( ASHTHA'S POV )
I was the most happiest girl til sometime back before I heard the ugly truth of my life. The man I loved the most, the one I thought that loved me equally, the one that I was supposed to marry in a few days cheated me. He used me for revenge. All this time I have been living a lie. His proposal, care, loving words everything was am act. A stupid act with which he could satisfy his ego by breaking me.
Few hours back:
Astha was back from Ooty where she had gone for an event management programme.
It's been a week since I met Shlok. I have not informed him about my arrival. It's going to be a shock for him when I surprise him by going to his office.
She reached the office and opened Shlok's cabin only to get a shock
Tanya was hugging Shlok and talking to him.
"Shlok I can't believe that the stupid Astha fell for your fake love. I can't wait for you to dump her at the alter and marry me. Your revenge will be complete then."
The ground beneath Astha started shaking after listening to this. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Tears started flowing from Astha's eyes. She closed the door with and ran away from the place.
Flashback ends.
He has succeeded in his revenge. He has broken me completely. I am now just a body without soul. I somehow managed to reach my house and went to my bedroom not hearing what my Aayi, Baba and Ajju were telling.
I cannot face anyone now.
I felt like a stupid. He must be rejoicing right now. How weak and gullible Astha is. Fell for a few words and acts. I feel suffocated. I want to die. But I won't. He can break me but cannot destroy me completely. I will not allow him to destroy him completely. I will stand up with the broken pieces and live. For my Aayi, Baba and Ajju. With that she wiped her tears and sat up with a resolution.
( SHLOK'S POV )
IN SHLOK'S OFFICE:
I was unable to concentrate on any work. Whennever I tried a petitle figure gets into my thoughts not allowing me to do any work. It's not just today, I have been like this from the time Astha left for Ooty. It's been a week since I have seen her and I miss her like hell. I wish she comes soon otherwise I myself will go there. When I was lost in thoughts I felt someone hugging me and it wasn't my Astha.
It was Tanya she started blabbering
about fake love and revenge on Astha and things like that. I froze. I came back to my senses and pushed her away from me.
What the hell Tanya shut up what the hell do you think of yourself? What the hell are you blabbering?
"What Shlok don't you remember? You only told me that you are planning to take revenge on Astha by faking your love and leaving her at the alter for the insults you had to go through because of her." Tanya replied surprised with his behaviour.
Shlok remembered everything. He had been a beast then. Fully consumed with revenge and hatred. But it was before. He was now irrecoverably in love with Astha. He couldn't even think of a moment without her. All his revenge plans vanished with the goodness and genuity of Astha. He was now truly in love with her and wanted to start a life with her. The revenge laid forgotten.
Look Tanya there is no revenge. I am sorry if I had hurt you but I truly love Astha snd can't imagine a life without her. Don't build any false hopes. I am only Astha's. Sorry you can leave now
Tanya left from there without another word as she knew it would be of no use now.
After her departure he called up Mangla to ask about their arrival and was surprised to know that Astha had already arrived.
Astha has already arrived but dint inform me? How is it possible? She might be tired no problem I will go to her house and surprise her.
Saying so Shlok leaves for Astha's house.
After reaching Astha's house he directly goes to her room and knocks the room.
He was shocked to see her face pale and eyes red
Third person' s POV:
Shlok: Astha what happened to you? Are you alright? You look so pale and eyes are red. Did anyone tell you anything? Did anything happen in Ooty? Please tell me Astha
Astha (mind voice): look how he is acting as if he really cares for me. If I hadn't seen the truth few hours before I would have never believed that he could be so deceiving.
Shlok: Astha why aren't you replying? What happened?
Astha: nothing
Shlok: but
Astha cut him in between.
Astha: nothing am just tired
Shlok: thank god. I got so scared.
Astha was feeling irritated with his false concern
Astha: ok am going to sleep am tired
Shlok: but you just came. I met you after a whole week. You know how much I missed you? I couldn't even concentrate on my work
Saying so he tried to hug her but Astha shrugged it off.
Shlok was shocked with her sudden behavior.
Shlok: Astha what
Before he could finish
Astha: stop it. Please stop it. I have had enough of this acting
Shlok: what are you saying? What act?
Astha: I know everything.
Shlok: what are you talking about?
Astha: I came to your office today
Shlok: what? When? Why dint you come and meet me then?
Astha: well I did. But you were busy with your real love Ms. Tanya reminiscing your little plan on how to get revenge
Shlok was shocked.
Astha: shocked eh? Well I must say Mr. Shlok it was a full proof plan. It was bappa's grace that saved me by sending me to your office today to know your real face.
Shlok: Astha please listen to me. Whatever you heard is not the truth.
Astha: oh please. How much more lies are you going to tell me?
Shlok: am not lying Astha please listen to me
Astha: did you or did you not plan the revenge
Shlok: listen to
Astha cut him off
Shlok: yes but
Astha: no ifs and buts thats all I wanted to know
Shlok: no please you have to listen to me
Astha: I have been listening to your lies all this time what more is there for me to listen?
Shlok: Astha yes I agree I planned a revenge. I wanted to show you down for the insults my family and I had to go through because of you. But later I fell in love with you. It was never a revenge. Even now I sent Tanya out. I really love you
Astha: wah Shlok what a screen play. If you think I will come running back to you, you are clearly mistaken. I got fooled once but won't again and again
Shlok: Astha please believe me. I beg you. I can't live without you.
Shlok started crying out in helplessness. Astha's heart melted down a bit but immediately she hardened
Astha (mind voice): no Astha. This might be another trick of him to get you. Don't believe him
Astha: how do you expect me to believe you? What if it's just another plan of yours?
Shlok: I promise Astha. It's not any plan. I love you and can't live without you
Astha: I am sorry Shlok. I can't believe you. Please leave
Shlok: please Astha. I beg you. I will die without you. I can't breathe with the mere thought of you leaving me.
Astha: I don't believe you.
Shlok: what if I make you believe me?
Astha: how will you do that?
Shlok: wait and watch.
Saying so Shlok went with a determined look to win her back.
After 1 hour he call Kirloskar house and asked everyone including Astha to come to his house. After they reached there
Shlok: please come.
There were various reporters and media people there.
Shlok: thank you everyone for coming in such a short notice. You all might be wondering why I have called all of you here. You all were wondering about my sudden marriage plans and that too with a girl who ruined my reputation. It started out as a revenge on my part first. I wanted to break her and bow down but instead she broke my walls and ego and made a place in my heart. Now I love her so much that I feel suffocated even with the thought of her leaving me. I have fallen truly madly and deeply in love with her. Astha will you please accept me and love me? Iam sorry for all the hurt I have caused you.
He asked on his knees bending down
Astha was in tears. Everyone was shocked. Is this the same man who never bowed down in front of anyone? Is this the same arrogant man who doesn't care for anyone's feelings? Well love does change people.
Astha: yes Shlok I accept you and I love you too.
Shlok immediately hugged her and everyone cheered the couple.
After everyone was gone Shlok and Astha were sitting in his room
Shlok: can I ask you something?
Astha: ya ask.
Shlok:after everything I did how did you forgive me so easily?
Astha: when you truly love someone forgiving and forgetting is the best thing you can do for them and yourself.
Shlok: thank you for coming into my life Astha.