Pyaar ki Takrar

Chapter 26: Family Drama Unfolds

Twinkle stood outside on the patio, her heart racing as she watched her parents approach her with serious expressions. Kunj remained beside her, his hand still resting on her shoulder as if to reassure her that they would face whatever was coming together. The atmosphere had shifted dramatically from the fun and laughter of the party inside to the weight of impending family drama.

Twinkle’s father, Mr. Taneja, was the first to speak. “Twinkle, we didn’t expect to find you here in such… festive spirits, especially after everything that happened with Neil.”

Twinkle bit her lip, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. She had hoped they wouldn’t bring up Neil, not now, not after she had finally started to move on from him and build something new with Kunj.

Kunj, sensing Twinkle’s discomfort, spoke up. “Mr. Taneja, I understand things have been complicated, but Twinkle and I are trying to make this work. We’ve moved past… everything that happened before.”

Twinkle’s mother, Leela, frowned, her gaze shifting from Kunj to her daughter. “Have you really moved past it, Twinkle? Neil was in your life for years. We just don’t want you to rush into something and regret it later.”

Twinkle clenched her fists, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Maa, I know what I’m doing. Neil is my past. Kunj is my present—and I want him to be my future.”

There was a pause as her parents exchanged uncertain glances, their faces showing the concern they felt for their daughter. Leela’s eyes softened slightly, but she still seemed hesitant.

“But, beta,” Leela said, her voice quieter now, “are you sure you’re not just trying to fill the void Neil left behind?”

Twinkle’s frustration flared, but before she could respond, Kunj stepped in again, his voice firm yet calm. “With all due respect, aunty, I care about Twinkle. I won’t let her be hurt again—not by me or anyone else. What we have is real.”

Twinkle looked at Kunj, her heart swelling with gratitude. He had stood by her side, defending her and their relationship. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn’t fighting her battles alone.

Her father remained silent, his brows furrowed as if deep in thought. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he sighed. “Twinkle, if this is truly what you want, then we’ll support you. But just remember, marriage isn’t easy. It takes work—real work.”

Twinkle nodded, her eyes filling with tears of relief. “I know, Papa. I know it’s not going to be easy. But Kunj and I… we’re in this together.”

Leela’s expression softened further, and she took a step forward, placing a hand on Twinkle’s cheek. “We only want the best for you, beta. We love you, and we trust your judgment.”

Twinkle smiled through her tears, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She pulled her mother into a tight hug, overwhelmed with emotion. “Thank you, Maa. Thank you, Papa.”

Kunj smiled too, watching the moment unfold. Twinkle’s parents might have had their doubts, but it was clear they only wanted what was best for her.

As they broke apart, Leela wiped a tear from her cheek and turned to Kunj with a small smile. “Take care of her, Kunj. She’s our world.”

“I will,” Kunj promised, his voice sincere.

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Back Inside the House

The family gathering was still in full swing when Twinkle and Kunj returned inside. Twinkle felt a strange sense of peace now that she had spoken with her parents, but she knew that the day wasn’t over yet. There was still more family to deal with, more questions to answer, and possibly more drama waiting to unfold.