Chapter 13: Shadows of the Past

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The next morning, Twinkle found herself pacing the small, cluttered apartment she shared with her family. Sid’s presence the previous night had left an indelible mark, a chill that clung to her even as daylight poured through the windows. She had barely slept, her mind replaying Kunj’s confession over and over.

I wasn’t always this... good.

His words echoed in her mind, tugging at her heart. How could he have kept this part of himself hidden from her? And Sid… What did he truly want from them?

Twinkle’s thoughts were interrupted by the familiar buzz of her phone. Kunj’s name flashed on the screen. Her heart pounded as she picked up the call, steeling herself for whatever he might say.

“Twinkle?” His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

“Kunj,” she whispered, her voice a mixture of relief and frustration. “We need to talk.”

“I know,” he replied, sounding just as weary as she felt. “Meet me at the café on Main Street. Let’s sort this out.”

---

Later that Morning - Café on Main Street

The café was bustling with the usual morning crowd, but Twinkle’s attention was solely focused on Kunj as he walked through the doors. He looked tired, his face shadowed by the weight of their previous conversation. As he slid into the seat across from her, he offered a weak smile.

“Kunj,” Twinkle began, her voice trembling slightly, “I need answers. Sid mentioned things... things I don’t understand. And I need you to explain.”

Kunj looked down at his hands, avoiding her gaze. “Twinkle, I never wanted you to be dragged into this part of my life. I thought I’d left it behind… I thought Sid had moved on.”

“But he hasn’t,” she pressed. “And now he’s back, saying things I don’t understand. You owe me the truth, Kunj.”

He took a deep breath, looking up at her with haunted eyes. “Years ago, before I met you, I was involved with some dangerous people. Sid and I… we were close, like brothers. But things went dark fast. We got into illegal dealings, things I’m not proud of.” He paused, clenching his fists. “I walked away from that life, Twinkle. But Sid didn’t. He stayed in it, grew more powerful. And now, he wants revenge.”

“Revenge? For what?” Twinkle’s voice was barely a whisper.

“For leaving him,” Kunj said, his voice filled with regret. “For choosing a life away from crime. For choosing you.”

The realization hit Twinkle like a tidal wave. Sid’s anger wasn’t just about betrayal; it was personal. He saw Twinkle as the reason Kunj had left him.

“So, what does he want now?” she asked, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.

Kunj sighed. “He wants me back in his world. And if he can’t have that… he’ll destroy everything I care about.”

Twinkle reached across the table, taking Kunj’s hand in hers. “We’ll face this together,” she said firmly. “Sid can’t scare us.”

But even as she said the words, a shadow of doubt lingered. Sid’s intensity, his desperation—it was unlike anything she had ever seen. And a part of her wondered just how far he would go to tear them apart.

---

Meanwhile, Across Town - Sid’s Hideout

Sid paced the room, his mind racing as he replayed his encounter with Kunj and Twinkle. Seeing them together, standing united, had ignited a rage he could barely contain. How dare Kunj abandon him for a girl? And worse, act like he was above the life they had built together?

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