Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Summer That Never Came Back!

I am the owner of a cafe and book store in the town of Surrey, UK. I feed on music and books. And that was what my dream was. To own archives of books and share them with people at the later stage of my life. However, I got retired a bit early. After making a fortune as a web designer in Sydney, I had moved back to my town in the UK. My parents had passed away and I was a single gentleman going through mid-life crisis. All these years, I never had time to find the one. When I sat on my chair sipping a cup of coffee in my store named 'Cafe Chronicle', I tried to find my soulmate in the lost faces of my book store.



One of those days, a woman in her late 20s and petite features entered my book store asking for clinical research books. “Excuse me”. She said in her high-pitched tone. “I need 4th edition of the book 'Fundamentals of Clinical Trials' by Lawrence Friedman. Do you have that, in any case?” She said the entire sentence without a pause. I could sense the lack of patience in her tone. Perhaps, she was desperately looking for the book. “Ammm...let me see.” I started looking through my collection of 'Clinical Research Courses'. After looking for about 15 minutes and realising that it's of no use, “Sorry ma’am, I don't have it.” I said. “But maybe I could provide you with it sometime during the next week.” “Okay, I will come next week then.” she said promptly and before I could respond to that, she stormed out of the book store.

There was something about that woman. Apart from her striking looks, the curiosity, eagerness and anxiety in her tone were quite childlike. Even after she left, I kept thinking about her for hours together, anticipating her presence at my book store the next week. I made sure that I could give her the book by calling numerous book stores and getting in touch with the book providers near my area and beyond. I finally found an online forum where the book was available. I quickly ordered it feeling that I had struck a fortune. One of the sunny afternoons, as I heard the sound of chimes hung at the door of my book store and looked back, my heart skipped a beat as she entered. Walking with her tiny steps and a smile on her face as she approached me, “Hi” she said. “It's me again...any luck with the...” “Oh yes ma’am, I got it.”  Said I giving her a chance to breathe. “But can I know the name of “me again”. “Oh, I am so sorry, my name is summer.” “Oh no no no, don't be, why are you so hanky panky and always in a hurry?” “It's nothing...I am a medical student and I have so much to accomplish you knows...” “I understand. But why not have a cup of cappuccino with me and breathe a little over a chat.” “Sure” she said. I was quite surprised that she accepted the offer.



As we sat at the table, I asked her about herself. And then, she started speaking at reckless speed, “I live in the next street, a few blocks away with my mom and she owns a company that offers outsourcing payroll service. She is a divorcee and since there is no one to take care of her, I live with her and am willing to become a doctor.” “Wow, it's fantastic that you are willing to become a doctor and you take care of your mom so well. But tell me one thing, if you speak so fast, how will you offer treatment to your patients with patience?” I asked as I winked. “Oh, the people who speak fast are very intelligent. You know why, 'coz they think fast.” She ended a sentence with a smile “Phew! Now that's something new.” When she spoke without full-stops, I would keep looking at her and smile. I loved to be a listener. After about an hour, she stood up to leave. “Keep coming at Cafe Chronicle” I said. “I for sure will...and thanks for the book...and why don't you come over to my place sometime? My mother has a fantastic collection of Moorcroft Pottery. You will love to see it.” Yet another sentence that pierced through my heart. “I will” I said as she left. She was in so much hurry that she invited me without realizing that she did not give me her address. But I didn't feel like stopping her. I felt she was very cute and I was not desperate either thinking that she would come again.

Days have passed since I have seen her. I keep mulling over what she must be doing. None of the streets that I pass through have her presence. Neither have I bumped into her. Although her voice keeps lingering in my ears and is difficult to concentrate on work, I am not a desperate college going kid any more who would ask girls out or ask for their phone number and addresses.




Work and thoughts have drained me. Perhaps, I should call for a mobile massage service and get over the stress. Or maybe go for an outing...Yes. Outing sounds great. Thinking that, I dial the number of a company offering London Luton Airport Service. Cafe Chronicle gave me the privilege of meeting summer that never came back. I thought as I locked my book store and left for the journey.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

A Scar of Love

In high school, life seems fascinating! Isn't it? Boyfriend, dating, movies, sleepovers, picnics and fun! But for me, life was fragile, horrible, full of bullying and miserable! I was a nerd. My name is Carol. I like to keep to myself and have my own life. I live with my parents in the county of Surrey. My father owns a company that offers fencing services in the area and my mother is a home-maker. Here's an incident from my high school days that changed my life forever.

Fencing_services_Surrey

My classmates always bullied me. “Hi freaky Dumbo!!!” “What are you doing nerdy girl?” all these voices were quite normal to my ears. They haunted me even at night. Of course, until John came in. John was like a breath of fresh air in my life. I remember the day when we met. I was being bullied by my classmates. They had all stood in a line each in front of their sports locker slamming their doors and shouting “Nerdy, nerdy, fly away birdie!” I had shut my ear drums with both my fingers and as the slamming grew louder, I started running towards the corridors. While running I collided with one of the pillars and fell. My specks fell. “Excuse me, what are you all up to?” said the boy who was quite average looking. What made me happy was that he had the guts to protest.

Sports_locker

“Who are you!” shouted Duncan, one of the head boys of my class and headed angrily towards John. “John Simons. I just got admitted to this school.” said John. “Ahh...the new kid on the block.” said Duncan rolling his eyes. “You!” Duncan raised a finger towards John. “Don't you dare to stop me and my friends okay? And if you are very brave, try to blow me down!” said Duncan as he stormed out of the sports room with his fellow mates. I was a mute spectator to the scene. As soon as he left, John rushed towards me saying “I am so sorry, are you hurt?” “No. This is normal for me, said I wearing my specks and ruffling my hair.” “Thank you so much. If it was not for you, I would have been in a real mess.” I said. “Let’s be friends, your name?” “Carol” I said. “Carol”. I had heard my name several times before. But it sounded a bit different when spoken by him. What was that I couldn't figure? But there definitely was something.

Kingston_Taxi

For the first time in my life, I was excited about going to school. John and I got talking and I got to know that he lived at Kingston which is quite near to my place. “Why don't you come over to see me play basketball at the club near my house sometime? I live 30 minutes away from you” said John during one of the lunch breaks at school. “I would love to.” said I. “Then come over tomorrow evening. It is weekend. We will have fun” He winked. For the first time in my life, I had stepped out of my house. Although my parents were never restrictive of me going out, I liked to stay indoors. I hired a taxi to Kingston and left all excited to see his match.

Asset_Protection

I reached at the basketball court near his place and saw him playing with all due passion and enthusiasm. His team lost but as far as I got to see him, it was all good for me. After the match was over, he came running towards me gasping for breath. “Hi” he said. “Good to see you.” “Hi” I waved back. “I am all free now. I will change and then let’s go for a walk at a park nearby.” “Okay. Sounds good.” said I. We went to a lush green park and it was a dusky evening. While munching on our everyday lives, he suddenly asked with a smile, “Ever tried to experiment with your looks?” “What do you mean experimenting with my looks?” I asked. “I mean without specks, open hair and all.” “Never.” I said. “Never do that. I like you the way you are.” I blushed.

John opened up about his life and told me that his father worked as an advocate at a firm that offered asset protection. “Wow! Protecting your assets sounds good.” I said. “Oh yes. It is a wise decision mostly taken by the elderly. There are times when they have to sell gold for cash to fulfill their financial requirements as the children take away all their assets.” “That's bad! I said.” “Yes, and that is exactly why they should choose to protect their assets through a good trust.

Sell_gold_for_cash“What is that?” he suddenly remarked pointing his finger towards my forehead. “Oh nothing, it's a bruise.” I said hiding the mark on my forehead with my hair. “Spoiled, good for nothing brats! I will see all of them tomorrow.” he said angrily. “Oh no no no...it is from that day.” “Which day?” he asked. “On the day we first met. Oh. Does it hurt?” he asked. “A bit.” I said. “I felt really bad for you that day. I think you are the most interesting person I have ever met. And beautiful of course.” said he. I felt that the bruise had turned out to be a blessing for me that day. “The feelings are mutual John.” I said. “We should keep meeting often.” said John and walked me till my cab. We said good bye and departed.

House_clearance_Richmond Days passed and John and I grew closer. We were in a relationship and our joy knew no bounds. One day my mother broke the news that we were shifting to Scotland. “Scotland? Why?” I asked annoyingly. “Honey, your father is expanding his business and we have to go with him.” “This is really bad.” I said and I was into tears.” My mother of course, was unaware of my relationship and had already made her decision. “We are expecting the staff from a house clearance firm in Richmond to come and help with emptying our house. You can start packing your stuff.” said my dad.

I was completely broken. I had no idea how to let John know about it. Still I broke the news to him the next day with all my might. We both hugged and cried. “Long distance relationships just survive in books. I don't think it will be possible to see you anymore John” I said. “No problem Carol. Perhaps, you can experiment with your looks now.” said John as he smiled. We departed on a happy note. No one had ever accepted me the way I am. John was the first guy to do so. He had changed my life in many ways. He had taught me to accept myself the way I am and had left behind a scar of love.

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Love Story: Run-away Limo Bride!


Palos Heights is a wonderful place to live in. And when love blossoms, it gets even more wonderful. I remember the evening when I was taking a walk on the street out of my house when a limo suddenly came speeding towards me and came to a halt with a screeching brake. My heart had dropped to my stomach. But before I could react, a man in his mid-twenties stepped out of the car and started shouting at me. “Stupid lady, can't you see?” “Can't I see?!” I shouted back. “When the pedestrians are walking on the road, you are supposed to drive with a little bit of road sense!” I said annoyingly. “You were probably walking on the wrong path.” He said in a tone even louder. But before I could react, he walked towards his limousine, slammed the door, blew his horn and left. “Hell with you moron!!!” I shouted as he left.

The next day, same time when I was taking a walk on the street I heard a dog bark loudly and I looked back. And lo and behold! It was the same guy trailing behind his dog with a belt in his hand. “Hi!” he waved and smiled. “Oh, its you. Do you always create nuisance in public places?” I asked. “Why are you always in an annoyed mode? Don't you ever smile?” he asked. “It is not that.” “Then say hi to my buddy Pluto.” said he taking his puppy in his hands and raising the front of his pet's leg towards me. “Hi Pluto!” said I and caressed his fluffy back. “My name is Bobby. You can call me bob” said he. “I am Natalie.” said I as I smiled. “Do you live in the same street?” I asked. “Yes. I have just shifted. In the lane next to your's, first house, extreme right.” “Okay.” said I. Since then, we became friends. Going for a walk became a routine. We used to talk about everything. Right from relationships to global warming to gadgets. It was fun. I never had any friends in the area I belonged to. Moreover, I belonged to a rich and affluential family and so people were prejudiced towards me. May be they thought I had attitude problems. But I was pretty happy about the way Bob had approached me. Although our first encounter was not so pleasant, I was happy about the way it was going.
Wedding-Party

One day as I was checking through my smartphone, I received a Whatsapp message from Bob saying, “Hi Natalie! What are you upto?” “Nothing much! I replied. Just preparing power-point slides for my presentation at the office tomorrow.” “Can I help?” He asked. “I wouldn't mind.” I replied. “So why don't you come over to my home in the evening today and we make your presentation together?” “Sure.” said I as I wasn't very prompt with making PPTs and it was my first job experience. I visited Bob's place and when he opened the door, for the first time, my heart fluttered. He was wearing a purple colored T-shirt paired with grey jeans and his hair was unkempt. I don't know what charmed me about him. His blue eyes, his crazy ways of making me smile or his alluring talks. “Make yourself feel at home” said he as I sat on one of the couches. “You have a beautiful house.” I remarked. “Thanks” he said. “So what do you do exactly? I wasn't comfortable asking you about that all these days.” “Well, I take care of my dad's business. I own a limo firm in Palos Heights. We provide limousine for wedding, birthday parties, prom nights, concerts and more.” “Oh, is that why you flaunt your limo on the roads?” I winked and asked. “Well, not really. But that day, you were walking on the wrong track.” “Lets not talk about that.” I said.

Chef Bob presents, Cob Salad With Buttermilk Ranch Dressing made especially for my dear friend Natalie.” said Bob as he handed over one of the plates in my hand. “Wow! This looks awesome.” I said. “Tastes too. Dig in.” he said as we started having the best dish I had ever tasted. “And what is that?” asked Bob pointing towards the third finger on my left hand. “A ring...which binds me.” “Are you engaged?” came the next question and the moment I was dreading. “Unfortunately yes.” said I. “Why unfortunately? Aren't you happy?” “Well, that's the thing with affluential families. You don't really get to make a choice. And since I had found no one worth marrying, I agreed.” “That is bad.” he remarked. “All is well that ends well.” I said. “When is the big show happening?” “Don't call it a show, it is going to be a huge, grand wedding!” “Same” he said. “So whom exactly are you cheating on? Him, your parents or yourself?” “None. Lets not talk about it Bob” I exclaimed. “Okay. Brief me about your presentation, and I make it in half an hour while you relax.” said Bob opening my laptop. I briefed him about the same and sat across the couch watching him make the presentation. The turquoise blue pupils of his eyes were moving rapidly on the screen of my laptop and while looking at them, I was wondering, why on the earth did I get engaged. “And we are done!” said Bob in 20 minutes. “Wow! That was pretty fast. Thanks a lot” said I. “No problem. It was my pleasure.” said Bob. “Okay then, should I leave now?” “Why don't you stay over tonight?” he asked. “No.” I said. “I need to go through the PPT and catch up with some sleep for my presentation the next day.” “Fine, no pressure. Wait, I will walk with you and drop you to your house.” It was a beautiful starry night with the aroma of cherry blossoms in the air. I had so much to say but my ring, which sparkled even at night, reminded me of my relationship status.

I waved Bob goodbye and he left. In the next 5 minutes, my phone buzzed and my heart skipped a bit at the same time. I knew it must be Bob. “You looked stunning today. And I saw you staring at me.” “It doesn't really matter. I am getting engaged.” I replied. “All the best Natalie. But make sure you stay true to yourself.” said he. “We should not meet.” I replied. “Scared of creating unforgettable memories, huh?” he asked. I chose not to answer. The days of my wedding were nearing and I had decided to end all the conversations with Bob. He called and messaged for the next 15 days but I didn't respond. Finally, the day arrived. I was about to marry a man I didn't love. And grow old with him. My parents, friends and family had arrived. “Get dressed Natalie, we will be late.” said my mom knocking at the door of my room. “Give me 5 minutes mom.” said I. While I was putting on my tiara, something went ablaze inside me. I broke down and realized I loved Bob and possibly couldn't marry someone else. I quickly dialed Bob's number and he immediately picked it up. “Natalie! Where have you been all these days? I looked...” “Shhh...listen to me.” I interrupted. “I love you Bob and I don't want to get married to Joey.” “I love you too.” said he. “Send one of your limos at the back entrance of my house. I want to run away.” “Whoa! Are you serious? What about your family?” he asked. “ I will explain them. Too many questions Bob!” “Okay, one last question.” “Will you marry me?” “Yes!!!” I replied immediately. “Limo at your back entrance with a chauffeur in just 10 minutes ma'am!” “Okay. Thanks.” said I as I smiled. I was extremely happy and guilty at the same time. In about 10 minutes as my mom was still knocking at the door, I had decided to become a run away bride. A limo had arrived at the back entrance and it was decorated with lovely flowers and balloons. I opened the back door of the limousine and heard a familiar voice. “Where do you want to go miss?” I looked at the mirror and it was Bob! Dressed as a chauffeur! “Wherever you take me.” I said. We zoomed off in Bob's limo and got married at one of the nearest churches. I felt love, thrill and adrenaline rushes at the same time. I had taken the best decision of my life and I couldn't be happier. I was a run-away bride!

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

For My Heart to Heal!

Being divorced came in with a fortune for me. Especially because of my ex-husband Martin was a millionaire. He had left behind a huge empty mansion for me. Along with an empty heart...I knew he was cheating on me. And what could have been more disturbing then the truth being unfolded in front of your eyes? It had been more than 6 months and I still remember every moment of that night and the way we had fought. What followed were days and days of weeping, lamenting in front of my mom and abusing him. All for no good!

To be frank, I was quite sick of the daily fights. And hence, was enjoying my new found freedom. I had everything that any person would ask for. A good job, a huge house, parents. Everything and everyone, but a companion. It would be wrong if I would say that I didn't want one. But was it for falling in love again? Or healing my heart? I didn't know. I was working as a journalist in a firm. Days passed as I kept searching for a miracle to change my life.

One fine day, I was working at my desk engrossed in latest news that I had received. It was about the increasing importance of fencing services due to to the recent outburst of burglaries happening in the different areas of the U.K. “Sarah, we have someone at the studio. I want you to interview him and provide us with an excerpt of the interview. Fast.” said my boss. I hated this word. “Fast”. My boss always wanted everything fast. How on the earth can it be expected from a journalist who is trying to make her stories interesting and creative!? “Who is it that I have to interview? You should have at least given me some time to finish my current story.” I miffed. “Sorry darling, we have to cover this story. He owns a company in Essex. It is one of the biggest kitchen suppliers.” “So?” I questioned. “So, the company has been recently awarded for its quality of work and that is why we have to make it into a biggest piece of news. Now no more questions darling, just do it!” said my boss Emily as she left. “Good for nothing self-obsessed opportunists.” I murmured to myself as I walked towards one of the cabins. As I jolted open the door, I saw a guy in his mid-thirties sitting on the chair. He was quite an average looking man and was wearing a blue, well-fitted tuxedo with midnight sheen. It made him look very presentable and professional.

There was something about him that made me a bit nervous. But when he smiled, I felt much better. “Hello Sarah! Have heard a lot about you from Emily.” “Oh yes. Me too sir.” “You can call me Patrick.” He said promptly. “Okay Patrick. So let's have a short interview.” “Sure.” He said. One by one, I started bombarding him with questions and he answered each of them with a lot of interest, intelligence and wit. His calmness struck me the most. He looked as calm as the sky on the day after a storm. “Thanks Patrick. It was very nice talking to you.” I said. “It was my pleasure indeed.” he said in his deep voice. “Ahh...here's my card. If you or anyone else needs to revamp their kitchen.” “Of course, why not!” said I and accepted his card with reluctance. 'Patrick Harvey, CEO, Colonial Kitchens’ it read. He left and the day ended as it had to.

After a week or so, my mother called me and started complaining to me about the old steel racking in the kitchen which was troubling her. “I am sick of the old kitchen furniture and drainage. They are troubling me.” She said. “In fact I want to revamp the entire house. But as I spend most of the time in the kitchen, I would rather go for enhancing that first.” “Okay Mom. Calm down.” I said and without any further delay, I gave her Patrick's number. “And please talk to him nicely. He is the CEO of one the biggest kitchen revamping firms in Essex.” “Are you insane Sarah? Your dad has retired and we are not as rich as you to be able to afford services from such an expensive firm. I will have to sell off my jewellery for cash, if I want to get services from such a huge firm.”

“Mom pleases. Don't talk rubbish. Though it is one of the best firms, they provide services at quite cost-effective rates.” I said. After an hour or so, she called back. “Oh Sarah, I am so thankful to you for giving me Mr. Harvey's number. He immediately recollected being interviewed by you as soon as I gave him your reference. And he was very polite and well-mannered. His company also offers discounts. He said he himself will come to our place to take a survey around the place.” When my mom spoke, there was no full stop to her prolonged description. “Okay Mom. But make sure... “Okay Sarah, I have to go. 
The waste disposal company staff is here. I had called them for cesspool emptying.” And she put down the receiver before I could say anything further. I called Patrick to thank him. At the end of our conversation, I invited him for dinner to discuss about the kitchen revamping plans of my mom's place. He accepted it and I anticipated the day.

I cooked at the best of my abilities. And for the first time after so many months I dressed up to look beautiful. At 8 pm, the doorbell rang. It was him. I had never seen him in this avatar. A loosened red coloured t-shirt, a cashmere sweater and black jeans. “Look at that, you could almost pass for a bachelor. I remarked as he entered.” “Really? Thanks.” He said with a grin. “You have a beautiful house I must say.” “Is that Picasso? He asked as he started admiring one of the paintings on the hallway walls.” “Yes. It is.” I said.
“These bronzes are lovely too.” he said. “They must have been crafted by UK sculptors.” “Hmm..it seems you are an artifact lover.” I said. “Dylan bought them.” “Dylan?” he questioned. “My ex-husband.” I said. He could understand the discomfort in my voice.” “Oh I am so sorry. Are you...” “Divorced. Yes” I said before he could complete his question. “Well, everyone has their own story Sarah. Life is full of surprises. My wife passed away before 2 years in an accident. We had dreams, aspirations and zeal to achieve everything we hadn't.” He said.


Patrick and I had met to discuss kitchen plans but the conversation was leading us to a different path that night. With a glass of champagnes in our hands, we spoke our hearts out to each other. Without any intentions, of course. He had a dulcet tone which was embracing the air in my house like the perfume of night flowers. The next day when he left, I felt lonelier than ever before. I am waiting...For my heart to heal and his, to open up. Someday may be.

Monday, 25 August 2014

Fingers Crossed for Aditi!


Excuse me, my name is Aditi and I am badly in need of a job. It would be a real pleasure if you could give me one.” I was startled when I was looking at my computer screen and was suddenly interrupted by an Indian woman who was quite a charmer... She had layers and layers of long, jet-black hair falling on her shoulders with sparkling black eyes and a sharp nose. It seemed that she was quite worried and stressed out about something.

Yes ma’am. We do have vacancy in our firm and I guess you might know that we provide cash to people when they sell gold jewellery to us.” “Yes. I got to know through a media resource that your firm is looking forward to hire experienced and inexperienced workers.” “So do you have an experience...?” “No.” she said, before I could complete my sentence. “Here's my resume.” She quickly flipped through a folder she was carrying and handed me a cramped sheet of paper. “Thanks ma'am. One of us will get back to you in a couple of days.” I said. “Okay.” she said and quickly left in a cab she must have hired from Kingston. It was waiting outside for her.

Being a human resource manager of my company, I was quite surprised by the way someone had approached me. I wouldn't say it was rude. But it was definitely a peculiarity that I had never come across. I went through her resume. 'Masters of Arts with 80% from Jawaharlal Nehru University-Delhi'. It read. She had exceptionally high score throughout her academic career. With no background of economics or related experience, I was a bit skeptical as to whether I should be interviewing her or not. But there was a spark in her potential which prompted me to get back to her. In after 2 days, I gave a call on the mobile number that was mentioned in the resume. She didn't pick up. I left her a message to call me back. And needless to say, I wasn't surprised that she didn't pick up the call as she seemed to be quite unpredictable.

The next day she called. “Hello Mr. Connors. I am extremely sorry for not answering your call. I was in the middle of an emergency.” “No problem, Aditi.” I said. “This is regarding the job that you requested for. Would you mind dropping in sometime today and let us know something about yourself in detail?” “Yes sure. I will be there at 4 pm today. Is that fine with you?” “Yes” I said and she disconnected the call. At around 4:30, she stormed into my cabin. “Hello sir, it is a pleasure to meet you again.” she said by offering her small hands for a hand shake. I was quite amused by the way she was being all formal but I knew she was quite uncomfortable and wasn't being herself. “Hello Aditi. Please sit.” Although she had no experience in the field, I was quite impressed by the way she answered my questions. She seemed quite well-read and was aware about the gold market. I had decided to hire her for our firm. “So when can you join us?” I asked. “Now.” she said smiling. I quite liked her transparency. My preconceived notions about Indian women being shy and timid washed away. “You can join us from tomorrow.” I said.

Since the day Aditi joined, it seemed like she added a whiff of energy breathed into the work place. She would keep everyone upbeat, laugh, share and make the best of every moment. Not only that, she would see to it that every task is taken care of perfectly as there was no way we could be careless with what we did. One day, after everyone left for work, she and I were the last one to leave. She was waiting outside probably for her cab when it started raining. “It's quite late. Do you want me to walk you home?”  I asked. She reluctantly agreed and we started chit-chatting on our way. I couldn't stop looking at the water droplets clinging to the strands of her hair.

So how is London turning out to be?” I asked. “Mr. Connors...” “You can call me Will.” I interrupted. “Will, quite frankly, it is turning out to be a nightmare.” “What??? Why??” I exclaimed. “If you don't mind telling me.” I added. “Well, I was conned.” she said. “Conned?” “Into what?” I questioned again. “Into marriage. I was married off to an Indian guy who is a dentist in Whitton. When I reached here, I found out that he already had a girlfriend who lived in with him.”

How is that possible? Why did the guy marry you?” I asked “I wonder why. But with Indian families, it is mostly due to parental pressure. The entire scenario was a huge shock. The next day, he left me stranded at the airport asking me to leave the city at the earliest. He wouldn't even give me the divorce” “I can't believe someone as educated as a doctor would do something like this.” I said. “I know. I didn't inform my parents as they would be worried. And that is exactly why I was looking for a job so desperately.” she said. “Phew!” I sighed. “And why didn't you tell me about this ever before?” “Never got a chance to do so.” she said. “So what next?” I asked. I am planning to approach solicitors from a firm based in Twickenham. They might help me to set my divorce procedure straight.”

There was something special about that night. We chatted all night long on the bench outside her house and exchanged numbers. Aditi was always on my mind and I had never come across a woman as strong her. I fancied every moment that I spent with her. In order to make myself look good at workplace, I often used to visit a Reflexology clinic in Richmond. I have finally gathered the guts to ask her out. Even if it is a no, I will keep up with my efforts. I feel that she deserves better things in life. As my everyday habit, I am making the to do list and reading through it. Visit the hairdresser in Epsom. One of the points says. And the next task says, “Ask Aditi out.” I hope I can do it. I am sleeping with fingers crossed tonight.