Leap of Faith

The Game Plan

I was glued to the window as I witnessed the ancient roman city getting closer. The aerial view of London in the morning hue was breath taking. The skyline looked like an artist designed it. I was sipping the most aromatic coffee I ever experienced. With breakfast finished and changed clothes I was ready to meet London.

I was feeling more confident as I looked down to the new vista from my window. As the plane started to decent down, the same discomfort started again. The city seemed closer every second. Finally, I let out my breath as the plane skidded to stop.

I was happy that I finally would turn on my phone. As soon as I turned it on, Aayan's face flashed on my screen. I was relieved.

"I missed you already," I answered the call.

"Really? I missed you too and maybe Shweta also missed you!" Aayan spoke in his bossy and worked up tone.

'Oh oh. He is mad, better come up with a good excuse why you did not tell him about Shweta!' My subconscious warned me. "I know you would overreact. That is why I didn't tell you. Please!"

"Why are you trying to give me stress Trisha? I was worried sick about you, going to a new country alone for the first time," he scolded.

"Don't treat me like a baby, Aayan. I am an adult and a smart one too! I can very well figure out." I retorted, getting annoyed with every second.

"Whatever! I am calling you to tell you that I have arranged for a car for you at the airport. I have already messaged you the name and number of the driver. I have also informed Nikhil that you will be going in that car!"

"Fine. What else? How's the work going there?" I asked changing the stupid subject.

"I can't concentrate because of you, damn it. God! You bring the best and worst of me every time!" he exasperated.

"Hey don't blame me, if you don't work, you lazy boy!" I laughed as I tried to brighten up his mood. I knew he smiled a little behind his cell phone.

"And one more thing I have already taken care for the bodyguard for you. He will be there with you all the time," he ordered once again. God, I hated this man so very much.

"I am not tagging anybody along Aayan. Nothing is going to happen to me. It's not like I am going into a city full of criminals, who are out to get me!" I said frustrated by his usual controlling thing.

"No excuses, Trisha. I have to take care of you. I have promised your mother that I will always look after you. Shweta is not there. I am not allowing you to roam in the city alone." His tone turned a lot softer.

"You can't control me, Aayan. Let me breathe. I know I will get through until Shweta comes. Why are you insisting on a bodyguard?" I exasperated.

"Because I said so." He chuckled on the other end of the line. He knew he had the power over me.

"You know I hate you right?"

"I love you too sweetheart!" he smiled. "Please be careful, alright? For me." He hung up the phone. My thoughts dwell around him; his protectiveness was both sweet and annoying. And it made me feel loved too.

Before checking out of the plane, the same flight attendant came to me and said, "It was nice knowing you Ms. Ray. Hope to see you again!"

I only smiled and left. If only you knew my boyfriend. You would not be saying all that!

***

As soon as I got out, I smelled a different breeze, a new world. My eyes were working overtime to keep up with the surrounding. The pale British people with their freckles and sexy accent were hurling in their lives. I made my way out of the airport where two men waited for me, displaying my nametag. I recognized one of them was the bodyguard, Aayan had sent the picture of. They hurried towards me and took my bags.