Twinj: My Lifeline: Episode 40

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Twinj: My Lifeline: Episode 40

A quick recap: Yuvi brings Twinkle to the Taneja mansion where she has heartfelt conversations with Chinki and Leela. Kunj begins to get irritated by Alisha, adding to his troubles as his attempts to meet Twinkle fail. He finally manages to catch her and is about to speak about taking her back when Chinki and Yuvi separate them.

Kunj returned home disappointedly, destroying all of Usha’s hopes that he would return happier at least that day. She had seen him crumble when Alisha met with the accident, but this time around, his state was worse, and she realised that if he wasn’t successful in his attempts to improve the situation, she would have to take matters in her own hands. He entered the closet in his room and took a deep breath before opening Twinkle’s side of the wardrobe for the first time since he had handed it over to her, hoping desperately that somehow, she would have left something behind, as an indication that she wasn’t gone forever, although he knew that the probability of that happening was very low. He did find a package in there though, with a note. He picked it up quickly, his eyes welling up as he recognised her handwriting that he had praised her for several times. “Kunj, there are so many things that remained unsaid, but I do realise that even if we had a lifetime together, we would still have a lot more to say. So, for now, I’m leaving behind this dress and the jewellery that Usha Ma and Papa had gifted me, for its rightful owner.” He read out, feeling overwhelmed by each word. “But you are its rightful owner!” He protested loudly, quietening down when he realised that he was all alone there. He sighed and continued reading the note. “I know what your argument would be, but hear me out. They bought this for their daughter in law, which I no longer am. I can’t be taking away anything else from her anymore. I’ve already taken such precious months of being your wife from her after all. Wishing you all the happiness in the world, your best friend.” He sobbed as he ran his hands over the note before holding it close to himself and sitting down in a corner with his legs folded close to himself.

“Nope! There will be absolutely no change in plans for my sake!” Twinkle announced on her phone as she walked down the stairs to find Usha in deep conversation with Leela in the hall. She quickly cut the call and walked towards them right in time to hear Leela speak with an air of finality, “I don’t care how much your attitude towards Twinkle changed with time, Mrs. Sarna! It doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t think twice before sacrificing her happiness, her future and her dreams just so that you could protect your son from a girl that you didn’t think was good enough for him!” Both women turned to Twinkle when they heard her gasp. “Ma, that isn’t fair! It isn’t all of Usha Ma’s fault! I was aware of Kunj’s love for Alisha and his desire to marry her even before I got married, and still decided to go ahead with it. I’m equally at fault too!” She argued, looking down guiltily as Leela’s eyes widened in horror. “Why!” She repeated in a defeated voice, tears beginning to flow down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Ma.” Twinkle whimpered as she rushed to her side and kneeled down, holding her hands in her own and trying to convince her. Usha felt the burden of her misdeed trouble her more than ever at the sight as she realised that she had ruined things further for Twinkle in her attempt to make things better. She recalled trying to explain the truth of Alisha’s feelings  to Twinkle one evening after she had found out that she had accompanied Kunj to meet Alisha, but Twinkle wouldn’t listen at all. She had argued instead that Alisha couldn’t be as ruthless as Usha claimed, for she seemed like a really sweet person to her; more importantly, Kunj trusted her and who else could be a better judge of her intentions, she had said, firmly sticking to that stand. That was when Usha had figured that it was impossible to get Twinkle to understand, and she would have to take charge of it all by herself, but even before she could track Alisha down, she had returned and threatened her that she would worsen things for Twinkle if Usha tried to act too smart right then.

Usha had been really worried for Kunj, he hadn’t been keeping up with his appointments and didn’t care if or not it affected his career. “You should have thought about that before you sanctioned Twinkle’s long leave without even letting me know, Ma.” He answered disinterestedly when Usha tried to reason with him. Little did he know that Twinkle hadn’t asked for any leave, it was Usha who decided that it would keep Twinkle safe from Alisha’s clutches and spare her some pain. “Twinkle would be really annoyed with you behaving this way had she been around, Kunj. She wouldn’t want to see you sulking like this!” Usha had finally argued when she could no longer see him brooding all day long. He shuddered at that and walked away, muttering “I’m headed for the studio.” Usha knew her son was in love with Twinkle, what she hadn’t known so far was that he was as hopelessly in love as Twinkle was, for just a mention of her seemed to be sufficient to get him do all that she couldn’t even after a week of talking him through it. She wasn’t unaware of how miserable Kunj had made himself, but no amount of efforts on her behalf did him any good. She was left clueless of what else she could do after her conversation with Leela had backfired. Now even she wasn’t allowed to enter the Taneja mansion, Leela wouldn’t pick her calls either.

Kunj shut his eyes as he began to sing, images of Twinkle smiling and wishing him luck on earlier such occasions popping up in his mind. He sighed deeply, remembering how she was always there for him, thoughts of her adding his own personal touch to the song that spoke of missing his beloved, in ways that he didn’t even know was possible. He realised, for the first time ever, what the poets meant when they spoke of the whole world appearing like a blur just because one person was missing. He opened his eyes to the loud applause and appreciation from across the room. Twinkle would have been the happiest with this performance had she been around, he reminded himself, allowing a small smile to linger on his face when he heard a loud commotion at the door. “Alisha! What are you doing here?” He exclaimed in disbelief as he saw her attempting to get past the guards. “Kunj!” She greeted cheerfully, glaring at the guards who now let her in and ran towards him. “I just thought I would drop by and see how you were doing.” She explained when he repeated his question. “What’s the matter with you, Kunj? I’m aware that you brought Twinkle along to your recording sessions and rehearsals, why am I not allowed?” She protested when he rolled his eyes at her, not even attempting to show his disapproval of her presence. “Twinkle, is my best friend, my manager and my wife. She has every right to be here, you don’t.” He answered curtly, memories of her refusing to understand when he had tried to explain the last time returning to him, annoying him beyond words could comprehend. “I thought you were only speaking out of concern for her the other day, Kunj! I somehow assumed that if we got married soon, you would forget all your pains sooner.” She muttered, looking embarrassedly at all the people standing around and watching them. “I love Twinkle.” He replied, sounding firm and overwhelmed at the same time, and she nodded at him.

“I’m sorry, Alisha. I know I promised to marry you, but if I did, it would ruin things way beyond they already are. It would do injustice to both me and you. I can’t think of anyone else anymore, I just can’t. Now, all that is and will be are Twinkle’s, and are only because of her. I can’t marry you.” Kunj spoke with welled up eyes. “I only know, Kunj, that the day I met with that accident, the love of my life had proposed to me and made unspoken promises, which became my only hope to look up to as I was recovering. I do realise, only now though, that my Kunj isn’t mine anymore, he probably never was. He’s learnt to love deeper than I ever knew was possible. I’ve observed you for months now, and if I can’t see that your true happiness lies with Twinkle, then I must be blind!” Alisha spoke emotionally, earning gasps from everyone around. Kunj looked up at her as if he didn’t believe her and she nodded assuringly with a bright smile. “I’m sorry I caused all this chaos, now I’ll repair it and put it all back perfectly just like it always was, I promise.” She informed him with a hint of determination in her voice as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him along, ignoring all the comments from the onlookers on how Twinkle and Kunj should now get back together, how perfect they were, how much they themselves, like Kunj, had missed Twinkle, and so on.

“The engagement rings..” Kunj heard right before he bumped into someone in front of the jewellery shop that Alisha had persuaded him to come along to, telling him that he needed to make everything right from the very beginning, and what better way to do it than by proposing. “I’m sorry, didn’t see you..” His words trailed off as he recognised the fragrance of the rose perfume combined with the odour of the shampoo that he could in no way forget. “Twinkle!” He exhaled as his eyes met hers that were already looking up at him, conveying loads of emotions, probably words would never suffice the task. She managed to smile at him after what seemed like an eternity, making him smile back brightly at her. “I.. should get going, I have some place to be at..” She spoke, in stark contrast to what he had wished to hear. “Wait!” He called out, grabbing onto her wrist and pulling her back as she hurried to leave. She shivered as she felt the familiar touch, trying her best not to give into her emotions, but he wouldn’t relent. He turned her to him by her shoulders and was about to speak when they heard a familiar voice, “Kunj!” Twinkle stepped away from him the moment she spotted Alisha, the harsh reality hitting her senses like never before. Were they not even allowed to speak to each other anymore? “Twinkle, we need to get going! I’ve got the rings, and if we don’t hurry up, we’ll be really late. You know they can’t start the rituals without us!” Yuvi’s cheerful voice broke her out of her reverie as she glanced at Kunj once again, his face showing clear signs of confusion. “Hold on, you’re getting engaged?” Alisha asked in a horrified tone, and Twinkle gave her a look of uncertainty. “Yes, we are. Why though? Did you think you were the only one who could move on, Kunj?” Yuvi answered, glaring at Kunj before he gave Twinkle a firm look that clearly said ‘Don’t speak another word. Just follow me.’ and surprising even herself, she did.

That’s it for now, guys. I know, many surprises and shocks here, tell me which one was the most unexpected. 😛 I promise I won’t drag this track longer than we can take. Stay tuned! Lots of love!