Title: Chapter 1

Eshan, though he deeply loves and cares for Joss and wants to protect her, has been very selfish. Islam is no more important than Christianity - both their faiths should be equal, as should their cultural practices. Negotiations will need to be made but it seems like Joss is the one doing all of the negotiating. Doesn't she have any friends? Where are they to support her during this time or to ask the difficult questions that only a best friend can ask like - "would he do the same for you?". 

It was really beautiful in the 3rd chapter when Eshan told Joss about the Iranian saying  about watermelons and promised her that all that mattered were their feelings for each other. Well, he had a chance to prove that to her and he didn't. Even good men have flaws and it's about time we really saw Eshan's but I hope he does what good men do and rectifies the situation. If he really wants Joss as his wife and the mother of his children he needs to not just prtect her as far as lecherous men are involved but also protect her from those who seek to make her doubt her self and her worth. He should have done something right away when that woman called his fiance a kafir -- he nows just how rude that was. He can't keep prioritizing image in the community over Joss' well being.

And I wish we could see a little bit of Joss' life outside of Eshan. He has this beautiful community and by comparision all we see are Pearl and her sister, whose life is being presented as "rachet" and dysfunctional. I would love to see her beautiful wedding traditions as well. And some friends. Joss needs friends! I mean, is it just her family coming to the wedding or what?



Author's Response:

Thanks for the great comments, Juliana. 

Joss and Eshan both have friends, but none will be featured in this story as its really about the two of them and their families trying to mesh leading up to the wedding.  Regardless, I think the answer to the "would he do the same for you" question is yes.  He's already sacrificed his relationship with his mother and now his brother to be with her, not to mention others in his family and community.  And while Pearl seems to have taken to him now, she wasn't always sweet and respectful when it came to Eshan, yet he's always been that way towards her.

The kafir comment will be addressed next chapter.  As for him prioritizing image over her well-being, prioritizing image in his community is a part of promoting her well-being.  They both want her to be embraced by the people he loves and respects.  She's an outsider battling stereotypes and a difference in fundamental beliefs, so it will be a tougher hill to climb.  Perception is key.  As Joss acknowledges in this chapter, anything seen as inappropriate will be blamed on her.  So his insistence on maintaining a certain image is done primarily to protect her reputation and promote her interests, not just his.

As for Eshan's community being presented as beautiful and Joss's people being presented as "ratchet," dysfunction is dysfunction, and I don't find one form any more tolerable than the other.  I don't think there's anything beautiful about religious intolerance and judging and dismissing someone you've never even taken the time to get to know.  Neither is trying to sabotage your loved one's relationship.  So while certain members of Eshan's family and community aren't "ratchet," they are certainly dysfunctional.  And I might have a different view of Pearl's behavoir, but I don't consider her "ratchet."  Harsh and intrusive yes, but not ratchet.  I don't even know that I see her as dysfunctional.  And I actually think a lot less of Mrs. Kourosh and Hassan than PJ because their actions are malicious rather than just misguided.

I don't know that you'll see much of what you're hoping for, and I understand if you decide to pass on the rest of the story for that reason.  There are some scenes coming up where Eshan will be absent, but all will involve his family or wedding preparations, as that's what the story is about.  And I'm afraid there won't be any of her wedding traditions feature because I don't really know of any (besides jumping the broom) that are very meaningful and aren't a part of Persian tradition in some form.  I'm open to suggestions, but being that the wedding is being planned and paid for by Mr. Kourosh (who does collaborate with Pearl to make sure Joss's and her family's interests are represented) and Joss doesn't really care one way or the other beyond wanting to skip it altogether, it isn't going to be a traditional Christian ceremony, if they even make it that far.  At any rate, I appreciate you reading and commenting. 

 

Reviewer: juliana Anonymous [Report This]
Date: June 18 2014 02:11 pm

Title: Chapter 4

That bloody Eshan, if Joss turns just to please him then she is weak, she has respected him and his choices since the beginning, giving up her pleasures for him. I see my nieces in Joss, but they became muslim for their husbands after being raised christian. Joss should count her loss (Eshans actuallly) and move on lol. Awesome story.

Reviewer: dounome Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 18 2014 10:34 am

Title: Chapter 4

Okay, Eshan has some explaining to do because no matter how innocent you do not leave your fiancée for quiet time with the would be spouse at your engagement party.  Now when Joss mentioned earlier about praying to God while he performed his prayers so they could kind of sync their religious backgrounds together he was all smiles and appreciation.  Now because of one conversation from a mother in law and you walk off away from her see this other woman.  What would you do if she was with another man in seclusion having an intimate conversation.  She has respected all of his traditions, has had her mother respect his traditions and we know hoe Pearl can be.  She is surrounded on all fronts by his people.  And this is the thanks that I get.  You wait until we leave this party and get in the car.  I would see if he says anything first then I would let him have it.  I was prepared to let you go and YOU came back into my life, proposing to me.  I have not performed any Christian wedding or engagement rituals, tying myself into knots to please you and your family.  At this point bish please, you will have to acknowledge my efforts and appease me.  I am second guessing marrying you for under appreciation.  Unless I missed it, I don't recall him ever saying, Joss I appreciate so much what you have done for me and my family.  Heck she is learning 2 different languages so she is able to communicate with his family.  I am so ticked off that he left her with walking thru these landmines.  She need her momma to set them straight including Esha because seeming like he is taking her efforts for granted.  Sorry for the rant but had to get that out.  Want to see how the rest of this evening plays out.



Author's Response:

Don't apologize for the rant.  It was thoroughly entertaining and brought up a lot of good points.  I wish that I could respond to them all, but I don't want to risk dropping spoilers that might ruin the chapter five reading experience.  I will say that with this being written in Joss's first person perspective, there are things going on that she doesn't have knowledge of yet, and others she might never know.  I look forward to reading your comments after next chapter to see how and if your feelings change once some things are revealed.  Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lajack!

Reviewer: lajack1 Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 18 2014 06:11 am

Title: Chapter 4

I really do feel for Joss because not only was she feeling very insecure about attending her own engagement party knowing that she might not be accepted, and knowing her future mother-in-law is not feeling her at all for her son, but realizing that she was being set up to prove she's some kind of promiscious vixen...how she has not gone off is amazing. 

I hope she and Eshan do talk about their religious differences because apparently it wasn't a discussion that was settled at least not to Eshan. I can see his point in being disappointed that his fiance won't share in his beliefs and convert, but on the other hand why should Joss relinquish her beliefs? She's made so many sacrifices already for the sake of their relationship and its like...where's the give, where's the line that's not crossed?

It's apparent they have a deep connection and love each other very much, but Joss has just realized she doesn't know Eshan as well as she thought she did. So yeah, moving forward they need to have some serious talks because no one wants to feel like they're marrying a stranger, or feel they have to give something very personal and special to them up just to get married.

I don't have anything nice to say about Eshan's mother and brother, snakes the lot of them trying to set Joss up. I know they did, can't tell me differently, lol. Oh and another thing, his mama is another topic they need to cover. Joss should stop holding all that stuff in about Mrs. Kourosh and the fact that lady has not lifted a finger to try to understand, like, or even given an ounce of her attention to Joss.

It's amazing how one chapter can make you second guess what you want, lol. I was so ready for Eshan and Joss' wedding but now...now I find myself questioning if they're rushing into marriage.

Loved the update! 



Author's Response:

Lapis Love, I enjoyed reading your comments and agree that the conversion conversation needs to happen, and it will next chapter.  I also agree that Joss has made lots of sacrifices--most having to do with comfort and tolerating his family's foolishness.  But she's not alone in that department.  However unlikeable Eshan's mother and brother are (and they are everything you assume), he had a good relationship with them before he became involved with Joss, something that was very important to him.  In being with her, he knowingly sacrificed his relationship with them and others in his family and community.  And he's not done making sacrifices for their relationship.  More on that in future chapters.

I understand your questioning of whether they're rushing into marriage.  Knowing where I'm taking the story, I'd say that's bound to happen again.  We'll see which side you and Joss and Eshan take in the end.  Updates forth coming.  Thanks for reading and reviewing!

 

Reviewer: Lapis Love Signed starstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 18 2014 02:28 am

Title: Chapter 4

Oh. NO! I'm not here for Eshan's mother or his brother. They are so adamant in ending their relationship. I hope I wasn't the only one missing Ms. Pearl's southern dipped wise yet lovingly harsh banter. Eshan better explain himself for getting cozy with his former wife-to-be---because I need answers.

Reviewer: CaramelGal Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 18 2014 12:31 am

Title: Chapter 4

NOOO!! Not a Cliffhanger!! This is too good.

Reviewer: M3l4n1_C4rt3r Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 11:03 pm

Title: Chapter 4

Excellent update!!  Thank you.

Joss needs to stand up for herself and stay true to her beliefs bc it seems as though she is on this road trip by herself.  Personally, I would call a cab and leave, but first I was watch how my fiance end his conversation with the interloper.   

Reviewer: Penelope Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 10:37 pm

Title: Chapter 4

My heart bleeds for her at this party. Eshan's sisters have been angels trying to make her feel welcomed but being the only orange in a bushel of apples is tough. Even worse when people keep pointing out that you don't belong. I love how you handle their struggles with melding Christianity and Islam. It isn't easy to just change your fundamental beliefs like Faridah seems to think.

Reviewer: PeppermintChocoSwirl Signed starstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 10:17 pm

Title: Chapter 1

Oh gosh! This is one of my most favorite stories and now my heart is hurting for Joss, who is doing a damn good job of being patient and adaptable. I'm sure the Eshan we all love has his reasons for slipping away and talking to this woman but poor Joss! How much patience can one woman have?!

Reviewer: little tree Anonymous [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 08:40 pm

Title: Chapter 4

Eshan has now placed himself on my list of characters needing an ass whooping!! Joss feels all alone and Eshan is acting like he doesn't care.  These two need to  about everything! Why should she convert to Islam? I am not liking Eshan and his brother is not to be trusted. 

Reviewer: pmgayles Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 08:23 pm

Title: Chapter 4

Hmmmmm. What's going on here?!  Way to end the chapter ... Making us want more! 😉. Please update soon!

Reviewer: Musicluva Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 07:42 pm

Title: Chapter 1

I really like this story and am glad to see its continuation.  I have one question though; why is Joss' default position always to second guess Eshan and his love for her?  He is standing there explaining in no uncertain terms to Farideh that they will not be going to Iran and that there will be no conversion.  He's handling their business quite clearly and she immediately thinks that he doesn't love her or has slighted her or something. 

I'm mystified as to why this seems to be the case with her.

Thank you for the updates and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the story spools out.



Author's Response:

Thanks for reading and reviewing, Pinklemonade.  I guess the short answer to your question would be I'm not sure.  In B&B, Joss questions whether her and Eshan should pursue a relationship in light of the sacrifices he'll have to make in order to be with her.  In this story, she constantly questions the likelihood of their families ruining the relationship, and of his family acceptiing her.  But I can't readily remember a time when she second-guesses his love for her. 

When he's explaining their situation to Faridah, she does wonder how he truly feels about her not converting--a reasonable concern considering how dedicated he is to his faith and his sudden shift in mood and abrupt exit when the subject was brought up.  But she doesn't question whether or not he loves her.

Beyond feeling abandoned (which, however valid or invalid his reasons for leaving her, she was), she doesn't seem to feel slighted by anyone except her future mother-in-law and the people at her party who would have nothing to do with her.  As for the funny business in the garden, at this point, it's not really clear what she feels, other than unsure of how well she knows Eshan.  And she'll express why she feels that way in the next chapter.

Reviewer: Pinklemonade Signed starstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 07:38 pm

Title: Chapter 4

Oh no:/

Reviewer: idiotendenial Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 06:01 pm

Title: Chapter 4

Hahaha my bloody heart aches for them!!

Reviewer: Artamiss Caine Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 17 2014 05:23 pm

Title: Chapter 3

i'm smiling too!

Reviewer: flgurleygrl Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 12 2014 04:08 pm

Title: Chapter 1

I absolutely love this story! Eshan makes my heart melt. Don't keep us waiting for an update.

Reviewer: Anonymous Anonymous [Report This]
Date: June 12 2014 12:12 am

Title: Chapter 1

I read your first story and loved it. I'm so glad you decided to pick up where you ended and continue writing. 

Can't wait to read more of your story!

Reviewer: flgurleygrl Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 11 2014 11:07 pm

Title: Chapter 3

This story just keeps getting better. I was o glad to see you updated it. Can't wait for more.

Reviewer: CaramelGal Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 11 2014 12:20 am

Title: Chapter 3

Me likey! More please.....

Reviewer: baha_malo Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 10 2014 01:54 am

Title: Chapter 3

Yea! An update! The sexual tension between Eshan and Joss is making ME eager for their wedding so we can get to the good stuff, lol.

I do feel bad for Joss that she won't really have any family members at her engagement party for support. Who wants to enter a situation where you know at least one person, who also happens to be your intended's mother who is wholly against your union and you might be facing others who share her opinion? My answer would be no one. I really do hope that Eshan's aunt and Joss will hit off. And Eshan...*sighs happily* could he be anymore perfect but also patient? Looking forward to more and thanks for updating!

Reviewer: Lapis Love Signed starstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 08:58 pm

Title: Chapter 3

I know Joss would feel better with her family's support, but with Eshen there, it will be just fine. Love the update. 

Reviewer: Musicluva Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 09:18 am

Title: Chapter 3

Joelle Jax thank you so much for updating this story, I have missed this characters.  Her sister PJ is a dumb woman!!  Pearl is trip.  So love this story!!

Reviewer: pmgayles Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 06:12 am

Title: Chapter 3

I'm in love with this story!! Its too beautiful.

Reviewer: M3l4n1_C4rt3r Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 05:36 am

Title: Chapter 3

So freaking happy I could sing that annoying as Pharrell song!

Reviewer: Artamiss Caine Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 04:30 am

Title: Chapter 3

Listen here, you! What's with the awesomeness?! This story is so sweet. I was waiting for this to be updated. Prayers have been answered. I want to pocket Eshan and sidestep the "other" Mrs. Kourosh. Good job, can't wait for more!

Reviewer: SD Anonymous [Report This]
Date: June 09 2014 03:36 am



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