"How much longer can I dodge her questions, Tara? She seems wary of our history and who I am. Memories lost or not, she's still Vrinda. The curious and perceptive one. I just can't look her in the eyes and keep lying. If you hadn't interrupted, I don't know how I would've gotten out of that mess," said Vivaan, holding his head while Daksh comforted him with a pat on the shoulder.

Ignoring the throbbing in his temples, he dug his sharp nails into his head without a care. He gasped for breath, feeling the oppressive weight of remorse on his chest, despite the cool air from the running air-conditioner. The rough fabric of his shirt scratched against his clammy skin, intensifying his irritation. The weight of his regret had transmuted into a simmering impatience and seething anger, his grip on control wavering as he desperately sought to reach out to Vrinda.

Daksh had found love in Tara, his beloved fiancee. Throughout their school years, they were classmates and close friends. It wasn't until high school that they finally admitted their feelings for each other. They made a pact to wait until they both got accepted into their dream college before taking their relationship to the next level, and their patience paid off as destiny smiled upon their sacrifices.

Being close to either of the brothers meant being close to both, and that was how Tara found herself developing a bond with Vivaan. He had grown up to be the younger brother she had always longed for, providing her with the companionship she had yearned for. Despite being fully aware of the unfortunate circumstances that had caused Vivaan and Vrinda's separation, she found herself unable to offer any assistance, which left her feeling disheartened.

"You should totally tell her who you are. Won't it hurt her when she finds out we all lied? It'll shatter her heart. All over again. It'll make things easier for both of you in the long run, Vivaan. You still have time. Just go and let her know you're the Vivaan she's been waiting for."

"You said she's waiting to meet Vivaan, and that's you, silly brother. She really wants to meet you, no doubt about it. But I don't think you have a clear idea of what you want from her. It'll take weeks to tell her about the past, even if you only mention the important parts that span about twenty-three years. So, you're hoping she'll be overjoyed to see her Vivaan once again when you reveal your true identity?" Daksh asked, his voice filled with disbelief, if his brother had lost his mind.

Vivaan had always been the responsible and level-headed one between them. Known for his thoughtful nature, he was someone who would think things through multiple times before finally taking action. Little did Daksh or Tara expect that they would be tasked with elucidating Vrinda's sentiments to Vivaan.

Vivaan was the one Vrinda relied on for emotional support and physical comfort during the many challenges she faced. The one to whom she had bared her heart, revealing parts of herself she never knew existed. They were devastated to witness Vivaan's repentance causing turmoil in his understanding of Vrinda, the one who had been privy to all her secrets and experiences.

"Do you think Vrinda will forgive me for betraying her when she really needed me and using her amnesia to win her trust back? She didn't forgive me for weeks because I sided with Vinay and kept her out of the loop. She couldn't forgive her mom for hiding the marriage talks. She cannot take concealment in any manner."

With a defeated sigh, Vivaan ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Yeah, I'm hiding who I am, so I don't betray her trust like Vivaan again. In order to prevent her from trusting Vivaan and picking up where we left off. She'll be crushed when she finds out what I did. Only to walk away," said Vivaan, shrugging Daksh and Tara away from him as strode away from the room filled with the memories which Vrinda had lost.

Daksh raked his fingers through his hair, feeling the strands slip between his fingertips, as Tara wrapped her arm around his waist, creating a comforting embrace. "What has happened to him?" he whispered, her voice filled with concern. "Is he aware of the consequences of his actions? Her feelings towards him will turn to pure hatred, leaving him even more shattered. As if that's possible."

"Daksh, what is love but a twisted, tangled web?Vrinda's love for Vivaan was so strong that she could never fathom hating him, under any circumstances. With or without memories." Tara's smile held a mix of sadness and affection as she spoke, "Just as I cannot hate you," while watching Vivaan disappear into the distance.

****

Vrinda's room,

The moment his eyes met the love of his life, all his questions and frustrations melted away. In preparation for the day, she chose to wear her favorite pair of blue pajamas. The television played a web-series, capturing her attention while her blanket sat neglected on the side. The color, which had repulsed him for years, now shimmered like the one favored by angels.

Her mere presence had the power to soothe his troubled mind. The throbbing headache faded into the background as his heart pounded against his ribcage in a frenzied daze. Her presence erased any emptiness in his heart, cleared his thoughts, and left him longing for her touch when she was no longer by his side. That day, despite all the circumstances, offered nothing out of the ordinary.

"Vrinda, how are you doing today?" her friend inquired, noticing the tiredness in her eyes." He took his seat beside her as she looked at him with a heart-warming smile. His smile wavered as he recalled the times when her face would light up at the sight or mention of him.

"Better. I'm super bored, though. All I do is sit here and watch every series possible," Vrinda said, pouting.

Vivaan couldn't help but grin, his lips mirroring the infectious smile on her face. "So, are you not enjoying the series?While some people long for the opportunity to simply enjoy a series without any other obligations, you're here complaining."

Vrinda curled up, bringing her legs close to her chest, and rested her chin against her crossed arms. Despite the smile on her lips, there was a hint of sorrow that lingered in her expression, casting a shadow over her face. Her decadent and doe-like eyes mirrored the stormy emotions swirling within her heart, exuding a sense of melancholy. Despite her best efforts to appear composed, her bottom lip trembled and her upper lid flickered with emotion.

"I reckon it's all about having options. They can decide, but I don't have a choice. I'm tired of how they portray stuff. You know, half of these shows have amnesia tracks. The lead forgets everything and then remembers it again. The doctor says I'll never regain my memory. I just wanna remember it all, you know?"

"Vrinda, please!" he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. Her tears may have been restrained, but the anguish in her eyes spoke louder than any words and reached deep into his heart. With a gentle gesture, he pulled her towards him, his arm encircling her as they settled onto her bed.

"Memory or no memory, you'll always be our beloved Vrinda. If only I could go back in time and fix this memory loss and the things that led to it. I'd even trade my soul for that. It's way beyond our power to fix it. If we spend all our time chasing the unattainable, we'll just regret not doing anything in the future. Tell me, what's your plan?"

As Vivaan spoke, his voice carried a mix of pleasure and torment, a reflection of his conflicting emotions - the bliss of holding his beloved again and the anguish of being responsible for her pain.

The worst part is, you know? I have no clue what I enjoy or want to do." With a heavy heart, Vrinda admitted, "It is such a mess," her voice muffled by her hands as she fought to control her sobs.

The sight of her gesture tormented Vivaan, leaving him unsettled. It had taken him years to instill in her the belief that shedding tears did not indicate a lack of strength. She was in a safe space, where she didn't have to conceal her tears from the ones who cared for her, yet there she stood, trying to hold them back. It anguished him to see that her parents' teachings, deeply ingrained in her subconscious, were once again dominating her thoughts, preventing her from showing vulnerability.

With tender care, he cradled her hand before drawing it back, and in response, Vrinda imitated his movements on her own hand, their eyes never breaking contact. The eyes, which she hadn't paid much attention to before, suddenly stirred up a multitude of emotions within her. A conflicting mix of warmth and tension filled her, as her heart warmed and a knot twisted in the pit of her abdomen. The guilt and anguish in those eyes were so familiar that her mind felt a sharp ache as it desperately searched for a connection.

Vrinda, you might not remember, but I remember every little thing about you. No matter how bad it gets, I'll always be there for you. Although I know your taste, you can try everything to realize your likes once again and I will be at your service, madam! So, what's Her Royal Highness in the mood for today?" asked Vivaan, as the name made her lips twitch into curving upwards because of the childhood anecdotes shared by Vivaan about the nickname.

The mischievous twinkle in her eyes was enough to make Vivaan's heart skip a beat. While there were a few instances where he felt proud, his heart always found true contentment when he brought joy to Vrinda by making her smile and drying her tears.

"Hold on, I'm thinking. You promise you won't bail on me during all this, right? I mean, even if it turns out to be a disaster, like trying to dance with two left feet?"asked Vrinda.

He couldn't help but smile slightly as he looked at the woman beside him, her smirk reflecting in his own expression. With a heart full of optimism, she never let complaints weigh her down, always seeking the light in the darkest moments. There she was. Vrinda, the light of his life.

"Of course. I am forever at your service and forever devoted to you, madam!"