Ashlok FF - You've Won My Heart! (Chapter 10 updated on page 138) - Page 33

Originally posted by: lively_roshani

love it

Originally posted by: ...Ayesha...

O...MY...GOD!!! That was, that was I must say the best update so far👏👏

First of all to start off with the beginning, the way you portrayed Astha's every feeling, love, anger, guilt! Twas spot on! Each and every detail, I must say you have truly hit the mark👍🏼 Would never had thought that Astha had loved Shlok from day one, came as a shock. The way you emoted her feelings, was just wow! I'm kinda running out of compliments but I loved it. The way her heart was full of love for Shlok and then one phone call shattered everything.

Instead of the usual crying Astha you've portrayed her character to be very strong, even though she was clearly hurt by Shlok, she didn't let him know. The way you wrote, the confrontation they had after years, was amazing👏

The ending, how she walked away from him was truly awesome and the way you described reading each other's eyes, was also incredible!

To top it off, I loved it! I especially love Astha's character, would love to see the story moving on! Intrigued to read more! Update sooon🤗

P.S. Sorry for the late unres😊

Originally posted by: Sam_15

O..MY..God!! You loved it so much? 😲😳 I'm touched 😳😳

But even I admit. For me too, this update was the best so far 😳😆

Aww thank you sooo very much kiddo for your wonderful comment 🤗 Motivates me so much 😃😳

But u r being too generous...it wasn't that great! 😳 I'm still an amateur writer, remember? 😉😆

Yes I wanted to show Astha different from the typical heroines, thus decided to make her character strong, a fighter 😃

At one point I was even thinking that may be I am going into too much detail but ur and other people's comment erased those doubts because now I know it just brought out the emotions the character was feeling in a better way 😊

Thanks once again kiddo...u r being too sweet today! 😛 Any reason? 😉😆

I will try to update soon 😊

Btw never mind about the late unres, so u don't have to be sorry 😊 U r spared until ur exams are over 😆😆

Originally posted by: ...Ayesha...

Awww what u on about im always this sweet😉 and yeh I love astha like this! Glad my comments motivate you, I shall carry on

Writing lovely comments! Love you🤗

poor ashlok...problems are yet to be solved...but i don't want astha a despo after marriage...waiting for new developments in the story...update soon

OMG Mashallah. I am loving it! Read both chapters, gosh I love the depth in your story telling and I find myself emotionally connecting with both Shlok and Aastha. What an impossible situation they find themselves in! Love the fire in Aastha and her underlying vulnerability and Shloks desperation.

Originally posted by: hashima

unres

poor ashlok...problems are yet to be solved...but i don't want astha a despo after marriage...waiting for new developments in the story...update soon

Originally posted by: MehdiK

OMG Mashallah. I am loving it! Read both chapters, gosh I love the depth in your story telling and I find myself emotionally connecting with both Shlok and Aastha. What an impossible situation they find themselves in! Love the fire in Aastha and her underlying vulnerability and Shloks desperation.

I am eagerly waiting for the next update.

Really proud of you, keep it up.😃

"What's up Jyoti? Do you want to say something?"

"Yes bhai," she paused for few seconds then she said, "Bhai, I know you are being forced for the marriage with Astha and I am one of the reasons everyone is pressurising you. I just wanted to say that you don't have to consent for the marriage, just because of me. I wouldn't blame you if you choose to break your engagement with Astha and marry the girl of your choice."

Shlok was dumbstruck to hear these words from her. She was the last person who he expected any support from. "Jyoti, do you realise what will be the consequences for yourself if I refuse?" he asked, uncertain she was aware of the severity of the situation.

"Yes bhai I know. My engagement with Sid will be broken, right? But I assure you I won't hold you responsible for it. I don't want you to marry Astha under any compulsion esp. when that compulsion is me." Now Shlok was looking at his little sister with amazement. He noticed that her body language was indicating hesitancy behind her decision...she was fidgeting with her hands, something she always did when she was nervous...even though her expressions were guarded.

"But don't you love Sid?" Jyoti was startled at his question. Then looking down she said, "I do bhai but I can't be selfish for the sake of my love. Forcing you into this marriage will be unfair with both of you." she paused once again, this time a little thoughtfully. Her stance changed from one of nervousness to confident, indicating that the first time she was absolutely sure what she was saying. "But bhai let me tell you one thing. I will love it if Astha becomes my sister-in law, not because you are already engaged to her, but only because I think she is perfect for you as your life partner. I don't think anyone can keep you as happy as she can." While saying this, Jyoti was observing his expressions very closely, as if trying to speculate his thoughts. Shlok, on the other hand, was pondering over her words and reaching a decision.

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In the evening Shlok was called in his parents' room. NA was standing on the other end of the room near the window, facing the opposite way, with his arms folded over his chest. Anjali was standing just behind him, quietly as always. Her face was clearly revealing the nervous state of her mind, unlike NA who had a stern look on his face. "So what have you decided?" NA boomed, still facing towards the window.

"My decision baba? Did I even have a choice? You know very well baba how much you all mean to me. I can never imagine leaving you all for a girl, no matter how much I love her." He paused briefly, waiting for some kind of response from NA. When he didn't show any response to his words, he finally said, "OK baba. I will do whatever you say. I am ready to marry Astha only for you and Jyoti's sake. But let me warn you. After marriage I may not be able to give Astha all the rights that she may deserve as my wife and even she may not be able to accept me as her husband whole heartedly. Then please do not blame me. And one more thing, I am not sure how long we will be able to make this marriage last." Saying this he abruptly walked out of the room, leaving a worried NA and shocked Anjali behind.

"Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be alright after marriage." Anjali tried to console NA after composing herself.

NA nodded, "Let's hope so."

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Astha was sitting on the bed, wearing a bridal dress, surrounded by her friends and cousins. They were all busy pulling her leg. After all everyone knew about her love and obsession for her 'best friend'. Only Gauri was aware of the whole truth who was sitting next to Astha eyeing her anxiously while holding her hand, silently giving her the moral support she knew her friend needed at this crucial moment. In response to her friend's teasing, Astha would throw them a half-hearted smile in return from time to time, which barely reached her eyes. After a while, Astha caught Gauri's eye and pointedly threw a quick glance towards the girls and then the door. Gauri understood and nodded and said while standing up from the bed, "Come on girls, let's go. Let the bride relax before the groom comes in."

Everyone once again congratulated Astha and bid her goodbye before walking out. Gauri who was still standing beside her bed, softly touched her shoulder. "You will be alright na?"

Astha simply nodded giving her a reassuring smile and patted her hand. Gauri wished her good luck and walked out, leaving her alone in the room.

Astha carefully got up from the bed, trying not to trip over her dress. She headed towards the washroom. Reaching the wash basin, she opened the tap and looked at herself in the mirror above, perhaps for the first time since the evening. She was dressed in a heavy shimmering red lehenga with silver embroidery on it. Her jewellery was adding to her glamour and her flawless make-up was creating a natural and glowing look on her skin, making her appear all the more elegant and graceful. She knew she was looking stunning...just a few hours back all the ladies were gushing over her beauty. However, she felt none of the joy and delight associated with it. Her marriage was nothing more than an obligation for her which she fulfilled with a heavy heart. Her once beautiful dream had now turned into a nightmare for her. She looked at her adorned self in the mirror with blank eyes. There was a deep suffocating silence prevailing inside her. Her eyes fell on her sindoor and mangalsutra, the memento of her forced marriage. She lifted her hand and touched her forehead, remembering the moment when he filled her maang (parting) with vermillion, making her his forever. But she knew better. It was just a show for their parents' and society's sake. She was still as much a stranger for him as she was till yesterday. All of a sudden, all the emotions she kept buried deep inside her came rushing in and flowed from her eyes in the form of tears. Till now she had put a brave front on in front of others but now she could no longer find the strength to place the barrier on her tears and her raging emotions. For once she wanted to cry her heart out. In that moment all she could think of was, "why me?". She wasn't sure she was more distressed about being forced into someone's life as an unwanted wife or for having to stifle her own self-respect with her own hands.

But what's the use of crying over your fate? Why being so weak? Why don't you accept it, take it like a challenge and face it with your head held high? Her part of consciousness, which was fighter, tried to shake her out of her grief.

She lifted her head and looked at herself in the mirror. Her make-up, esp. her eyeliner was now smudged from crying. "What am I doing? Crying over THIS man who doesn't value me or my love? No I won't be so weak. If this is what is written in my fate then be it. Now I will show him just how much he underestimated me. If he thinks I will act like a typical devoted wife then he is terribly mistaken. He has always seen soft, caring and loving side of me. Now he will witness my other side...my hatred." She finally decided with a renewed determination and bent down over the sink to wash her face.

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Well hope you guys like it 😳 I will try to update the next chapter soon, perhaps by Monday 😊 Thanks for bearing with me 😛

Will wait for your comments and feedback 😊