A gap in your career would not restrict you to scale the heights with the strong background that you have. You can think of other alternatives like entering into the academics where there is a constant demand for computer professionals in institutions offering information technology, you can also provide consultancy to firms or open something of your own!!

You may consider taking up a Analyst or Consultancy job in a big Software companies, where there is lot of interaction with Clients.

Other option for you is to go for "Program Management". There is a certification program for that known as PMP. There is a big demand for Progam Managers in software industry.

Other option for you is to go and make a career in "Software Testing"

Hope that will help you decide which is the best option for you

All the best!!