't stand. Do we really need to drag him into this conversation?"

But before Shraddha could respond, Riddhima's voice interrupted, "Mother, Poonam..." She approached them with a joyous grin.

"Why are you smiling? I'm suffering. How can you be so insensitive?" Poonam started to reprimand her, but her words cut her off.

"The real culprit has confessed. The person who framed you for everything has turned himself in."

Poonam's eyes widened in shock, her mouth dropping out. "What? Does that mean I'm free? Am I finally free?"

"Not yet, but your name will be cleared soon. At least we now have proof of your innocence. The man confessed to everything, revealing how he manipulated the evidence to frame you and tarnish our family's reputation."

Poonam's laughter was filled with relief as she embraced her tightly. "Oh, Riddhima, you always bring me good news!

"Aunt Lakshmi's bail has also been granted, and she's back at the mansion in Mumbai," she shared.

"How is that possible? She gets bail, but I'm still stuck in here." She wasn't happy with that, and it was evident through her frustrated voice as she pulled away from her.

"Your charges are more severe, Poonam. You're accused of murder too," Riddhima explained patiently, while Poonam's expression turned bitter.

"Whatever. At least my father completely believes I'm innocent now." She exhaled a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Yes, he's discussing the next steps with the lawyer. He asked me to fetch his eyeglasses from his room, so I'll go get them now," Riddhima said, continuing on her way.

The instant she left, Shraddha spoke, "How weird. Why would the real culprit suddenly develop a conscience and confess? Poonam," her tone turned stern.

"I know your capabilities all too well. I hope you didn't manipulate an innocent person into taking the blame for you, just to save yourself."

"What are you implying? Do you think I'm guilty?" Her eyes raged with anger.

"No, I'm just saying that even without that, your father would move heaven and earth to save you. Don't sacrifice an innocent person's life..." She was speaking, but she interrupted her sentence.

"Oh, so you're the only innocent one among us? Are you out of your mind? I've been locked up without a phone or any contact with the outside world. How could I possibly have gotten into contact with someone to take the blame for me?"

"Because the way you live life really scares me a lot. You're so peaceful despite everything, and"

"I'm calm because I know I'm innocent. And I'm not like you, panicking over nothing. I have some class. I'm not from a third-class village like you, who got lucky and is now dining with us rich people. I know how to maintain my composure in all situations," she said, eyeing her before walking away.

Shraddha sighed again. "I want to believe you're innocent, but I really doubt it," she whispered to herself.

*sighs too😂.

Sorry for not updating all this while. Truth is, I forgot the plot of the story (not that I remember it now either, but....it will all be well)💅🏻.

Don't forget to vote and comment. Goodbye!