I loved my shoes so much. To say that they were an integral part of my life; would be an understatement. I love only a few materialistic things in life. And my shoes top that list.

My shoes were light brown in colour and were so comfortable that I always felt I was walking on rose petals. They were a gift from my mother on my thirtieth birthday and are very close to my heart. They have been my companion from last seven years. Not even a single day has passed in last seven years when I didn’t wear them.

Now you can imagine my plight when today I woke up in the morning and went to the shoe cabinet to find that my shoes had disappeared. Oh god!!!!! What should I do now? I have searched every nook and corner of the house but they are nowhere. I asked my wife and my kids about them but they are absolutely clueless. How can this happen? How can my shoes disappear from my own house? I remember taking an afternoon nap when I put them in the cabinet yesterday. My wife tells me that she had called the plumber back then to fix a leaking tap. The fact that the shoe cabinet is next to bathroom and the plumber was carrying a big bag can only confirm my suspicions.

Why this had to happen? He could have taken anything but not my shoes. I called the agency that sent the plumber but they told me rudely that the plumber is on leave from today. Only God knows where are my dear shoes right now. My wife and kids are saying that I am overreacting. They are saying that I need not worry about those century old shoes and buy a new pair.

But I can’t make them understand. Those shoes were my faithful friends. I remember walking alone on streets with nothing but them for company. On cold wintery nights engulfed with darkness, even my shadow left me- but not my shoes. They kept my feet warm and reminded me that all is well. They never asked me for something that I couldn’t give. They were just happy being a part of me.

I guess I have gone mad. Everybody thinks so. But let me take your leave now. I have a busy day ahead. I just hope it turns out well. Take care. Bye.

The busy day ahead was actually a wild goose chase to find exactly the same pair of brown shoes that were now lost. Every shop (big and small) was searched and finally they were there displayed in a run down shoe shop by the end of road. The sight gave utmost happiness and tears shone brightly in the eyes of the “common man”.