Never Love Your Best Friend

by Ashfak Shaikh

Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend? Isn’t it an amazing feeling? But somehow it’s a hard thing because you put the most precious thing at stake—your friendship.

Ashfak is an ambitious but introvert guy who wants to graduate with good grades and financially support his family.

Bhumi is a carefree but emotional girl who wants to live her life to the fullest.

It’s crazy how these two different personalities became best friends. But their friendship takes an unexpected turn when they realize they love each other and enter a relationship.

Will their love thrive? Or will they discover they have risked their friendship for love?

“Never Love Your Best Friend” will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking nostalgia for your first love. Or maybe your first heartbreak!

Genres: Love, Friendship, Romantic

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

Reviews

[Mohammad Nasim]

This is a poignant tale of friendship, love, and the complexities that arise when the two intertwine. The story revolves around Ashfak, an ambitious yet introverted young man determined to excel academically and support his family financially. In contrast, Bhumi is a carefree and emotional spirit who embraces life with open arms. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that is both relatable and engaging, drawing readers into their world as they navigate the ups and downs of their friendship.

The initial chapters of the novel establish a strong foundation for Ashfak and Bhumi's friendship, showcasing their unique bond and the ways in which they complement each other. The writing style captures the essence of youthful camaraderie, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and the innocent joys of companionship. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the gradual evolution of their relationship, which takes a surprising turn when they both realize their feelings for one another.

One of the strengths of this book is its exploration of the internal conflicts faced by both characters. Ashfak grapples with the fear of jeopardizing their friendship, while Bhumi wrestles with her desire for a deeper connection. Shaikh effectively delves into the complexities of young love, highlighting the tension between ambition and emotional fulfillment. The author’s ability to convey the characters’ thoughts and feelings adds depth to the narrative, making their struggles relatable to anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of first love.

As the story progresses, the emotional rollercoaster intensifies, evoking nostalgia for readers who may recall their own experiences with love and heartbreak. The author skillfully balances moments of joy with instances of doubt and vulnerability, creating a realistic portrayal of the challenges that come with transitioning from friendship to romance. The novel also touches on themes of personal growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, this book is a heartfelt and engaging read that captures the essence of young love and the complexities of friendship. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Siddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashfak's madness from the very beginning while running behind to interact with Kajal was a sign of infatuation.

And love came his way in the most unexpected manner in the shape of his best friend Bhumi.

A story of love which you would definitely love to explore and develop emotions which will be real and raw.

The flow of the read will keep you alive and make you believe in the originality of the content.

[Guno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mohabbat kar le, aisi nasihat to bohoto ne di Dil tutne k baad kya karu, kisi ne na batlaya.

Ashfak had been heartbroken when his feelings of love took over his treasure of true friendship which he shared with Bhumi.

A read to entangle in leaving one easily falls over while trying to find the love of one's life. The book is a beautiful read which will make you embrace the feelings that make us human.

[Mansi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Love Your Best Friend,is a simple yet effective read narrating a love story that will show you the darker shades of love encountered by Ashfak when his love didn't find the same treatment by the other one.

The book is a wholesome read which is both intrigued enough for one to engage in a nutshell to give the reader a glimpse of real life experiences which are often seen when friendship diversifies into love.

An exemplary work of fiction.

[Golu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Ashfak's usual quest of finding courage to confess himself to Kajal, his one and only crush that had been always out of his league; or may be the other way round.

Written in a benevolent manner,the book's simple delivery and expression made the book a perfect weekend getaway that I had been entangled with.

The author's delivery made the book a fulfilling experience which anyone can easily relate with.

[Manish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally loved the story and felt a vibe within the same,when friendship takes the shape of love.
Written in a wholesome manner, this read narrates the story of love and the ups and downs one experiences while trying to find the perfect one.
Each aspect of the read is genuine enough for one to feel the depth of the story for one to be entangled in the same.
A phenomenal work of romantic fiction delivered with expertise.

[Vikash · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Bhumi it seemed that Ash will not understand her love for Krunal and the patience with which she deals with his tantrum
Becoz he had never been in a relationship.

But what will happen when this friendship takes a turn of love which is not at all welcoming.

A feeling of love which will give you a wholesome reading where the different phases of the life of Ashfak will keep you intact in this story that stands unique and extravagant enough to feel the depth of human emotions.

[Aaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Ashfak was attracted towards Kajal, and Bhumi had her love saved and sealed for Krunal; their bond found a twist when friendship turns into love.

But the same isn't as welcoming as the prior bond they had.
Breaking Ashfak into pieces comes a journey of love in a simple yet serene manner for each one to experience the dimensions of human bonds.

A wholesome and appealing read which could be enjoyed by all.

[Reeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Love Your Best Friend is a straightforward yet powerful book that tells a tale of love and reveals the darker aspects of Ashfak's relationship when his partner didn't treat him the same way. In a word, the book offers the reader a glimpse of real-life situations that are frequently observed when friendship blossoms into love and is a wholesome read that is captivating enough for one to get involved. An excellent piece of fiction.

[Arman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative starts with Ashfak's typical struggle to get the bravery to tell Kajal, his one and only crush, that he has always been out of his league—or perhaps the other way around. The book was written in a kind way, and its straightforward style and delivery made it the ideal weekend escape I had been looking for. Because of the author's delivery, the book was a satisfying read that everyone could identify with.

[Shroff Abhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative of love that blossoms and flourishes but withers away when one emotion takes precedence is told in this straightforward but heartwarming book. Through its narrative and fascinating expressiveness, Ashfak's voyage will take you on a rollercoaster ride that will leave you feeling fulfilled. This book was a healthy reading experience because it was written with originality, sincerity, and clarity of ideas.

[Anuradha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When friendship transforms into love, I personally felt a connection to the story and enjoyed it. This book, which is written in a healthy style, tells the tale of love and the highs and lows that come with searching for the right person. Every element of the book is authentic enough for the reader to experience the story's depth and become engrossed in it. An amazing piece of love fiction that was expertly handled.

[Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Ash had never been in a relationship, it appeared to Bhumi that he would not comprehend her love for Krunal and the patience with which she handles his outburst. However, what will happen if this friendship turns into an unwelcoming love affair? A sense of love that will provide you with a healthy reading experience, where the various stages of Ashfak's life will keep you whole throughout this novel that is distinctive and lavish enough to convey the breadth of human emotions.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Ashfak's attraction to Kajal and Bhumi's love being saved and sealed for Krunal, their relationship took a change as friendship blossomed into love. However, the same isn't as hospitable as their previous relationship. As Ashfak is broken apart, a straightforward yet peaceful love journey begins, allowing everyone to experience the depths of human ties. Everyone could appreciate this engaging and healthy book.

[Khushi Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving and living life is all what one needs.
But when love comes your way,things are not the same as the day.

Engage into the journey Ashfak and Bhumi,were the change of feelings brings about a change that is literally not welcoming in nature.

Penned in a simple manner,made this book a commendable work of fiction.

[Himanshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashfak's story will show you the depth of his emotional breakdown and a trauma he'd fiddle over time.

While sitting and burning his cigerette he sounded all lost in thoughts that showed the depth of his loss.

Will love ever be able to bring the life Ashfak had longed for and looked forward to engage in ?

Read for yourself to know more...

[Palak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictional read with two important emotions that drive human life.
One of friendship and the other of love.

But finding both in one person is not always favourable. Because its easy to be friends but love needs a lot of patience.

Will Bhumi and Ashfak's friendship take a new turn as wasn't expected?

A simply engaging read for one and all.

[Afnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fruitful and sensitive read showing the outburst of emotions that will change the journey laid forward for both Ashfak and Bhumi.

From being friends that made life complete and worth living.
And then comes love, which will change the course that goes ahead .

The depth of this read will keep you intact into the story from the very beginning to the ultimate end.

[Parth Sarthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it a story of love or a journey of heartbreak?
Is it a test of time or a test of one's friendship?

Read this story with all zest and enthusiasm narrating a journey that stands impressive enough for one to be intrigued by the same.

The journey and love of Ashfak will keep you intact in this simple read penned in a benevolent manner.

[Nikhil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and precise is what the story is all about.
Narrated in a benevolent manner,made me love the story and enjoy the plot too.

The journey of Ashfak will keep you captivated in this read and make it a wholesome experience.

I love the simple thoughts and the tranquility of the depth of the emotions expressed but the author in a fulfilling manner.

[Falguni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is magical but friendship is no less.
When love fades away, friendship becomes your saviour of last resort.

But what if you put your friendship at stake for the verge of love?

Is it possible that you may not find the same love form the person you are the best of friends with?

Read Bhumi and Ashfak's story to draw your own conclusions.

[Harsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been into love and can understand how Ashfak would have felt when not receiving the love he had longed for.

Penned in a commendable manner,made me love this read by its intricate delivery and expression that made my heart skip a beat and feel the pain that Ashfak deals with.

A holistic journey of love and friendship at its level best.

[Cuteee · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any common guy, love gives them a fairytale.
But even at times, a true friendship can be like a heavenly experience in this world.

An exemplary work of fiction that one is more likely to relate with their own untold stories and expressions which are left unsaid.

The smooth flow of the read and the flawless narrative made the book an emotional ride.

[Pqpu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A commendable work of fictional read narrating a genuine story which one could easily relate with.
Showing the transformation of a deep friendship into love that will keep you intact in the characters of Ashfak and Bhumi.

The bond they shared and their chemistry made me love every bit of the story. A read which can be loved by one and all.

[Fanuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Love Your Best Friend, is a romantic fictional read by Ashfak Shaikh penned around the characters of Ashfak and Bhumi giving us major friendship goals.

The cherry on the cake experience happened when the charm of love came their way and then nothing was left to be said and convey.

An exemplary work of fiction in a nutshell.

[Sk Shai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashfak and Bhumi's friendship will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions that are pure enough to feel.
A boy and a girl can never be friends?
I really wonder on this fact. But the bond that drove the two characters made the book a perfect fictional read.

Plethora of genuine emotions that you could definitely love and admire whole-heartedly.

[Yash Apte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotions make us human and becomes the energy to drive life at full zest.
But some experiences of life, shatter our identity to such an extent that everything feels empty.

That what life had become for Ashfak, losing his own self to love that always had been above everything.

Experience the depth of first love and first heartbreak synced in a read you all would love.

[Chanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashfak Shaikh's impressive writing style and simple thought process, made this book a complete entertainment to be glued with.

I personally enjoyed this read, the sole reason being its impressive delivery that brought the characters into life.

The flow of the read and its intricate style of writing made the book a wholesome experience.

[Purva · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Ashwak, his clear goal to do big in life was the motivation that made him work and study hand to hand.
For Bhumi, being a carefree girl but with an emotional trait defined her true identity.

With two poles apart people who were the best of friends, life sounded perfect.
Until the sting of love bring a totally dimension to their journey.
A simple yet soothing read to be entangled in.

[Fanuno · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ambitious guy, a carefree but emotional girl tied with best of friendship made life perfect for Bhumi and Ashfak.

But with love intake their friendship may come at stake.
A read of simple ideologies, fulfilling experiences and emotions which are simply irresistible enough to be connected with.

A must read for all those who are sensitive enough for one to be influenced by.