FF: War Path (Aslok fight it out) - Page 44

Very nice chapter...very emotional. Shlok seems more depressed then Aastha. I hope it'll be all the more exciting & romantic when they meet. I hope that they will realise how much they love each other & are made for each other. Shlok also needs to know the true colours of his Baba...not sure if all this can happen in 1 chapter though..?!?!? IPK 1's old & new characters are all very nice. Anjali's husband Imad seems like a gem of a person...Anjali deserved someone like him. Loved it. Please don't take too long for the next chapter. I eagerly wait for your updates...u writing style is very captivating..

Wow very nice story shlok meets Arnav Singh raizada and family , Anjali married . You have given a new dimension to the story.

I am back with a late update! Meh, truth be told, I have been loosing my motivation. Anyways, life's been hectic and I have been THINKING of writing this for a week, but it just did not happen. Thank you to all who have been writing comments. I read all of them to help motivate me. Especially love the pointers 😉. Get ready for some serious Shlok-Astha drama.

*** Astha sent the divorce papers. Her family supported her. But they did not send anything without her consent.

Quick notes:

1. I know some of you read the Avenging Angel series (Book 1 and 2). Thank you to those who wrote to me about it. So there were some questions from Namrutha that I wanted to clarify. Shyam's terrace talk with Khushi in my story was video taped by NK, he knew the whole story as a result and talked with Khushi on the phone. During the wedding they were showing NK carrying around a video cam but never went through with it which I thought was stupid. So, I carried that through how I wanted to see it.

2. Anjali's handicap was never explained in the past, it is very likely that is was a birth issue. I kept it as that. Sometimes if babies are not properly taken care of by the doctor during the time of birth, this can happen. I knew someone who became victim to this kind of malpractice.

Chapter 11:

Khushi thankfully bought into the idea that the family was going out for dinner in honor of Shlok's visit. Arnav forced himself to keep silent despite all the pouting she did on the way. His princess really did believe he could forget the best day of his life. Thank god NK was not here to blurt it all out, Arnav thought. This "male-Khushi" (Akash's name for NK, though he did not agree) was bursting with excitement and had to be taken away from the actual party so that he did not ruin the surprise. Arnav had managed to distract NK with Shlok's Ferrari and his friend had thankfully agreed to give NK a ride to Sheesh Mahal with him.

Imad smirked, seeing Khushi's brow knit in annoyance. He pointed her out to Anjali who smiled conspiratorially.


"Oh my God! So cool!"

The window pane went up and down.

Shlok did not initially realize why Arnav was so keen for this favor, but five minutes with this spontaneously-combusting cousin of his friend's convinced Shlok that NK was definitely...special. His overall melancholy was being repeatedly offended by this NK-guy. He was just too happy.

NK: The window goes up and down! Wooosh!

Shlok: Not unlike any other car.

NK: Yes, but something is very cool about the same happening in a Ferrari!

Shlok smiled despite himself. He concentrated on the road ahead. That's when he noticed his hand and that ever-familiar sinking feeling came back to haunt him.

Shlok, quietly: It's gone.

NK: What's gone?

Shlok in a disappointed tone: The bite mark. It's all gone. For how long? I didn't not even notice...

NK, confused: What are you talking about?

Shlok shook is head, coming back to the present. Her claim on him vanished just as she was putting their marriage to an end. Somehow the missing bite mark hurt him more now. Like she was slowly vanishing from his life despite his desperate efforts to keep all her memories fresh.

Shlok sighed: Never mind. I was just thinking out loud.

NK shrugged and went back to his exploration around the passenger seat.

Shlok: Is it left now? Or right?

NK: Right. Umm...yes, right. Definitely right.

Shlok warily followed his direction.


Astha wrapped the sari quickly around her and walked out of the hotel room. Gauri stopped her in the hallway.

Gauri: Black sari? (At Astha's exasperation) Fine, fine. At least wear some bangles. You love bangles.

Astha: I have given up wearing bangles.

Gauri: Thik hai, toh...lipstick laga le!

Astha: No, thanks. I am fine like this. Now be quick, there's a lot to do.

Gauri: Astha, tujhe meri kasam. Please. It's just lipstick. I have it right here! You are looking washed out.

Finally, when Gauri let her go, Astha called Mr. Raizada and confirmed their arrival.

Astha: They are already here. Come, Gauri!

She rushed out. Gauri sighed.

Gauri: This rainbow princess will faint when she sees Morticia Addams.

The Princess Awad was looking around in awe. The ceiling of the main ballroom was covered in stars and looked just like the night sky. Giant hanging pom poms made of flowers of every color decorated the whole hall and the outside gardens. The whole place filled with the heady fragrance of these flowers. On Astha's cue from upstairs, the guests all screamed "SURPRISE!"

Astha increased the lighting from dim to bright and saw the Princess' face transform from awe to extreme delight. And then she burst into tears. Not cute, touched tears. She started bawling. Arnav Singh Raizada pulled her into his embrace and her whole family formed a protective circle around them. Astha watched from upstairs as this girl's wonderful husband rocked her in her arms and talked into her ear encouragingly.



Gauri came up behind Astha.

Gauri: Not very princessy, is she?

Astha: Hush Gauri, she's adorable.

Gauri laughed: That she is.

They watched from upstairs as Mr. Raizada wiped her tears and pulled her back in his embrace. She was too overwhelmed by her husband's surprise. The princess finally smiled as her family also started encouragingly congratulating her.

Astha: Thank god, she seems to like it. Let's go downstairs now. Guests are piling in.

Mr. Raizada confirmed her suspicions.

Arnav: You have outdone yourself Ms. Kirloskar. Fantastic! Your company will handle all our events from now on.

Astha thanked him and quickly went to check that the hors d'oeuvres were being brought out on time.

Shlok finally got to the party. Imad and Anjali greeted him.

Anjali: Where have you been?

Shlok: Your cousin took us to the local museum.

Anjali laughed: NK Bhai does not have the best sense of direction.

Shlok stood in a corner with Imad and Anjali taking in the decor and ambiance. It was really a breath-taking arrangement. All the guests were looking about awing and ahing too. Some kids ran about happily with small pom poms from the table center pieces. Arnav and Khushi joined the group after meeting some guests.

Khushi: This is like a dream! I love it! Di, it was your idea, wasn't it?

Anjali: Nope, Chotte mentioned the pom poms and stars, but neither of us could come up with this. This was all your events planner. She's so creative!

Khushi hopped in place, clutching her hands together.

Shlok watched her quietly. She reminded him so much of Astha. Astha once had this kind of love for life. He diminished that light from her.

Khushi: I have to meet her. Thank her for this absolute dream!

Arnav: Ah, she's right over there. Ms. Kirloskar.

Shlok's head snapped up.

His chest heaved with so many feelings at once that he instantly went blank. A ringing sounded in his empty mind as his eyes settled on the dark figure fleeting about the room directing the waiters.


Shlok: Astha.

Arnav, quizzically: Yes, that's the name. You know her?

Shlok in shock: She's my wife.

Khushi bounced: Oh, this is too perfect! You are married! And she's right here too!?

Arnav smiled: Well, this is a real surprise. She has been working with me the whole month and I did not have the slightest idea that she was even married.

Shlok looked around at Arnav: YOU are the client? Of course...

He started laughing in astonished relief. They looked at him weirdly.

Anjali smiled: You are really progressive, Shlok. I am very impressed. You don't mind the odd hours or that she does not carry your name. That's really sweet. Trust ho toh aisa. Waise, Astha is a gem. You are very lucky.

Shlok was embarrassed now. Anjali Di knew his family, that is why she was so taken aback. In truth, he did mind, so Di had him right. Unfortunately, he did not have the foresight to trust Astha.

Before Shlok could stop her, Khushi went to pull Astha over.

Their eyes finally met. She startled visibly. Shlok looked at her in a new light, love filling his eyes. She never did throw him over for another man. He slowly took in how pale and frail she looked. He did not understand initially why she looked so different. It took a moment to sink in that she was looking bare without her regular clothing and jewelry. She was wearing a black sari as if she was going to some Western funeral. Her deep set eyes looked dead cold.

He had taken a rainbow loving girl like Khushi and turned her into this hollow shell by breaking her spirit. While Arnav let Khushi be herself, he sucked all the joy out of Astha. The guilt weighed heavily on him.

Shlok looked down as she came up with Khushi. She was not looking at him either.

The color was high on her cheeks. He found out. He found out it was only Arnav Singh Raizada, a married man arranging his wife's special day with her. There was no doubt about it by the look on his face. He looked too elated. Triumphant, no doubt. Oh God, he knew these people. He was obviously laughing at her inside. Astha's skin was burning with humiliation. She did could not even successfully make him jealous while he easily spent his life loving Swati and flaunting it to her too. Astha refused to give him the benefit of his triumph. She nodded in acknowledgement as the Princess Awad went into superlatives about how much she loved her work.

Khushi tugged her into their crowd: And I had no idea you are also Shlok's wife! How about that!? (She giggled). Here, stand right next to him. Let us admire how cute you two look. Aw, how matchy-matchy you are without even trying. Di, look! How cute are they?

Astha stepped away from him as soon as they accidentally touched. The tension between them was crackling. She refused to look up at him, forget talking to him. Shlok tried to look at her face, but she looked rigidly ahead.

Anjali: Couple in Black! So sweet. Kisi ki nazar na lage.

Arnav shifted uneasily as his eyes met with Shlok's sad ones: Khushi please, don't embarrass them.



Khushi was not listening. She had stars in her eyes. There's nothing that got her going more than a new or potential couple. She fancied herself a great match-maker since setting up Imad and Di. Now Di was looking appreciatively too.

Arnav joined to disperse the awkwardness his poor friend and his wife were feeling.

Arnav: Well, it is nice to know you better, Astha. Shlok and I are friends, we did our MBAs together. Did you know?

Astha blushed: No, sir. I am really pleased you liked my work, Princess. I really must be going now.

Arnav: Please, we are friends now. Call me Arnav.

Khushi: And I am Khushi!!! Di and Imad. And Shlok you know of course (she winked). We are going to be such good friends! (She announced chirpily).

Astha looked away, concentrating hard on ignoring Shlok as he tried to meet her eyes.

Astha forced a smile: Yes, thank you. I really must be going. If the event does not run smoothly, you won't be so happy with me.

Shlok's eyes followed her sadly as she rushed off without a backward glance. He was left rather embarrassed by how she ignored him in front of all his friends. But he could not deny that he deserved it.

Khushi called out: No problem. We will catch up later tonight!

Arnav said to Shlok quietly: Khushi will undoubtedly force you two together. I am sorry if this is awkward for you. There is really no stopping her.

Shlok smiled: Don't worry, Arnav. I need all the help I can get. This might be my only chance to try, like you said.


Astha went to the back hallway to hide from all these people. Tears were streaming down her face. Why did he have to come here? She had barely managed to pick herself up and hold strong.

Shlok smiled to himself. He could not believe the how stupid he had been. She was good, he had to admit. She managed to turn him into a raving lunatic over Arnav. Of course she thought Arnav was gorgeous, no straight woman he knew ever thought otherwise. But she was not in love with him, besides, Arnav was head over heels with Khushi.

Astha could not stop crying, first he kicked her out of his house and now he would enjoy knowing she was only trying to make him jealous. Her phone rang. Astha took three deep breaths and took the call.

Gauri: Where are you yaar? We need you at catering.

Astha: Ab-abhi ayi.


Astha walked right into Shlok as she rushed out of the main kitchen.

Shlok: How are you, Astha?

She looked blankly at him.

His courage wavered a little.

Shlok: I called your home, but your mom did not want me to try to get in touch again.

She still stood her ground and looked back at him steadily.

Shlok, nervously: Umm...they are all dancing inside.

His porcelain doll looked back at him as if she did not hear anything he said.

Shlok: I was wondering...if you would consent to...

She walked away without a sound.

Gauri faced him now: Yaha bhi aa gaye? Haven't you had enough? You won your little game. Now leave her alone!

Shlok, angrily: Don't you dare talk to me like that.

Gauri spat: Oh? And what are you going to do about it? You fooled my best friend and broke her heart. You think I will let you take advantage of her again? Over my dead body. Stay away from her if you know what is good for you! Or else, I am going to tatter your reputation here so badly that you will never be able to show your face in public again!!!

Shlok: You have every right to be angry for your friend, Gauri. But you are misunderstanding me. I want to win her back.

She looked at him skeptically.

Gauri: No. Her parents charged me with taking are of her. I am not falling for your words, Shlok Agnihotri.


Khushi jumped on Shlok as soon as he re-entered the hall.

Khushi: Where have you been? Here's Astha all alone looking for a partner and you go missing. Husbands! Mine has gone missing too.

Astha, uneasily: No really, I am not looking for a partner.

Khushi laughed: Sorry sorry, you are looking for YOUR partner. Now come on, you guys are being so shy. Join us. It's just slow dance.

Astha reluctantly followed as Khushi dragged them to the middle of the ball room.

Khushi put her hand in Shlok's and skipped back to Arnav as soon as she spotted him.

Her kanya daan flashed before her eyes. Astha pulled her hand back like she had an electric shock.

The song started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eSoUqjRLVA

Astha quietly took in the song. It made her want to tear up again. Shlok could never be sorry at all.

Shlok extended his hand to her, sure that she would reject him in front of all these people.

The Nawab approached them: Join in the dance beta. I just heard you put this wonderful event together. It is time you enjoyed it too.

How could she turn the Nawab of Awad down?

Astha nodded at the smiling Nawab and took Shlok's hand.

They danced slowly. Astha resisted all the way. The fact that his closeness repulsed her was clear to him. Shlok remembered Arnav's words to keep trying and strengthened his resolve. She was angry, legitimately so. But he could not give her up.

Shlok: Why didn't you tell me, Astha? You let me go on misunderstanding you. If I knew it was only Arnav, I wouldn't have (her eyes flashed fiercely at him).

"Then, you wouldn't have kicked me out of your house!?" her eyes said accusingly.

Shlok: I should have trusted you, but when you said those things that night...I...I couldn't see clearly. Of course, a girl like you would never...

Astha's eyes went dark.

Shlok: No, I know you can get any man you want. I didn't mean that. I meant, you are virtuous. You wouldn't break your vows, (he looked down) even if they were...to me.

Astha looked away.

Shlok pleaded: Please say something.

Astha did not even indicate that she heard. But she took a step away when his hand touched her bare waist. He moved his hand behind on the small of her back, but she was still not comfortable.

Shlok: I can't bear your silence. Please don't punish me like this.

Astha did not respond. It was like blindly hitting against a wall again and again.

Shlok: How are we going to come to a solution about the...the divorce if you don't talk to me?

Astha kept her silence. It took every bit of her will to keep zipped, but she did. She would not give him the pleasure of fighting it out.

Shlok: Do you want to divorce, Astha?

The song stopped. She let go and walked away.

Her silence wounded him each time she refused to speak to him. It made him feel helpless.

Imad came up next to him: Don't worry, mate. Ladies give you the silence treatment when they are trying to make a point. She is angry with you. You need to show that you learned whatever lesson she is trying to teach you.

Shlok: Are we so obvious?

Imad smiled: Not to everyone, but I could see how you two were when Darya (Khushi) first dragged Astha up next to you. And then, Anjali and I were right by you during this dance, but you were too lost in your lovely wife to notice.

Shlok saw Di then, looking at him sympathetically.

Shlok: Don't feel sorry for me, Di. I deserve this. If she hates me today, it is all my doing.

Anjali touched his chin: You need to tell her how sorry you are then, Shlok. She is a sweet girl, she will forgive you.


After the guests were gone...

Astha and Gauri struggled to explain why she would rather stay at Sheesh Mahal Hotel than join her husband and Khushi's family at Awad Palace.

Khushi: No no no, you can't stay here and leave poor Shlok all alone. What kind of friends would we be if we let you stay here? Besides, I want to get to know you better.

Astha: I really would like to stay with Gauri. She will be alone without me. And then, there's my whole team here. We have work tomorrow, clearing all this up.

Khushi: So, come in the morning. We will all come and help you. We are not crazy employers. Besides, the party is over. You have done your job superbly. Now we are just your husband's friends. Gauri, you come with us, problem solved, nehi? It will be so much fun! All of us together. Tomorrow the boys are making breakfast AND lunch. You guys have to come! It is our family tradition. Sunday is Ladies' Treat Day! (She did a little leap as her whole face smiled). Oh, it will be so much fun!
And you haven't even met our kitten, LG. He's best! You will see, he looks so much like Arnavji!!!

Gauri stared at Khushi, quizzically, a cat that looks like her husband? Astha looked at Gauri helplessly, unable to come up with more excuses.


At Awad Palace...



To Shlok's amazement, Khushi had somehow managed to convince Astha and Gauri to join them on their way back. Astha reluctantly even took the ride back with him.

There was utter silence. She would not comment on any light hearted remark about the music he put on. She would not say anything when he mentioned the divorce papers again.

Shlok parked the car.

Shlok: Astha, I know I have wronged you a lot...

She opened the car door and followed Khushi and others into the palace.

He sighed. It was becoming more and more daunting to talk to her.


At night, they were put in the same room. Gauri tried, but failed to come up with any excuse to keep her friend. She quietly went to her assigned room after giving Astha a goodnight hug.

When Astha went to shower quietly, Shlok looked about the room for some extra blankets. There were a giant, old-fashioned bed and lots of ornate furniture, but no divans or extra blankets.

He left her alone to notice this when she came out.

When he came out, he saw that she had taken one side of the bed and put her black sari like a border down the middle.

Did she want him to share the bed with her?

If she was angry during their marriage, she at least pestered him and talked with him. But this silent treatment made her really unapproachable. He felt like he was trying to walk into this invisible wall of hatred, an electrified wall.

Astha turned around and glared at him.

He turned the lights off and lay down on the other side of her border. He would not sleep tonight.

Exhaustion finally did overtake the awareness that his wife was sleeping next to him with a tiny, silk nighty on. Shlok fell asleep.

Astha was feeling hyper aware that he was next to her. Why did she only bring her sexy nighties with her? Because it was only you in your private room, that's why.

How was I supposed to know he would turn up out of nowhere?

Midnight...

Something was burrowing against him. Shlok squinted in the dark. Astha snuggled into his chest. His wife had overtaken her own border, thinking she was sharing her bed with her usual...Mr. Darcy. Astha tried to pull him closer by curling her leg around his, but he was obviously a little heavier than her stuffed toy.

Well, this was inconvenient. Shlok's heartbeat started to increase.

Astha mumbled something about Darcy and took a handful of his shirt. He could feel her soft, warm breaths against his chest. Shlok tried to pry her fingers free, but Astha was in no mood to let go.

She shivered. Sighing, Shlok pulled the blanket around them and put his arm over her. She stopped shivering.

Well, if this was going to be the first and last time he ever shared a bed with his wife...


It turned out to be very long. Sorry if this was boring. The death, etc that was planned will happen in yet another chapter. I can't end this as fast as I want to. It is just not working so fast. Please let me know if the pace is too slow.


Chapter 12:https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/95687025

I absolutely loved it!!!!

wow great update thank you so much for posting it, It's good that Khushi made Astha come home with Shlok hopefully they will try to sort their differences out. Can't wait to read what happens next, hope you update it soon

another really good chapter and this time i really enjoyed arnav/kushi/anjali intervening and the two stories mixing.

Awesome update! It didn't feel long while reading it. I didn't realize I got to the end so quickly:). I loved how shlok was trying to talk to astha with no success. Is Khushi playing ignorant of their problems and trying to matchmake? NK was so adorable in the Ferrari. And what/whose death are you thinking about? Please update as soon as possible!!! Can't wait to see what happens when astha realizes how she's sleeping.

fab update! just want them to get back together!

Lovely yet again😳aww the bed part ws so cuteee..continue soon!

Nice story I really liked the way you have submerged the characters of season 1 and 2 . Khushi help shlok and astha to sought out their issues is a wonderful thought , want to see this in real in the show . I know it's impossible .but what is wrong in imagining .