Leap of Faith

Piece by Piece

It seemed like an eternity, sitting in the coffee shop in Connaught Place in Delhi. For the hundredth time, I checked my cell for a message from Riya, but there was nothing. Was she really going to convince Aayan to come for dinner? Was he busy? Or maybe he didn't want to come. Why would he not? He loved her.

It had been only a week since she had come back from Paris. He would come, I knew in my heart. Today I would see him, after almost five days. He did not pick up any of my calls. He was completely ignoring me. Maybe giving me the taste of my own medicine. And it was so bitter. Riya had told me that he was in Delhi for all this week working on a land deal.

I had dressed for the occasion in a white and yellow satin dress that came to mid-thigh. I had emphasized on my eyes and a bright pink gloss graced my lips.

The plan was perfect. Riya had called her brother for dinner. It was going to look like a serendipitous event of bumping into each other. I had a good reason to be there, planning for a small party for Shweta in this hotel. And they were there to have dinner. Though I had my doubts, I knew Aayan would believe this story. I had to at least try. How else would he come to meet me?

Finally, my cell vibrated. Hurriedly I checked the message.

The eagle has landed. Prepare for the encounter. Z

I almost laughed at her code language before looking at the opposite street at a familiar black Bentley that had just turned inside the gate of the hotel. I jumped up, kept five hundred rupees on the table and walked away, leaving my third cappuccino half finished.

As I entered the restaurant, The Grill Room, a delicious aroma filled my nostrils. My stomach twitched, reminding me that I hadn't had a decent meal for quite some time. I let out a sigh and scanned the room that was decently crowded. I spotted them, sitting at a corner table to the left.

My breath caught in my lungs looking at Aayan, who looked drop dead gorgeous in a black suit and silver tie. I didn't miss his eyes though that looked tired with a possible lack of sleep. Slowly I made my way to the bartender and asked him about the manager. He asked some other guy to fetch the manager.

As I waited, several men sitting in the bar stopped to take a second look at me. I smirked inwardly; that meant I looked good.

"Yes Miss, good evening. I am Naveen Singh, the manager of The Grill Room." A middle-aged man, with a curved mustache, shook hands with me.

"Hello, Mr. Singh. I wanted to ask if you have a dining place available for a small party tomorrow night," I asked.

"I have to check. For this place, you have to make a reservation far ahead of time," he said, sounding a little rude.

"Trisha," Aayan called my name in such a butter smooth tone, that I had Goosebumps instantly. He was a quite close, standing right behind me, the warmth of his chest heating me. Slowly I turned to see him.

"What are you doing here? Are you here with somebody?" he asked looking around suspiciously.

"I... I had some business here," I breathed.

"Is it?" He grazed my forearm with his fingertips. My insides shuddered with excitement.

Shrugging my shoulders, I turned to address the manager once again. I had to be in my role.

"Can you check?" I asked, a little amused by his stunned expression as he saw Aayan talking to me. He was gaping, still recovering from the shock.

"Yes madam, we can make our private dining area available for you tomorrow. It is the finest here. You should have mentioned that you are acquainted with our most valued customer," he said bowing his head.