Pyaar ki Takrar

Chapter 34: Family Drama Begins

The days following Neil’s departure had been blissfully peaceful for Twinkle and Kunj. There were no more ghosts from the past lingering in the corners, no more awkward conversations or unfinished business. They were finally free to focus on each other, and it felt like they were stepping into a new phase of their relationship.

However, peace in the Sarna household never lasted long. 😅

It was early in the morning, and Twinkle was in the kitchen, humming to herself as she prepared breakfast. She had just placed the parathas on the stove when her phone buzzed with a message from her mother-in-law, Usha.

"We’re coming over for lunch today. Let’s have a full family gathering. I have some important things to discuss."

Twinkle froze, her hand still on the spatula. Family gathering? Important things? That sounded like the recipe for drama in her head. She quickly typed a reply, trying to keep her panic at bay.

"Ji, maa. We’ll be ready."

But inside, she was freaking out. "Kunj!!" she called out, a little louder than usual. Kunj, who had been lounging in the living room reading a newspaper, came into the kitchen, a bemused smile on his face.

"Relax, Twinkle. I’m right here," he said, leaning against the counter casually.

Twinkle waved her phone in front of his face. "Your mom just texted. Full family lunch today, and she said there’s something important to discuss."

Kunj raised an eyebrow. "Important things? That could mean anything. Maybe it’s nothing."

Twinkle gave him a deadpan look. "Kunj, ‘important things’ from your mom usually mean some big announcement, and we both know how these lunches end. Do you remember the last time we had one of these? The great 'Jalebi-Jalebi face-off' between your mom and bua-ji?"

Kunj chuckled, clearly amused by the memory. "Okay, fine. But let’s not panic. We’ll handle whatever comes our way, just like we always do." He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Twinkle’s ear. "Plus, we’ve been through crazier things than a family lunch."

Twinkle sighed, nodding in agreement. "True, but I just have a feeling…"

---

Later That Day: The Family Arrives

By the time lunch rolled around, the Sarna house was buzzing with activity. Usha, Bebe, and even Kunj’s ever-critical bua-ji had arrived, all dressed to the nines, as if they were attending some grand function rather than a simple family meal. Twinkle was busy setting the table when Usha entered the kitchen, wearing a bright, scrutinizing smile.

"Twinkle beta, everything looks lovely," Usha said, her eyes scanning the dishes laid out on the table. "But… did you remember to make the paneer dish the way your Bebe likes it? You know she prefers it a little spicier."

Twinkle forced a smile, inwardly groaning. Of course. Family lunches always came with unsolicited feedback. "Ji, maa. I’ve added extra spices just the way she likes."

Usha smiled approvingly, but there was something in her eyes that made Twinkle feel like today wasn’t going to be an easy ride.

As the family gathered around the table, the conversation started with the usual banter—talk of the weather, Bebe’s recent temple visit, and Usha’s latest shopping spree. But Twinkle kept noticing the way Usha and Bebe exchanged glances, as if they were waiting for the right moment to drop some bombshell.

Finally, just as Twinkle thought she could relax, Usha cleared her throat. "Actually, we’ve been wanting to talk about something with you both," she said, looking directly at Kunj and Twinkle.

Twinkle froze, her heart racing. Here it comes, she thought.

"We’ve been discussing how it’s been a while since you both got married," Usha began, her voice taking on that tone that all mothers have when they’re about to deliver ‘the big talk’. "And… we were thinking… it’s time for you to start thinking about expanding the family."

Kunj, who had been lazily leaning back in his chair, suddenly straightened. "Wait, what?"

Usha beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "Haan, beta! You know, Bebe has been asking when she’ll hear the pitter-patter of little feet in the house. It’s time for a baby!"

Twinkle choked on her water. A baby? Already?!

Kunj shot his mother a startled look. "Maa, thoda toh time do. We’re still settling into our marriage."

But Usha wasn’t easily deterred. "Arre, what settling? You two are perfect together! The next step is obvious, no? Think of how cute your baby would be—especially with Twinkle’s looks and your height. Sab kehte hai ki tall kids have an advantage in life."

Twinkle felt her face flush with embarrassment, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at her mother-in-law’s enthusiasm. Kunj, on the other hand, looked like he had been struck by lightning.

"Uh… maa, let’s just focus on lunch right now, okay? We’ll talk about… this later," Kunj said, his voice strained but polite.

But Usha wasn’t done yet. "Of course, beta. But just remember, we’re all getting older. And Bebe deserves to hold her great-grandchild soon."

Bebe, who had been silently eating, suddenly chimed in, "Haan, I agree! Time nahi waste karna chahiye."

Twinkle wanted to crawl under the table. This was officially her worst nightmare—a full-blown family baby discussion over parathas and dal. She sneaked a glance at Kunj, who gave her an apologetic look, clearly feeling just as awkward.

Could this lunch get any more embarrassing?

---

Post-Lunch Tension

After lunch, Twinkle and Kunj found themselves in their bedroom, trying to decompress after the intense family lunch.

"That… was insane," Twinkle said, flopping onto the bed with a groan. "A baby? Already? We haven’t even figured out how to share closet space properly, let alone raise a kid."

Kunj sat down beside her, shaking his head. "I know. My mom can be… intense sometimes. But don’t worry. We’re not rushing into anything we’re not ready for."

Twinkle sat up, looking at him seriously. "But your family won’t stop, Kunj. They’re going to keep bringing it up, every chance they get."

Kunj sighed, leaning back against the headboard. "We’ll handle it, Twinkle. Together. Like we always do."

Twinkle smiled, feeling reassured by his words. "You’re right. We can handle anything. Even our family’s obsession with grandchildren."

Kunj chuckled, reaching over to pull her into his arms. "Exactly. Now, let’s forget about all that for a while. We deserve a break after that lunch from hell."

Twinkle laughed, snuggling into his chest. "Agreed. But something tells me this is just the beginning of the family drama."

Kunj groaned playfully. "Let’s just enjoy the peace while it lasts."

As they lay there in each other’s arms, Twinkle couldn’t help but smile. No matter what twists and turns life threw their way—whether it was Neil, or their family’s never-ending drama—she knew she and Kunj would always have each other. And that was more than enough.