A Little Too Much

Part 19 : Sunshine

He wondered whether he could let her know the entire truth or not. Was it the time to let her in completely, to let her see through his deficiencies and to let her know of his sin?

Even though these questions were running on his mind, one thing he didn't doubt was their relation. Not even once the thought of her misunderstanding him crossed his mind but what he feared was his past.

To be uncertain about them would mean tainting their relation if he ever to question their togetherness. But he was unsure of himself, of his past and his capabilities to fight through those inhibitions that have long existed.

He always knew that one day or the other he would have to let people in, let them try to know him and caress his aching heart with their touch. Priya has been more than kind to help him get through those little things of life, even though it was unknowingly.

He didn't plan this, he hasn't ever said it out loud nor does he think it is needed but his heart has called her his. She liberates him, sets his soul free and brings his heart home.

"It reads Rathore Industries and Vikram works here. So I thought you might know him", she cleared the air with the file still in her hand, jerking him out of his thoughts.

As she moved to the window to open the blinds for light to enter the room, she noted how Ram always keeps the light away from his life. She remembered how he struggled initially to even initiate a talk with her but today it has changed so much for at least he has let her in.

Her eyes strayed to his desk, everything neatly kept on its place but how it lacked life, no flowers, no photo frame but a black pen stand and files arranged categorically on one side with his laptop placed in the centre.

However, a file was kept out of place, it appeared like it was hurriedly left on the desk. But there was something that caught her attention, its company's name, the same company where Vikram works as a manager. It made her wonder whether Ram knew Vikram or it was nothing.

"I know Vikram. He was an old friend", uneasiness swept through him as the truth slipped from his mouth.

He could have lied to her about it under the name of just another collaboration with the company and she would not know about it but he chose to say his truth. For the first time, he wasn't surprised how he could let it slip so easily but because he knew what she meant to him.

"Your friend?" Priya asked surprised noticing his gloomy expressions which reflected there was something more to it as the least she expected was this revelation. Her eyes tried barring his gaze with hers for an answer but Ram was quick to downcast them before his eyes could expose him.

A loud knock on the door finally put an end to the silence between them as Ram gathered himself quickly to open the door for his secretary timidly standing there.

She carried an apologetic look for disturbing them but the clients had been waiting for him, "Sir, the clients are already in the meeting room. I'm sorry to disturb but they are calling for you."

"Cancel the meeting", Ram softly asked as he couldn't leave before clearing things to Priya.

"But sir the meeting is important. They'll be flying back to the US tomorrow and they won't be available for a month then", she added with a little courage and her fingers fiddling with the file in her hand in a strong grip.

"I said to cancel it", he spoke authoritatively this time but was stopped by Priya.

"Ram, I'll wait here for you. You can finish the meeting first", Priya suggested and pleading looked at him to understand.