Brother

With a cry of a baby, Aalia jolted awake from her peaceful slumber. It took her a moment to fully register the sound echoing through her ears, but as her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she realized it was her dream.

"You're awake?", an unknown male voice greeted her ears softly.

She looked around, puzzled by the soft and melodic voice that had greeted her. Her eyes scanned the room until they finally landed on a handsome man seated by the window.

He appeared to be in his early twenties, exuding an aura of confidence and charisma. His sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes seemed to be a reflection of his strong character. A pleasant smile adorned his face as he caught her gaze, and she couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat.

"Who are you?", she asked him.

"You forgot your brother?", he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Brother?", she looked at him skeptically.

"Aali, are you joking?", he asked her and looked at her into her eyes.

She dodged the gaze and looked around the room she was in.

A luxurious room came into her line of sight. The air was filled with a delicate hint of lavender, creating an aura of tranquility that washed over her like a gentle wave. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings and exquisite art, each piece meticulously chosen to create a harmonious symphony of style and grace. The soft lighting cast a warm glow, illuminating the rich textures and intricate details that adorned every surface. The plush velvet drapes hung gracefully from the ceiling, framing the large windows that showcased breathtaking views of the serene landscape outside.

Even though, the room was luxurious and spacious she somehow felt a sense of unfamiliarity washed through her.

The young man beside her looked at her confused expression dotingly.

"Aali, you just recovered from a high fever. Rest for a while. I'll bring your medicine and nourishment.", he said and fondly patted her head.

She somehow felt the pat was comfortable, so she eventually calmed down and nodded her head.

After a while he came in with a bowl of soup and medicine. He fed her the medicine and hand her the soup bowl over.

"Umm, brother, what's your name? Why did I forget everything?", she asked and looked at him.

"Aali, I'm Lian. You got a high fever. Doctor said there might be a possibility to forget a part of your memories. Don't worry, you'll get well soon. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?", he assessed the situation and asked with concern.

"No, I'm alright.", she said with a deep thoughts and tried to get up.

"Alright, rest for more. You'll need to take medicine for three days more. So, don't try to run around.", he made her sit again and said in a gentle voice.

"Brother, I want yo go to washroom.", she said.

"Alright, take care.", he said.

"Brother I'm just going to washroom, not to war. Alright?", she said and laughed lightly.

"Alright, alright.", he said and laughed as well.

After she left for the washroom, Lian stood still and seemed to mulling over something.

"I'm sorry, Aalia, I've to lie to you for now. I hope you'll forgive me later.", he whispered softly.

After a long while, Aalia came out in a after a bath, while Lian stood still and lost in his own world.

"Brother.", she called him.

But, he appeared to didn't hear her.

"Lian?", she called him again.

"Aa.. Aali?", he came to and stuttered.

"Brother, what's gotten into you?", she asked with a laugh.

"Nothing, come I'll dry your hair, or else you'll get sick again.", he said while made her sit and started to dry her hair with a dried towel.