#2 Ashlok FF - You've Won My Heart! (Chapter 19 on 96) - Page 65

Originally posted by: .Natasha.

*u'll come up

Sry, thru mob😡 😳

Originally posted by: deepavasudev

And when the dagger and raabta .. are going get updates.. from CHIP MUNK

god only knows.😭

Originally posted by: .Natasha.

I ws actually expecting an update, BT ur block is dragging 😲 I vouch Yas's idea... Anyway, I'll come up with smethin😃

Missed ya🤗

Originally posted by: Sam_15

😆😆

Nah its not. I have recovered from my block couple days back. Now I'm in the process of writing. Will try to update soon 😊

Terribly miss you.. 🤗

Chapter 18

Feeling a strange sense of thrill coursing through his entire being as if he was about to unravel the biggest mystery of this universe, he held her discreet, not to forget her precious scrapbook in his hands and unsecured its strap. He had no idea what he would find in its depths but he had an intuition that it had something to do with him. As he opened it to the first page, he gaped in astonishment. Two familiar faces stared back at him, both young and good looking. Underneath it, their names were written, connected with small tiny hearts. He stared at the two pictures for few long seconds, his mind in a daze. Uncertain what to make of it, he turned the page to reveal what caused him to be taken aback. Unlike the last page, this one displayed a series of pictures, marking various occasions, events and festivals over the course of their childhood and teens. One picture in particular caught his attention, partly because at the bottom of the picture 'best friends forever' was scribbled in small but bold letters. It was taken on the occasion of Jyoti's 12th birthday. He still remembered it like it was yesterday. They were sitting on the staircase, both immersed in their conversation when Sid appeared out of nowhere and demanded to take their picture from his then-newly bought digital camera. A forlorn smile touched his lips as he peered at his picture self holding two fingers up behind unsuspecting Astha. He chuckled remembering how much she had moaned when she finally saw the printed version of this photo and accused him of ruining their perfect picture. Now he was immensely surprised to find the same picture having been cherished by her all these years along with other countless moments they shared together.

It also occurred to him that his pictures dominated the page and this trend continued as he flipped through the scrapbook in complete bewilderment and awe to reveal more pictures. Birthdays, school trips, debate competitions, annual days, family functions, diwali, holi, new year...memories that he had forgotten over the years came flooding back as he looked through them, the beautiful bond they once shared evident in each shot. He missed those days when everything about their relationship was sweet and simple...those times when there were no complications. Moreover, he was deeply touched. Unlike him, she had managed to preserve and cherish each one of their precious memories. Above all he was overwhelmed to see the depth of her affinity with him and the moments they shared with each other.

However he still failed to grasp the mystery behind this book. What could have made her dread the possibility of him looking through her scrapbook? Surely it can not be just her collection of their memories that she was so desperate to hide. Expecting to find something substantial which would remotely justify her secretive behaviour regarding this book, he flipped through it until the last picture. Beyond that point he found only blank pages. Disappointed, he was about to close the book and leave, when something at the very end caught his eye. Curiously, he opened the scrapbook to the last page and sure enough, there was more. Taking over nearly half of the page, the number 16 was written in bold colourful letters with a few drawings of cakes and balloons around it. Apparently it marked the event of her 16th birthday. His eyes fell on the top right corner where a few words were scribbled. He looked closely and read: Over the moon to know I am engaged to be married to my crush. This birthday is officially the best day of my life. All thanks to my parents!

Shlok's head reeled with shock as he read and reread her words, trying to absorb the startling truth.

Feeling all more curious now, he turned the page in reverse order. The next page again took him by surprise where he found a card. It took him a few seconds to recognise this card. It was an only card he had ever made for her. In high school, on a valentine's occasion, one of their substitute teachers who was apparently too lazy to teach them anything, gave them the liberty to make an anonymous card for the one they admire. Since all the class was making one he decided to make one too but since there was no girl he admired, he dedicated the card to Astha. Later he explained everything to her and told her that it held no sentiments for him and if she wants to she can go ahead and throw it away. And he had assumed she must have by now but like everything else that's associated with him, she cherished it for all those years, even after knowing full well that he made the card out of formality.

Feeling touched beyond mere words could describe, he looked through the rest of her scrapbook. It revealed to him that she wasn't merely crushing on him but that crush bloomed into love over the years. With each revelation his bewilderment reached new heights and the love for her in his heart intensified. He realised how big a part of her life he has always been. While she has been his friend, for her he had been her soulmate. She didn't just record their special moments but also his likes and dislikes. He was dumbfounded to find his sketch made by her. He had never known about her artistic abilities. Apparently there was a lot he didn't know about her.

However, it was the last entry of her scrapbook that compelled him to come to a decision...a decision as an attempt to save their relationship and win her heart and trust back.

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Astha walked into the kitchen to find Anjali tidying it up before going to sleep.

"Ayi what's this? You should have asked me or zaubai. Ok leave it now. I will tidy up the kitchen in no time.", she said, snapping her fingers. Anjali smiled at her antics but refused her assistance

"No, I can manage it by myself. You go and help Shlok in his packing."

Astha's smile faltered. If only she knew she had already offered it but he outrightly refused. Regardless, like an obedient daughter, she nodded her head and walked out of the kitchen.

Shlok had been acting increasingly strange since their return from her parents'. He was uncharacteristically quiet. He hadn't spoken a word to her since hours besides the time when she had offered to do his packing but he had politely declined. He had never behaved this way with her before so naturally she was puzzled with his estranged behaviour. Even in those initial days of their marriage when their relationship was going through its worst patch, he had not become oblivious to her. But now he was seemingly ignoring her presence, not even bothering to throw her a single glance. And for some reason this was bothering and hurting her more than she thought it would. In Goa she had gotten so used to him showering her with attention that now his indifferent attitude towards her was difficult to endure.

Yes their relationship hadn't been the same since they had returned from Goa but there was always this unspoken attraction between them that both were unable to deny. She would often find him looking her way esp. when her attention was occupied. She remembered their first kiss in Goa. She still felt butterflies in her stomach whenever she thought about it. Regardless of how messed up the situation was at the time, she could tell that their kiss was full of mutual love for one another. That's what convinced her to give him benefit of doubt. She was sure there was a part of him that was beginning to feel the same way about her that she has always felt for him. But how dominant that part was, she wasn't sure.

Lost in her thoughts, she stepped into their bedroom when she noticed Shlok standing with his back facing towards her. She stopped in her tracks as her eyes fell on something in Shlok's hand. It was an exquisite diamond ring. Even from afar she could tell it must be very expensive. But who was it for? She didn't think it was for her since she was sure he would have given it to her by now. So should she assume it could be for HER?? No she didn't want to think so. Even though she still didn't trust him entirely and was doubtful about his loyalty towards her, she didn't think he would cheat her or lie to her about his relationship with that woman. Honesty is the least she could expect from him, couldn't she?

Already she was feeling somewhat insecure. Now that Shlok was going back to Mumbai to resume his job, there was a part of her that dreaded his return to the city where his former lover lived. She was afraid that his love for that woman will revive. However, unfortunately she couldn't do anything about it.

Initially she thought there was no hope for their relationship, that it was a hopeless marriage that is bound to be doomed, but their time in Goa assured her that things weren't as hopeless as she thought. She realised they could lead a perfectly happy married life by putting some efforts into rebuilding their relationship. But his recent behaviour and the thought of his return was starting to diminish that hope.

Before he could sense her presence in the room, she turned around and left the room.

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Early next morning he was all set to leave. She found herself waiting for him to mention something about the ring but her wait kept prolonging until she realised he had no such intention to do so. Moreover, there was no change in Shlok's behaviour whatsoever. He was as indifferent to her as he was last evening. He was clearly ignoring her...with the rest of the family his behaviour was absolutely normal. Astha could feel her anger rising by the seconds. She could think of only one reason for this sudden change: that woman. Perhaps now that he was going back to her, he cared the least about her. Clearly this man was not worthy of her trust, she thought bitterly.

She walked out to the porch with him to see him off. She watched him walking towards one of their cars and was about to turn to go back inside when he turned to look at her...for the first time in hours. She stared back, her eyes flashing with anger in contrast to his, which were gentle and full of intense love for her. She knew she was render helpless when he stared at her this way...her body reacted to his intense gaze. She felt her anger ebbing away but she wasn't going to fall for his charms this time. Abruptly she turned and walked away inside leaving him gazing at her retreating figure.

Wowy too good sam superb update nicely written that scrap book part really too cute even I hav something like that its contain all my fav things till date 😛.btw am first Heyyy!!!!