Love Came After Memories Chapter 2 - Promise

  After a two-hour-long nap, Leena woke up from her slumber. As she emerged from her nap, she pinched herself for a reality check. She still couldn’t believe that she lived a life she didn’t remember now. Her mind was like that of a person starting a journey in a new city or career. It was as if she were starting from scratch, with only fragments of memories to guide her.

  Sitting up in bed, Leena gazed around the room, trying to piece together the unfamiliar surroundings. Everything felt strangely foreign, yet there was a faint sense of déjà vu lingering in the air. She could hear the faint sounds of daily life drifting in from downstairs, reminding her that she was not alone in this new reality. With a sigh, Leena swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, feeling a bit unsteady on her feet.

  She walked over to the window and gazed out at the world beyond, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity about what lay ahead. Taking a deep breath, Leena resolved to face this new chapter of her life with courage and determination. She tied her hair in a bun and came down from the upstairs room.

  Then she went to the kitchen, where she saw Vijay making tea. She said, “Good evening, Vijay.” Vijay responded, “Good evening. Did you have some rest?” Leena responded, “Yes,” then Vijay said, “Okay, wait 2 more minutes. I will make tea for you.” Leena responded, “Okay, by the way, don’t I have a phone or something?” Vijay responded, “Of course, you do. It might be in the living hall. I can go and get it for you.”

  Leena stopped, “No, Vijay, I can find it myself. You just stay in the kitchen.” Vijay responded, “Okay, your phone case is black in color and has your name imprinted on it.” Leena agreed to that, went to the living hall to find her phone. It took her a few minutes to find it, but she eventually found her phone.

  She then came to the kitchen, trying to find the fingerprint sensor to unlock her phone. She opened the phone, noticing that the user interface was slightly different. Her first instinct was to head to the messenger app to check some chats. She saw her best friend's profile, Agnes, in the messenger app, which made her slightly happy. Then there were some unknown contacts and groups. She checked some messages, and at that moment, Vijay arrived with the tea.

  While they were having their tea, Leena asked, “Where is Prabha?” Vijay responded, “He is sleeping in his room. He will wake up around 7 o'clock, still one hour left for that.” Leena then asked with hesitation, “Vijay, did we have any close interactions?” Vijay, confused, asked, “Close interactions? In the sense of what?” Leena responded, “Hug, kiss,..” Vijay understood what she was trying to ask. He interrupted her, “Okay, I get it. You saw Prabha, right? How do you think he came into this world?” Leena, with hesitation, said, “I know, but...” Vijay responded, “Yes, we used to have sex regularly. Now, don’t ask me in depth.”

  Leena smirked at that response. She then said, “It’s totally surprising to me. The boy I rejected in my 10th grade is now my husband. I'm keen to know how this started.” Vijay then began to explain, “Well, even for me, it's surprising that we ended up as a couple. I thought there was just a leftover strong friendship between us after that accident. But everything changed that one day.”

  The scene shifts to 3rd January 2028. We see 25-year-old Vijay and Leena on a local train in Mumbai. Both of them have matured over the years. Vijay sports a French beard paired with a Taper hairstyle, highlighting his athletic physique. Meanwhile, Leena's hair has slightly grown, and she wears a side-swept long ponytail hairstyle.

  There was a noticeable tension in Leena's facial expression as she wrestled with her thoughts. Meanwhile, Vijay was engrossed in his phone. Leena finally broke the silence, saying, “Vijay, my parents have started looking for a groom for me.” Although Vijay's eyes remained fixed on his phone, he responded, “Oh, congratulations. I hope the guy who ends up marrying you is prepared for what he's getting into.” Leena shot him a pointed look and replied, “I’m being serious here.” Vijay quickly reassured her, “Okay, I was just joking. Take your time; this is a significant decision. Choose someone who is truly compatible with you.”

  Leena's tone turned serious as she insisted, “Vijay, put your phone away now.” Sensing the gravity of her demeanor, Vijay complied, stashing his phone in his pocket. Curious, he inquired, "Alright, madam seems quite serious. Are you saying you don't want to get married?" Leena clarified, “No, it’s not that. But I have something important to discuss with someone.”

  Vijay noticed Leena's shyness and gently teased, “Leena, are you in love or what?" Leena blushed but remained silent. With a smile, Vijay prodded further, "Hmm, you are also in love. Okay, who is that guy?" Leena admitted, "Actually, I know him very well. Even his family members too. But for me, it's one-sided. I don’t know what to do." Vijay chuckled and encouraged her, "Oh, but who is this lucky guy? And you're saying how to open up? Really, Leena, you're looking gorgeous. Who could say no to you? Be brave and share your feelings with him."

  Leena found some confidence in Vijay's words. “Okay, I will open up then,” she said, “I love you, Vijay.” Vijay froze for a moment as Leena continued, “Yes, Vijay, it’s you. I have been in love with you for the past 2 years. After my memory loss, the person who stayed with me was you. I don’t have any reason, but I feel you are the one. Each moment I am with you, I feel safe and happier. I don’t want to end our friendship. I want to go further, Vijay.” Vijay was left speechless, unsure of how to respond.

  He swallowed hard with slight hesitation before saying, “Leena, sorry, let’s just remain friends.” Leena was shocked for a moment. “Why, Vijay? Are you in love with someone?” she asked. Vijay responded, “No.” Leena then asked, “Is it because we follow different religions?” Vijay replied, “Do you think I am the type of guy who is against inter-religious marriage?” Leena pressed further, “Then tell me the main reason?”

  Vijay responded, “It’s your parents, Leena. You know your parents see me as one of the family members. I don’t want to break their trust. They might have dreamed of many things regarding you. I don’t want to break that. Also, one year ago, I bought a house on loan. So, I don’t think I'm suited for marriage and all.” Leena couldn’t accept that reason. “Is that the real reason?” she asked. Vijay responded, “Yes.”

  The station arrived, and they both walked out. A silent tension hung between them. As they left the station, they needed to go separate ways to their respective offices. Vijay said, "Leena, let's forget about that, okay?" Leena responded, "Okay," and Vijay added, "That's my friend. Okay, bye." Leena responded in a lower pitch, "Bye."

  Then they headed to their offices, and Vijay got busy with his work. However, he occasionally checked his phone to see if he had received a message from Leena. As the day passed, it was 8 p.m., and Vijay was about to leave the office when he received a call. It was from Leena's mom.

  He answered the call, and Leena's mom asked, “Hi Vijay, is Leena with you?” Vijay responded, “No, aunty, what happened?” Leena’s mom replied, “It's 8 and she's not answering her phone. I'm getting worried.” Vijay said, “I guess she might be with her friends. I'll try to call her.” After ending the call, Vijay tried to reach Leena but she didn't pick up. He then called her colleague and learned that she had left the office earlier.

  Vijay, now fearful, went to her office and searched for her at the nearby bus stand, shopping stores, and mall. He searched each and every place, but couldn’t find her. He tried to call her again, but she wasn't picking up. Swallowed by fear, Vijay didn’t know what had happened to her. His eyes welled up with tears as he continued his search at the railway station. Still unable to find her, he started heading home, his heartbeat racing with each second, still unsure of what had happened to her. After two stations, something caught his eye, and his expression changed suddenly.

  As the train came to a halt, Vijay jumped off and ran towards the second platform. Catching his breath, he approached Leena, who was sitting alone on a bench. Panting heavily, he took a moment to steady his breathing before speaking. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "Leena, you haven't been answering your calls, your parents are looking for you. I've been searching everywhere for you. Now, please tell me, why are you here?"

  Leena's tone was sharp, her frustration palpable. “Who are you to search for me?” she demanded. Vijay, taken aback by her harshness, replied, “Leena, why are you acting like this?” “Don't you understand? For two years, I dreamed of being with you, holding your hand, but you shattered all that,” Leena continued, her voice cracking. “You made up some false excuse. Don't I know when you're lying to me? Just tell me the truth, the real truth!” Vijay, his emotions boiling over, finally blurted out in frustration, “Because I was already in love with you once!” His admission hung between them, charged and revealing.

  Leena looked shocked as she asked, “What?” Vijay then took a seat beside her and began to explain, “Leena, back in the 10th grade, I was in love with you. I even proposed to you, though I didn’t have a particularly attractive personality back then. But you rejected me. It took me three years to move on. I thought everything was over, but then that accident happened, and it changed everything. My only wish was to see you happy, which is why I kept this hidden from you. Today, when you proposed, it felt like a dream come true, but there's always the possibility that your memory could fully return one day. If that day comes and you realize you don't like me, I couldn't bear that. That's why I rejected the proposal this morning.”

  Leena patiently listened to Vijay's words, still processing the revelation. “Did Agnes know about it?” she asked. Vijay nodded. "Yes, but I promised her not to disclose it to you. You have your answer now. Let's go home." Leena agreed silently and accompanied him on the journey home. During their travel, they didn't exchange a word. After half an hour, they reached Leena’s home.

  Vijay fabricated a story, claiming that Leena was delayed due to celebrating her friend's birthday. Although her parents were furious, Vijay managed to calm them down. Over the next two days, Leena took a day off from work. Vijay refrained from asking her about it, knowing that the proposal incident might disturb her. So, he didn't try to inquire or intervene. However, on Wednesday night, when he returned home, he found Leena and her family at his house.

  Vijay welcomed Leena and her family into his home with a warm smile. He said, “Uncle! What a pleasant surprise to see you all here.” To which Vijay’s uncle responded, “Vijay, they are here regarding Leena’s marriage.” Vijay then replied, “Leena, you didn’t tell me that you found a groom.” Leena’s mom responded, “Vijay, Leena has told us everything.” Vijay got a hunch about what they were talking about but still said, “What everything?” Vijay’s mom chimed in, “Don’t act like you don’t know anything.”

  Vijay responded, “Mom, it was a past thing.” Leena’s brother, Lucas, responded, “What past thing?” Vijay’s brother, Suresh, responded, “You proposed to Leena during your 10th grade.” Vijay realized that his past was now laid bare in front of Leena's family. He still calmly responded, “Okay, I did that in my 10th grade. Now, what are you expecting me to do?” Vijay’s mom responded, “Vijay, don’t you feel fear or anything?” Vijay responded, “The thing you're asking about happened 10 years ago. If you all came here for this, I'm heartfully sorry. Other than that, I can’t do anything.”

  Vijay's father responded, “Vijay, we're all here regarding something. Both our families feel that you and Leena could lead a perfect family. We're okay with you marrying Leena.” Vijay's heart skipped a beat. “Dad, what are you saying?” Leena's father responded, “Vijay, Leena wants you as her life partner. You both love each other. I don’t know if I could find someone as perfect for her as you. So, we're ready to accept your love.”

  Vijay's mind reeled at the sudden turn of events. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Leena's family, despite knowing about his past proposal and rejection, was now suggesting that he marry her. It was a lot to process, and Vijay's emotions were in turmoil. Leena watched the exchange with a mixture of surprise and anticipation, waiting for Vijay's response. She knew that this moment could change everything between them, so she said, “Uncle, if you don’t mind, can I talk with Vijay in private?”

  Vijay’s father agreed to that, and we see Vijay and Leena inside a room. Without wasting time, Leena responded, “Vijay, our parents accepted. We both love each other. Then why are you hesitating?” Vijay responded, “I am just concerned about this amnesia part only.” Leena said, “Will your heart bear it if I marry someone else?” Vijay, with a low pitch, replied, “No.” Leena then said, “Then what are you waiting for? Whatever happens, we will face it together. No matter what, I will not let go of your hand.” Leena's words gave some confidence to Vijay's heart, which resulted in him saying, “I love you, Leena. I've been holding back since that day, and I'm not going to let go until eternity.” And with that, their love story kicked off anew.

  The day shifted to the present timeline as Prabhakaran walked into the kitchen. He hugged his dad and said, “Hi, dad.” Vijay responded, “Did you sleep well?” Prabhakaran replied, “Yes, dad. Dad, I need my milk.” Vijay responded, “Wait for 5 more minutes, I will arrange that for you. In the meantime, have this biscuit.” Vijay went to boil some milk for Prabhakaran.

  At that moment, Leena looked at her son, observing how much he had grown. However, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for missing out on his early years of motherhood. Prabhakaran then sat beside her and said, “Mom, I have homework pending.” As soon as Prabhakaran spoke, Vijay responded, “Prabha, don’t disturb your mom. I will help you after work.” Leena interjected, “Vijay, don’t worry. I will help him.” Despite Vijay's attempt to speak, Leena interrupted him, saying, “I told you I will help him.” She then turned to Prabhakaran and said, “We will do this in 15 minutes.” Prabhakaran agreed to that.

  Later, Vijay was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner for the family. On the other side of the room, Leena sat with Prabhakaran, helping him with his schoolwork. As they worked together, a mixture of fun and joy filled the room. Leena assisted Prabhakaran with his assignments, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of her son growing up before her eyes. Despite the challenges and uncertainties she faced due to her memory loss, moments like these reminded her of the love and connection she shared with her family, filling her with gratitude.

  Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Vijay hummed a tune as he cooked dinner, feeling a sense of contentment and fulfillment in providing for his loved ones. He glanced over at Leena and Prabhakaran, a smile playing on his lips as he watched them bond over the homework.

  After they all had dinner together and watched a movie, they headed to their rooms. As soon as Vijay and Leena arrived at the bedroom, Leena began to feel slightly fearful. Although it wasn't her first time sharing the bedroom with Vijay, due to her memory loss, it felt like the first time. Her heartbeat quickened with each passing second. Noticing her discomfort, Vijay did something different; he took a pillow and a bedsheet and said, “Leena, I am going to sleep in the living room.”

  Leena was surprised. “Why, Vijay?” she asked. Vijay responded, “I know we are husband and wife, but your memories were came back. You might not be comfortable sharing the bed yet. So, it's better if I sleep in the living room.” Leena felt some relief but still asked, “Aren’t you uncomfortable?” Vijay responded with a smile, “Nope, just make yourself comfortable. Good night.” After that, Vijay left the room, and Leena's respect for him grew.

  After that, we see Vijay lying on the sofa in the living room, remembering the promise he made to her on their wedding night. The scene shifts to the night of Vijay and Leena's wedding. The room was filled with the aroma of romance, specially arranged for that night.

  We see Vijay inside the room, lost in thought. At that moment, Leena walks into the room with a glass full of milk, which she quickly hands to Vijay before sitting on the bed. She looks slightly tired, “My God, my legs are killing me. If I had stood for another hour, I wouldn't have been able to move.” Vijay doesn’t respond; he is still absorbed in his thoughts.

  Leena noticed his silence and asked, “Why are you so silent?” Vijay broke his silence and said, “I can't believe I married the girl who was my first love.” Leena responded, “Oh! Was I your first love?” Vijay nodded his head, and Leena said, “That’s nice. You are also my first love. Even though I had a past relationship before my memory loss, I would say you are my first love. I don't know why I rejected you back then, but I would be seriously furious with myself for rejecting you.”

  Vijay looked at her and said, “Leena, it feels like I'm living in a dream. I don’t want this dream to end.” As soon as she heard this, Leena hugged him and said, “Vijay, me too.” Then they slightly parted, their eyes locked on each other. A language of love passed between them. They shared their first kiss, expressing their love through their lips.

  After they shared their kiss and slightly parted lips, Leena asked, “Vijay, I will be there for you till eternity. In any case, if I forget you, don’t leave me that easily, okay?” Vijay, with tears in his eyes, promised, “I promise, Leena, I won’t leave you under any circumstances.” Then the scene shifted back to the present timeline. Realizing that the time had come to fulfil his promise, Vijay settled into sleep with this thought in mind.