Pyaar ki Takrar

Chapter 33: Neil's Final Goodbye

The day after Karwa Chauth had a different energy in the Sarna house. The light-hearted drama from yesterday was still fresh in Twinkle and Kunj’s minds, but something else was brewing beneath the surface. Neil was still a lingering presence, a shadow they both knew had to be addressed.

Twinkle was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. She looked content, lost in the afterglow of yesterday’s festivities. Kunj entered, his hair still slightly messy from sleep, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her.

"Good morning, Mrs. Sarna," Kunj greeted with a playful tone, sliding up beside her to sneak a piece of toast from the plate.

Twinkle slapped his hand away with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Sarna. Breakfast ka intezaar nahi kar sakte?"

"Why wait when I can steal?" Kunj winked, leaning in to peck her on the cheek, which made Twinkle blush slightly. "You seem extra happy today. Is it because I’ve been so cooperative after yesterday’s hungama?"

Twinkle laughed, stirring the tea. "Maybe. But I’m also happy that things are finally feeling… normal between us."

Kunj nodded, leaning against the counter as he watched her. "I like this normal. No more running away, no more misunderstandings."

Twinkle’s smile faltered slightly, remembering the one thing that still needed closure. Neil. She hadn’t heard from him since the dramatic dinner a few nights ago, but she knew it wasn’t over yet. Neil was the type who needed closure, and she had a feeling he’d come back to address things one last time.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, startling Twinkle out of her thoughts. Her heart raced, a feeling of unease settling in her chest. Kunj looked at her, reading the expression on her face.

"I’ll get it," he said, moving towards the door.

Twinkle followed him into the hallway, her stomach twisting with anticipation. When Kunj opened the door, there stood Neil, looking somber, as if he had already made peace with whatever he was about to say.

Kunj tensed, his protective instinct kicking in immediately. "Neil," he said flatly, his expression hardening.

Neil’s eyes flickered between Kunj and Twinkle, a hint of sadness in them. "I’m not here to cause trouble," he said quietly. "I just… I needed to talk to Twinkle. One last time."

Kunj looked at Twinkle, silently asking for her permission. Twinkle nodded, stepping forward.

"Kunj, it’s okay," Twinkle said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "Let me talk to him."

Kunj hesitated, his jaw clenched, but he stepped aside, trusting Twinkle’s judgment. "I’ll be in the other room," he muttered, casting one last wary glance at Neil before leaving them alone in the hallway.

Twinkle took a deep breath, facing Neil. "Neil, what is it?"

Neil sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I’ve been thinking a lot since that night, Twinkle. About everything. And I realize now that I was wrong to come back into your life like that, expecting things to be the same between us."

Twinkle crossed her arms, waiting for him to continue.

"I know you’re happy with Kunj," Neil said, his voice full of regret. "I saw it last night at Karwa Chauth… the way you two looked at each other. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that happy, Twinkle."

Twinkle’s heart softened at his words. "Neil, I… I didn’t mean to hurt you. We had something once, but that’s in the past now. I’m married to Kunj, and I’ve come to realize that he’s the one I want to spend my life with."

Neil nodded, his eyes downcast. "I know that now. And I won’t stand in your way anymore. I just wanted to say goodbye properly. No more running, no more unfinished business."

Twinkle felt a pang of sympathy for Neil. He had been a big part of her past, and she knew this goodbye wasn’t easy for him. But she also knew it was necessary.

"Goodbye, Neil," Twinkle said softly, offering him a small smile. "I hope you find happiness too."

Neil gave her a sad smile in return. "I hope so too."

Without another word, Neil turned and walked away, his figure disappearing down the street. Twinkle watched him go, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. It was finally over. The chapter with Neil had closed, and now, she could fully focus on her future with Kunj.

As Twinkle walked back inside, she found Kunj waiting for her in the living room, his arms crossed. "Is he gone?"

Twinkle nodded, walking over to him. "He’s gone. For good this time."

Kunj’s expression softened, and he pulled her into his arms. "Good," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Because I wasn’t planning on sharing you with anyone else."

Twinkle laughed, snuggling into his chest. "Tumhe kabhi share karne ka moka nahi milega, Mr. Sarna."

Kunj smiled down at her, his arms tightening around her. "I’ll hold you to that, Mrs. Sarna."

For the first time in a long time, Twinkle felt a sense of peace. The Neil chapter was behind her, and she and Kunj could finally focus on building their life together—just the two of them.

But little did they know, life had a way of throwing unexpected twists their way. And their journey together was only just beginning.

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End of Chapter 33