In Her Shoes

The Missing Piece

Hello friends! Thank you everyone for reading, voting and commenting on the story. Special thanks to all my friends who are following Twin Tragedy as well. I have a small poem collection going on as well, so please check that out.

This story is very close to my heart and will be out in two parts. Check for the second installment by Friday.

Please let me know what you are thinking when you have read it, it's very important for me to understand if my writing strikes a chord with you or not.

The missing piece

Oh! My God. I was not expecting it will be the understatement of the year. What started out as a quiet dinner after work, was turning into something else, right in front of my eyes and I didn't know what to do.

One minute Rajat and I were sitting in a fancy restaurant, eating quietly. He had asked me out after work, for dinner and I had said yes, needing a desperate break from my hectic work schedule. Last week had been specially punishing to my body and soul. There were new clients on board, new deals to be finalised and fresh recruitments to be done. This was probably the busiest time of my year. My mind was seldom at rest, I was always thinking, planning and analysing stuff. This, was that rare moment of tranquil peace when my mind went numb.

Rajat started out by asking the usual questions first, about my day, work and office but gradually I felt he was meaning to ask me something but is slightly hesitant, so I asked him what it was.

Rajat said, "Ashima, you are a beautiful girl and a kind soul. You are independent, a sucessful woman, well versed with the ways of business. I love spending time with you.Every moment spent with you is precious to me. I know you have been busy lately and this probably is not the right moment to tell you this but I have been thinking a lot about us lately."

" Wait a minute. Are you breaking up with me?" I interrupted.

" What? No... No..." Rajat looked aghast.

"Ok, you scared me for a moment there." I released the breath I had been holding for some time now.
"How can you think such a thing?" Rajat looked slightly hurt as he asked me.

" I don't know. I have been spending too much time at work lately and I felt like you were a little disappointed with the time we get together." I clarified but I suppose the real reason was that the logical me could never accept that a guy like Rajat would want to be with me.

He was an exceptionally handsome guy with chiseled features, a body to die for and that slightly wheatish complexion, I preferred. Looks apart, he and I had some sort of chemistry. He always understood me and respected my choices in life. He made a decent amount of money but he never complained about my work, giving me all the space I need.

Sometimes it felt like it was too good to be true. I always had this nagging feeling that I don't deserve someone like him.

"Hello! oh no, did you just zone out on the whole thing?" Rajat asked bewildered, shaking his plam in front of my face.

"No of course not, silly!" I replied, though I had no idea what he was talking about. I was too busy brooding but I decided not to tell him or he would just assume, I was not intrested enough.

"So?" he asked the question evident in his tone.

"So what?", ok now I think it's better to ask.

He sighed, released a long breath trying to relax and asked in his sweetest voice ever, "Ashima sweetheart, I am asking you to marry me and I am waiting for your answer."

Oh my goodness, did I just miss out his whole proposal speech thinking about his hotness?

"I am so sorry Rajat....I...I..." I fumbled.

" Is that a no? You don't want to marry me." He looked scared and dejected.

"No...No...I mean, I am sorry for zoning out. I really wanted to hear...." I was in middle of an apology cum explaination when my phone rang.

It was someone I had known a really long time ago. Why was he calling? Damn, it better be important. I excused myself to take the call and walked towards the hotel lobby.

"Hello Mr. Sharma." I spoke in the my most professional voice.

"Ashima, is that you?" he sounded tired.

"Yes." This better be quick and short.

"Finally", he sighed, " I have been trying to get in touch for five days now, seems you have changed your number."

"Yes, not just my number I have changed my life." I was getting really irritated now. He was reminding me of a time I desperately wanted to forget.

I guess he sensed my vexation as he came straight to the point.

"Ashima, this is about Brad, Bradely Johnson."

"Who?" I asked not recognising the name.

"Brad, your biological son."

TO BE CONTINUED.........