THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 88

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PA

RT 88

(Three weeks later)

Settling in our new workplace proved to be the best thing for the company. More so, we managed to create an office for HR, which Irene was to be staying so that she can move out of my office. My office was Facing Sally’s office and right next to my office was accounts office.

Ken was paid handsomely and kept his bargain with me, and on top of that, the directors were so impressed by his work such that they began giving him more contracts as referrals, but he did not stop working as a taxi driver.

But the place proved to be big such that having just one cleaner was not enough, but Loveynna was so determined to do the work alone even if it meant increasing her salary. So, one day I called her to my office to discuss with her about that. 

“Loveynna, you told me you have ideas on how you can handle this work alone, I wish you share with me please.” I told her.

“Yes, for example we can purchase a vacuum cleaner and an electronic mop that will make the work easier for me…” Loveynna said and continued to share with me so many ideas on how the work can be made easier. 

To say the least, she was intelligent and very dedicated to her work. She was so sure if we implement her ideas, she would handle the work all alone despite it being more than double of what our previous offices had. 

“You have good ideas, now go to Cynthia who is responsible for purchases, sit down with her, come up with a list of everything that you require. Bring it to me for approval and then you can go and purchase the items.” I told her and she left.

I went to Sally’s office.

“How do you see this place?” I asked Sally.

“I really love it. So spacious with a lot of fresh air. Makes me feel like working all through all the time.” Sally told me.

“Watch out not to overwork yourself.” I told Sally. 

“This place is big, will Loveynna manage to do all the work alone?” Sally asked.

“She has shared her ideas on how to work it out alone.” I told Sally. 

I shared with Sally Lovynna’s ideas, though she was not really impressed but she hoped it will work. 

Our conference hall was also big enough to accommodate even 30 people properly seated, and to add on that, it had a TV set connected to DSTV so that people would watch news at 1 pm. It was spacious and sound proof for maximum concentration. 

Front office had a waiting bay too for clients and it also had a small TV set too, which aired our adverts for waiting clients to go through and familiarize themselves with our services. 

=======

Cynthia and Loveynna went and purchased most cleaning items, returned with them and they were stored at same place where Collins also stored his tools.

But on top of that, it had become apparent that Loveynna was not comfortable working with Collins since the nature of their work demanded they work together often as she cleaned the offices and Collins cleaned the compound.

So, later in the day, I called Loveynna to my office to hear more from her.

“Loveynna, you have worked with us for almost 5 weeks, tell us what you think about this place, any challenges apart from tools, etc.” I told her as she sat down in my office with a faint smile.

“I generally love the place, the people are cooperative and willing to help, I also like the management since you take time to listen to employees.” She told me, sounding a bit shy.

“Tell me if anything is making you uncomfortable. I have noted that you leave some places unattended and do the work later. Why?” I was direct to the point. She looked at me as if surprised by the question. 

When she spoke, she was bolder.

“I feel I should tell you this now that you have requested. Collins is making me uncomfortable with how he keeps referring to me with my body shape. His explicit language and at times wants to even touch me against my consent. I downplay him but it is becoming too much. I think that is sexual harassment and I wish you would warn him for me, that is why I do not work with him I wait for him to finish his work before I commence in my work.” Loveynna told me. I had expected that. Collins was becoming a bother to all ladies in the company.

“Go and call him.” I told Loveynna and she went.

Soon she returned with Collins. I told her to go and leave me with Collins.

“Collins, Loveynna said you are sexually harassing her and she does not like it. I know we both are men, but this habit has to stop. It is not right when almost every woman is complaining about you. At least if you have to approach a woman, watch how you do it otherwise you will end up creating enmity with most women here. Remember, Celestine is out of here because of you, can’t you at least try and control yourself?” I told Collins who seemed shocked by what I just told him.

He looked at me as if to gauge if I was serious.

“It won’t happen again.” Collins promised.

“This is a workplace dude, let them feel comfortable with you.” I told him.

We talked a little more with Collins and he left.

=========

Immediately Collins left, I called Irene to my office.

“Irene, I want you to come up with work place policy touching on how people should relate around here. I know some work places have policies that guide people on how to relate, research on that and draft some, bring to me for review.” I told Irene who seemed surprised too. 

“Ok, I will, give me 4 days I will come back to you.” She told me.

“Otherwise, how do you find this place?” I asked Irene.

“It is nice, I like also working in my own office now.” Irene told me, but I knew she wished to work in my office. 

======

I went for tea break and as I went, I passed by Sally to go with her. We settled at a table at a corner of the café and ordered our tea.

“Sally, I want Irene to draft work policies on how people should relate here. Collins has been such a bother to the ladies around here bordering on sexual harassment and we need some guiding policies.” I told Sally.

“But won’t that be unfair? I mean, suppose we had such policies we could not have met in the first place perhaps.” Sally told me.

“No, people can date when outside here, but at least when people are here to relate like colleagues and also the policies to outline the measures to be taken against someone who is a bother like Collins.” I told Sally.

“Yes, but we cannot dictate on how people should relate.” Sally told me and I agreed with her.

“At least let us have some formal guiding policies. Sexual harassment is a crime anyway.” I told Sally. 

After a while we were joined by Carol and Letisha, but they sat at a different table.

My eyes roamed around and settled on Sally’s thighs. I began fantasizing about her as she was wearing a short blue tight skirt that revealed part of her thighs as she sat on the chair. I wished I would just caress her thighs. 

“By the way, have you ever made use of the private section of your office?” I asked Sally smiling.

“No, why?” She asked.

“Just interested, let us go and explore it.” I told her and we stood up to go.

On our way back to her office, I noticed that Letisha was wearing some designer dress that had a trade mark of having been designed by Carol. Carol must have noticed that I noted that, she looked at me and smiled. The idea of engaging Carol to design for us an official wear for our company came again into my mind.

======

As we got into Sally’s office, we closed her door and indicated, “busy” from outside as we went to explore her office. 

The tiny closet like bedroom was fully furnished with even a bed. It has a wardrobe too but Sally was yet to furnish it with clothes. I held her by her waist and pulled her gently to kiss her immediately we got into the room; she kissed me back in return. I was feeling like just making love to her but she told me, “Not now, we need to make this place better.” She smiled after telling me that.

“This is a fully executive suite and office, you need to make maximum use of it. The designer expects you to look at the top of yourself, smart and excellent. Ever noticed some business executives wear a certain manner in the morning, and differently in the evening? That is how I want you to be from now. Carol is a good designer we can engage her for some pay. “I told Sally. 

“Good idea, I like that, now you have seen the room let us go back to work.” Sally told me.

As soon as we settled in her office, she called Sally by the phone extension, but the call was not going through.

“I don’t understand, it is not going through…” Sally wondered. I took it and it was indeed not going through. 

“Let me go and call her as you wait.” I told her as I went to IT office.

“Carol, the phones are not working, have you noticed?” I told Carol as I found her working, Chris had gone for tea.

“I have not realized, Sorry.” She told me.

“We will talk about that later, come with me to Sally’s office.” I told her. She looked worried and I reassured her, “You are not in trouble, stop worrying.”

“Phew! I thought it had to do with the phone, I promise to check what is wrong.” Carol told me as we walked by the tiled corridor to Sally’s office.

=======

“Sally, Tony told me you are a good designer. Can you design for us a nice company attire reflecting even our color codes?” Sally requested Carol. 

“Yes, I had also suggested that too.” Carol said.

“Good, do around 3 designs, then bring them so that we can discuss them. How much time do you need?” Sally asked Carol. 

“About 1 week to design.” She said.

“Why so much time? I thought it was something you can do within hours…” Sally wondered.

“No, Madam Sally, I need to research on current trends and corporate outlook of most companies so that I can come with the best.” Carol said.

“Good idea, I did not think of that. Once you are done with at least 2, let me know. Try to design with 4 days so that we can discuss on time. Also, I have noticed the phones are not working, check that too and rectify soonest possible we cannot stay without office extensions.” Sally told Carol.

“I will do my best.” Carol said.

“You can go back to your work, and thank you for your good work.” Sally told Carol smiling and Carol smiled back.

As soon as she left, Maureen came in and requested to talk with Sally, I left them in the office and went back to my office.

As soon as I settled in my office, Irene came in.

“Tony, you are driving me crazy, Tony. I am pregnant with your child and you are all here acting like it does not matter. Why are you doing this to me, Tony. What did I do to deserve all this? Tony, I will go mad if this goes on like this.” Irene told me shaking with emotions.

I looked at her for a while.

“Irene, what do you want me to do? Suggest.” I told her as she sat on a chair, slightly facing the door.

“At least acknowledge me, at least have time for me, I am in emotional turmoil seeing you with Sally and behaving like you never did anything to me. Remember you took my virginity, you made me pregnant, Tony, I am human being, please have mercy on me, please. Every day is a torture to me.” Irene said in the verge of crying. I was getting moved by her emotions but I was restraining myself.

“Look, Irene, it was a mistake. But all the same, go back to your office we shall talk later, for now I want to do some urgent work.” I told her. However, she stood up and began coming towards where I was seated. To my surprise, she made to kneel in front of me but I restrained her.

“Tony, I am begging you, Tony, please accept me back. Even if I will be your second wife, all I want is to be with you, please Tony, please.” She was almost crying.

I thought of giving her a wild suggestion which I knew would be impossible for her.

“Sit down, I want to give you a suggestion.” I told Irene.

“I am listening…” She told me, sniffing once.

“I belong to Sally now, Sally now owns my heart. Go to Sally, talk to her and if she says yes, come back to me, if she says no, that is what I will abide with.” I told her and she seemed shocked.

“Tony, you know that is not possible to do!” Irene told me.

“Then there is no way I can help you.” I told her firmly. All I wanted was to get rid of her from my office.

As she was about to say something, I spoke firmly to her, “Irene, you are wasting my time. Go back to your workstation, we have a lot to do.” She stood up to go. On her way out, she stood at the door, looked at me briefly, then stood facing outside facing away from me. I did not know what was her intention but as she made to move, she slipped and fell down.

I immediately stood up to go and hold her up and before she hit the floor, I was already holding her.

Loveynna was passing by and she witnessed that, she stopped whatever she was doing and came to help me get Irene back to her feet.

“Irene! Irene! What is the problem?” I asked her.

“I don’t know, I feel like dying.” Irene told me as I placed her on the long office leather coach.

“Relax a bit, I think you are stressed.” Loveynna told Irene, I wondered how she realized that too fast.

“Give me some water, please.” Irene requested. Loveynna fetched her some water from my office dispenser and she drank it, laid down on the leather coach for a while.

“Breath in and out deeply, you will be ok.” Loveynna told Irene. Loveynna was conducting herself like a nurse since she administered first aid upon Irene, even using some washcloth to cool down Irene’s temple of her head. I just watched from my desk.

Loveynna left, and I was left there with Irene once more. I kept wondering, was she so stressed to a point of getting sick? Was she acting? But judging by how she felt hot when I touched her, it was obvious she was in turmoil.

“Irene, can you stand up? Go back to your office, I will find time to talk to you.” I told her. She silently stood up and went.

=====

There was something mysterious with Loveynna though. She was rather too smart to be just someone unlearned. The way she even handled Irene puzzled me. As I was thinking about Loveynna, Cynthia brought some orders for approval.

“Find Loveynna for me, tell her I need to see her in my office.” I told Cynthia as she went out.

Loveynna came into my office and sat by the coach facing my desk. She said, “You called me Sir.”

“Yes, I called you. Tell me, do you have any formal or professional training?” The question seemed to take her by surprise. 

“Yes, after form four, I joined college to do Nursing, but I dropped due to lack of school fee. My sister was paying for me but was unable to due to some circumstances so I terminated my learning.” Loveynna revealed to me.

“I observed how you handled Irene and noted something you did that could only mean you knew what you were doing. Ok, go back to your work, we shall think about that further.” I told her.

“Thank you.” Loveynna told me and walked out of my office. She made me think about Sally and how she worked as a tea girl before we even realized she was such a highly qualified professional. It even made me think of how many people could be wasting their potentials due to lack of money. It even made me think of how we could tap her potentials to make use of her knowledge in our company.

As I was thinking more about Loveynna, Carol came to my office.

“I cannot seem to locate where the problem is with our phone network, please assist us on that.” Carol requested.

“Ok, come with me, perhaps you might learn a thing or two.” I told Carol and we went with her at the switch box which connected all phones and computers in the company. When I got there, I realized there was a cable which had been wrongly crimpled with RJ 45 yet it would need to be RJ 11 for phone network hence why at times it connected and at times it disconnected.

“Look, this is the problem.” I told Carol, she laughed lightly and I wondered why.

“Tony, I am too short to see there.” Carol said lightly.

“Oh! Sorry.” I laughed too. “Go and pick a stool, climb on it and you will see.” I told her and she picked a stool to step on it.

She could not climb so I had to hold her by her waist to assist her to get up the stool. She inspected the switch box too and I assisted her to terminate the cable with the correct RJ.

“I need to climb down now.” She told me. As she made to bend her knee to get down, she realized she was unable to. So, I made a suggestion to her.

“Hold by me and climb down.” I told her. She firmly held onto my chest pressing me with her boobs so hard as I assisted her to get down. She laughed a little as she held me tightly by my neck and moved her head playfully such that one of her braids hit my eye with one end. 

Holding her to my chest made me feel a rush of physical desire and lust all over me and knowing she was positive made me realize how much I should not feel that way for her; but that made me feel similarly about her sister who was almost an exact replica of Carol, and even taller. As I was fantasizing, Carol told me, “Put me down now!” I had so much concentrated on holding her to a point I had forgotten I was only helping her to climb down.

As soon as I put her down, I realized her sister was standing at the door of the server room which had the switch box looking at us keenly. Carol seemed startled seeing her standing there. However, Loveynna smiled and said, “Can I come in and clean the room?”

>>>To be continued>>>

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 87

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 87

We just put on our bathrobes and prepared supper together, and that evening we did not even switch on the television. We ate together, washed the dishes together and even ironed our following day clothes together.

We went to bed and made some sweet romantic love, with a lot of Taoism in order to promote s3xual healing amongst us until we just passed out and slept like little children.

=======

Cut out scene.

(The 2 pages with the Taoism erotic scene)

=======

We must have slept without knowing since by the time I woke up, it was some minutes past 3 am in the morning. Whereas I slept on top of the blankets, I woke up under blankets.

Sally woke up too briefly. 

“Did you cover me?” I asked her.

“Yes, you slept almost immediately you nearly passed out on top of me, so I rolled you over and covered you.” Sally told me. That was so caring and kind of her considering the night was cold. Sally just treated me like a baby, her baby and I knew she was going to be a good mother. 

I went back to sleep and we slept holding each other.

======

In the morning, Sally woke up and cooked some millet porridge which we drank, prepared to go to work and off we went.

When I got to my office, Irene had already come to office and she greeted me.

“You did not get time to review my yesterday’s work.” Irene told me handing me over her flash disk.

“Oh! Yes, thank you. Let me go through it.” I told Irene.

I went through the constitution silently.

“This is good work, let me send it over to the boss for review.” I told Irene and sent the document to Sally. It was not a long document, but it had details of welfare constitution.

Immediately Sally saw it, she called me to her office. 

“The constitution is good, but I want some few things amended. For example, when someone comes into the company, he or she is automatically a member and membership cease immediately you leave the company.

Also, contribution should come direct from salaries, at end month. Contributions to be uniform.” Sally said and made notes. She reverted the document to me via email and I went to discuss it with Irene in my office. 

So, I called Irene to come sit close to me in my office but as we discussed I realized she was not paying attention.

“What is the matter?” I asked her.

“Tony, I feel so lonely, I miss you, I miss the times we were together. I feel bad now that I am pregnant with your baby and you are out of bounds. I cry almost every night remembering everything about you. Please Tony, consider me too. I am a human being with feelings too. You are completely ignoring me like I don’t exist, like there is nothing between us. This is not fair. There is a child between us. Tony, please be human to me at least. I know you cannot leave Sally but at least consider my feelings too.” Irene told me sounding miserable. 

“Irene, I am sorry for what happened and I regret you are pregnant, but there is nothing I can do.” I told Irene.

Irene made an attempt to touch my hand.

“STOP IT! This is a work place, and you better carry yourself professionally.” I told her almost shouting and she immediately backed off.

As I was thinking what to tell her next, Carol knocked at the door. I told her to come in and immediately she came in accompanied by a lady who by all means you would not need to guess twice, she was her sister. 

She was slightly taller than Carol, not as dark as Carol but almost chocolate and the rest of herself was like Carol, body shape, walking style and size of her ass. But I could tell her style was not like Carol, she wore more decently.

“Meet my younger sister. I am introducing her around. I went to boss office and she told me she is a bit busy so she suggested I take her around she will talk to her later. She will introduce herself.” Carol said.

Carol’s sister extended her hand to shake my hand.

“Hi, my names are Loveynna Imbuhira Imbuyaza, Carol is my elder sister. Pleasure to meet you.” She said. Her voice was high pitched and as I looked at her eyes, she looked sleepy and I wondered whether she just arrived that morning.

“Welcome, did you travel tonight?” I asked her.

“No, I got here yesterday.” Loveynna told me and I thought perhaps those were her natural eyes.

She greeted Irene too excitedly and shook her hand.

“Looking forward to know you more.” Irene told Loveynna.

“At home we call her love, sort of a nick name.” Carol told me and they both laughed slightly. 

We all laughed and Irene said, “Ok, we shall be calling her love, sounds easier to me.” 

To be honest, love sounded easier to pronounce and the other Luganda names were more difficult to even pronounce. But calling someone love sounded peculiar to me. 

Loveynna to be honest was super sexy and it looked odd having her work as a cleaner. That meant she was a lady who carried herself with absolute humility. I knew she would drive Collins crazy and I hoped she was not HIV positive too, crazy wild thoughts.

I went to have some tea and left Irene in the office working on correcting the document of welfare constitution.

At the café, I met Sally seated with Loveynna briefing her on her roles. She sat with legs closed listening keenly but her huge hips protruded from her small chair she was seated on. 

“In case you have an issue, feel free to forward it to my office or to Mr. Tony’s office. We encourage openness around here.” Sally told her as I sat to drink my tea.

“Our offices are completed, I will procure the services of a certain company which helps people to move places to help us settle there. We should settle there and begin working from there by next week.” I told Sally.

“Oh! Great. Do that soonest, we should be out of this place now. It is getting smaller for us.” Sally told me.

As soon as I finished my tea, I went to Collins.

“Collins, we shall be moving out of here tomorrow. I want you to ensure everything that can be packed is packed and arranged. Ensure everything shall be safe. When the guys come, assist them as much as you can.” I told Collins who was still working in the compound. 

Sally was walking with Loveynna back to office when Collins saw them and his mind completely switched off from what I was telling him. He watched her until they got inside the office. No sooner had she disappeared than Collins looked at me and said, “DAMN! Who is that?” 

“Collins, concentrate with what I am telling you.” I told Collins authoritatively.

I briefed him on everything and I went back to Sally’s office.

“I need some money to pay the moving company as a down payment today.” I told Sally. 

She approved some Kshs 30,000 for me and off I went.

On my way out, I met Cynthia coming back from some shopping. 

>>>To be continued>>>

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 85

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 85

The following morning when we got to our workplace and I settled in my office desk, the first person to come to my office was Cynthia. She got into my office smiling.

“Good morning, Tony.” She greeted me.

“Good morning, Cynthia, you never told me the results of your test.” I told her.

“I tested positive.” She said and smiled.

My mind went into a wild drive trying to imagine the consequences of that, and wondered why she was all smiles. As if she thought it would be good news for me. I felt so tensed and told her.

“Cynthia, stop playing games, positive for what?” I asked her.

“Positive for malaria. Gosh we were talking about malaria what else do you think? I decided to rest yesterday but I have some medication to take me through. They also told me I am a little stressed and I should take it easy with life.” Cynthia told me.

I felt so relieved when she said that, at that juncture, that would be the last thing I wanted.

=========

There was a lot of uncertainty as we prepared for the return of Irene. I still had not gotten a plan on how to create a position for Luke who had since then promised to come back; and I really wanted him to come before Irene came. 

As I was thinking about that, Abdi came to my office.

“I wish to get a few off days to go home. It is an emergency.” Abdi told me.

“What has happened?” I asked him.

He appeared a little thoughtful. 

“There are people who came to our home and attacked. They took off with our camels and I have been called by my father to go and assist in retrieving the camels.” Abdi told me. He sounded like he was ready to go for war.

“Abdi, I do not know what you mean, but we are going to grant you a few days.” Before I even spoke more Abdi said, “I need one week.”

I granted him off days after he applied for them and I approved.

He promised to return as soon as he was done, and it was paramount for him to return as he was the head of the accounts department. 

-----------

But even after one week, Abdi had not yet returned and when I called him, he told me they were yet to trace their over 1,000 camels and they were heading to Somali land to try to trace them. He even told me he won’t be able to communicate as they were headed for some remote location where there was poor network coverage. With that, his position was declared vacant.

That was the perfect opportunity to return Luke who was more than eager to return with the promise of double Salary.

Luke won the favor of directors fast due to his experience in financial auditing knowledge. After he was approved, there was no need to conduct an interview on him, he was just told to report to work on a Tuesday morning.

Luke arrived wearing a smart grey suit. I took him round introducing him to the newest company employees, briefed him on the changes that the company had undergone and any other thing that was necessary for him to know.

Luke was also keen not to greet people with his usual, “praise the lord” phrase, but I thought it was due to him being careful not to offend people with his strict religious beliefs.

Within that one week, however, it was becoming apparent that Celestine’s condition was worsening as the abortion seemed to have taken toll on her; she was bleeding every now and then and she decided to quit and go to her rural home and that meant we needed to hire another cleaner soonest. Collins felt so bad about it. I had always been against abortion and that even made me fear ever making someone pregnant and urging her to abort. 

Luke quickly got well along with Letisha, owing to the fact that they hailed from same rural area in Nyanza and it was apparent that with them, accounts department was locked and complete. Luke came right on time since the day after, was the day that Irene was to report and begin working. I told Luke about Irene and ensured that Luke would act as much as possible like he is in control of the accounts department, and on top of that, I told Letisha she is to work under Luke and she was comfortable with it.

The following day, Irene reported and was to first report to Sally’s office. They met and she was briefed about her roles and expectations, and was told she was to have her desk in my office besides working and reporting directly to me.

Irene seemed cautious about how she was handling herself and I could not tell whether she as just acting or she was regretting her previous actions in the company. But the fact that she was returning after being involved in massive theft of funds in the company was bizarre enough. 

All Irene’s roles were stripped and she was just left as a human resource manager, pure and simple. She was all right with it though as she seemed desperate for any job. Though she was never to be involved in any recruitment process, but just handling employees’ affairs.

“Welcome back, Irene.” I told her as soon as she settled in my office.

“Thank you, Tony.” Irene told me meekly. I could see she was adding weight, most probably due to her pregnancy which was beginning to reveal.

Irene was given a laptop from IT department and her rights in the system reconfigured to those of a HR manager. Her salary was also slashed from the previous salary she was earning before. 

“As you have seen, so many changes have happened. But most are for the better.” I told Irene.

“I have realized, I like it that way.” Irene told me smiling.

After sometime, Irene looked at me and told me.

“Tony, I really regret what I did. I wish it never happened.” Irene told me.

“We shall talk about it later if you don’t mind. Just feel much welcome back to the company.” I told Irene trying to dismiss her from thinking along that line.

“Tony, I noticed you are no longer in the IT department. Will I be breaking protocol by seeking assistance from you in case I have an issue?” Irene asked. I thought it for a while. I knew if I told her no, it would be against our company protocol which encouraged maximum stuff cooperation. 

“No problem, I will assist you.” I told Irene.

Chris with the help of Carol fixed an office extension for Irene too, with her number for her desk. 

People who knew much about Irene viewed her with some stigma though, most seemed like they were avoiding being close to her as it was apparent within the following few days in our work place. There was minimal interaction with Irene and the rest.

Sally also noticed that and on Friday afternoon, she proposed we hold a brief meeting on boardroom, apparently to let people speak out about their general feeling of their work. 

During the meeting, Sally raised several issues and encouraged people to feel free with each other.

“I particularly take this opportunity to welcome back our former colleague, Irene who we believe will be resourceful for our company. Irene will be the HR and will handle our issues around here.” Sally said.

Irene was grateful but it was Luke who really made the situation very easy for all of us.

Luke requested to speak. Irene was tensed when Luke stood to speak.

“I take this opportunity to also welcome back Irene, despite the fact that I also just rejoined. It is with great pleasure I say I am also happy to be here. 

At the heart of humanity, is the virtue of forgiveness. God commands us to forgive those who wrong against us. Despite what happened that led to my exit from the company, I already forgave and moved on. We are human beings and we are bound to fall into temptations from to time and perhaps aggrieve each other. We get angry, we get mad at each other and probably wish to take revenge. But we are moved by the spirit not to avenge on our own but to leave the battle onto the lord. We may have aggrieved each other in one way or another in the past, but with grace, we should forgive each other, come together, embrace each other and love each other as brothers and sisters. 

Without forgiveness, humanity would cease to exist. If we took upon us to hate and revenge, we will finish each other. An eye for an eye will eventually make all of us blind, and blind people cannot move on with the journey as cripples. We need to retain one eye if one eye is made blind. We as human beings, we need each other all the time regardless of our backgrounds or social status. 

The decision to forgive is a tough decision, but it is even tougher to seek for forgiveness. Pride has made most of us blind to love, but humility will open our eyes once more. We are meant to serve each other in spirit and love. See your brother and sister as your superior regardless of which position you are in. One time you are exalted and the next you are humbled, that is part of life.

When you are on top, do not step on the ones below you with an iron boot as you never know when their time comes to be on top how they shall treat you. 

So, I would urge each one of us, to forget about the past and move on. The past has a lot of precious lessons that can guide us towards our future. The past are the seeds that are growing in the present and we shall reap in the future. Discard the rotten seeds, and move on with the ones that need to bear fruits. 

Do not hold on to the past forever, how then will you grasp the future if you are still holding on to the past? The future needs us more than the past needs us.

Remember, without forgiveness, we would all be dead by now.

With those few remarks, I wish to thank Madam Sally for the honor of accepting me back here in the company. May you be blessed. I trust with your management, we shall reach far and we shall prosper.”

Luke’s speech that day was extra ordinary and inspiring. Everyone followed keenly.

Luke finished and sat down.

Everyone remained silent as if thinking about what Luke had just said. Luke’s words were like healing words to the tensed moment that was. 

Luke suddenly stood up and went to where Irene was seated, took her hand and embraced her. As soon as Luke sat down, Sally also went and embraced Irene and told her, “welcome back.”

Sally took control of the meeting once more.

“Luke, thank you for those fantastic words of encouragement and inspiration. I never knew you are such a good public speaker!” Sally said excited. 

“I am honored Madam. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I am also a preacher.” Luke said smiling with some pride.

We talked a lot more with Sally encouraging people to work together, cooperate and embrace togetherness in the company. 

After the meeting was over, Irene followed Luke to accounts office and they stayed there for the rest of the day together. 

========

“Tony, do you have in mind someone who can become our office cleaner? I have been very busy to source for one now that Celestine does not seem to be in a position to continue. Help me get someone if you can.” Sally requested me as we sat in her office for some time.

“I will.” I told Sally.

“And let it be a lady. Ladies are keen with orderliness and cleanliness.” Sally told me smiling. I laughed a little bit and told her, “I somehow agree with you.”

“I have a feeling Irene is remorseful about what she did. I guess life has beaten her and the fear of going to jail is all over her face, I guess she really wants to redeem her image.” Sally told me.

I thought for a while and told her, “Time will tell, but in the meantime, let us watch her. It is good we have Luke on our side too and I am sure she would not try anything fishy knowing Luke once busted her. Also, the death of her friend must have affected her too.” I told Sally.

The most important thing was, Irene was no longer going to handle any cashflow into the company, and that meant she was powerless with matters of finance for the company.

“Who is going to be processing the payroll?” I asked Sally.

“Accounts department shall be doing that. Irene will just handle staff affairs; nothing more. I was thinking that we can also form a staffs’ welfare group and I want to give her that assignment to keep her busy in the meantime. I will tell her to come up with the welfare constitution which I shall review later and discuss with her. At least she should be kept as busy as possible.”

Sally suggested a nice idea and I was for it too. But we proposed we should inform the other staffs so that they can offer some ideas into it too. 

“Tomorrow morning, remember to call Irene into your office and share with her that idea. I shall come a bit late. Remember I have to attend my prenatal clinic tomorrow then come here.” Sally told me smiling. 

“Oh! Yes, I was so into this job I had forgotten you had an appointment tomorrow. Take care of the little one inside there. He needs to come soonest enough, I can’t wait to hold him in my hands.” I told Sally and she caressed her abdomen which was now beginning to show.

“This means there are 3 women pregnant in this company. Me, Irene and Carol.” Sally told me.

“Oh! Yes, but there is only one queen who is pregnant.” I told Sally.

“Which queen?” She asked looking at me.

“You of course, the queen of my heart.” I told Sally, she smiled and stretched to caress my right hand and said, “Thank you, my king.”

She then looked at me and asked, “My dear, how does it feel for you to work under me here at work?” The question caught me off-guard. Actually, I had never even thought about it. Sally despite being my boss was never putting her weight over me at work. Even though at times we disagreed with work place decisions, the disagreement never went beyond the work place. She never took her seniority beyond the work place gate. Sally was earning far much higher than me and due to travelling often out of town to meet clients, that meant she had so many allowances too. She was exceptional. I had thought she would get proud as I used to hear about women who suddenly began earning better than their men, or got some seniority over their men, but Sally maintained her humility and servitude befitting a wife. 

Even at home she continued to treat me with respect.

“Sally, you are such a wonderful woman.” I told her and she smiled.

=======

As I sat doing my work before going home, I called Carol to my office.

“Carol, you had told me there is your sister at home who is not working. We wish to get a cleaner, can she do that in the meantime before she gets something else to do? There is a vacancy of a cleaner. Celestine is unable to continue working due to her health conditions.” I told Carol.

“Poor Celestine. I will talk to my sister and give you feedback tomorrow morning. Thank you for your consideration.” Carol told me.

“What are friends for?” I told Carol and she smiled. 

“She has never been to Nairobi so I am so sure she will be so willing to come over.” Carol told me.

“Is she older or younger than you?” I asked Carol.

“She is my younger sister, younger than me with 3 years, but we look like twins.” Carol told me.

I looked at Carol again. She was wearing a loose fitting long dark grey dress with white flower patterns but her body shape was very visible. I imagined her sister being exactly like Carol and that thought alone provoked some sensual feeling in me. As I was looking at Carol, she seemed to study my mind and told me, “She is even more beautiful than me; you will see her when she comes, if at all she will come.” Carol said and laughed lightly. 

“Cool. At least she will be busy for a while instead if idling in the village.” I told Carol.

========

“I told Carol to call her sister over to take the cleaner position. She promised to call her.” I told Sally as we sat to eat in the evening.

“Will she manage all that?” Sally asked.

“Why?” I asked Sally.

“If she looks like Carol, how will she carry herself? That job needs someone light and flexible.” Sally said.

I thought in my mind silently, if at all she was like Carol, then she would do it since Carol despite her full figure she was very flexible and active. 

“We shall know if at all she comes.” I told Sally. 

After we had our supper, as Sally cleaned the dishes I did the ironing of what to wear the following morning. 

=====

The following morning as soon as I got into my office, I got Irene had already arrived.

“Good morning, Irene.” I greeted her.

“Good morning, Tony.” She responded.

I settled on my desk, removed my laptop.

“We have an idea of making some staffs welfare. I would wish you think about it, draft a constitution for the welfare club, how much you feel each shall be contributing and compile them in a document, then you can forward to me for review then we shall discuss it with the management and perhaps directors too.” I briefed Irene. 

“That is a good idea, I will work on it and by evening perhaps I will have a draft for review.” Irene told me. 

I noticed Irene since she came back had been wearing more professionally than before. That particular day she was wearing a nice brown figure hugging long dress. Her stylish lifestyle was also not as evident as before.

As we sat doing our work, Carol came knocked, and came in.

“Good morning, Tony. I called my sister, she told me she will come in the evening and arrive tomorrow morning. She is willing to take the offer.” Carol told me.

“That is good to hear. Looking forward to seeing her.” I told Carol.

Immediately Carol left, Cynthia came with some orders to be approved and I approved them and she went to accounts department to pick some cash for purchase. 

No sooner had Cynthia left than Letisha came to my office.

“Good morning, Tony. We do not have access to the cash box.” Letisha told me.

“Oh! Sorry, let me come over and unlock it for you.” I told her.

Since the revelation of massive financial scandals, we invested on a password protected electronic cash box whose access codes were only known to me and Sally alone and since Sally had not come back yet, it meant I was the only one able to unlock it. It required a password and a finger print authentication in order to open. 

It also recorded the number of times someone opened it in a particular day so as no one would open it unnecessarily. Each time it was opened, it also took the photo of whoever opened it, albeit secretly and posted it to my laptop and Sally’s laptop. We had to be strict with the cash flow and monitor it.

“Tony, can’t we have the access codes to the cash box?” Letisha requested. Before I even answered Luke answered, “It is not necessary, all we need is the money and as long as the boss can open for us the cash box each morning, there should be no problem.”

“Don’t you trust us?” Letisha asked smiling at me.

Luke again said, “It is not a matter of trust, but sticking to your job description and roles.” He said smiling too.

As they talked, Zuhura came and after greeting us, presented her order to me for approval to have some money to restock the café. Her order was approved and Luke gave her Kshs 10,000. 

“And cook more bajias today, I feel like eating ten of them!” Luke told Zuhura as she went.

“You will get enough of them there.” Zuhura said on her way out.

“Don’t you feel cold walking bare feet?” I asked Letisha noticing she was walking bare footed on office tiles.

“I feel hot today, I am trying to cool off.” Letisha said and to my surprise, she smiled seductively, licked her lips while adjusting her tight skirt on her big hips. Luke who was looking at her seemed totally unmoved by that but it made my heart skip a bit.

I joked along, “Luke, preach to your sister here. She will make us fall into temptations.” 

Luke replied with a smile, “Temptations are there to make us stronger. Don’t run away from temptations, face them and emerge stronger.”

Letisha asked, “Am I tempting anyone? I am just being myself.” She finished that sentence and laughed.

“Ladies love putting men into temptations.” Luke said. Before anyone talked he continued, “But no one can make me fall from my faith.”

“Hmm, Luke, I will try you one day and see if you can resist me.” Letisha teased Luke as I was watching at them. 

I wanted to tell Letisha that Luke was a staunch Christian who cannot fall easily but before I said so, I heard Sally’s office open and I left to see if it was Sally who had gotten into her office from Clinic. 

>>>To be continued>>>

As narrated by Dr. Love. 

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 84

THE ROMANTIC OFFICE SAGA: PART 84

That whole afternoon, my mind was so disturbed. What was Cynthia hiding from me? I decided if she was pregnant, I was going to make her do an abortion however much I hated abortion. I could not bear having her as a stumbling block. I knew if Sally ever came to know about her, she would never forgive me. I was so disturbed to the core and so unsure of what to do. I did not bother calling her but I wondered what she meant by coming to tell me the results the following day.

I was so lost in thoughts I did not realize that a blackout had happened and power was off until Carol came to my office.

“Excuse me Tony, I am not able to start the generator, I don’t know what is wrong.” She told me.

“But we just refueled it the other day?” I told Carol. We usually used to fuel the generator with a lot of fuel enough to last it for 2 weeks non-stop using it 12 hours per day in case there was a one-week blackout and one week had not elapsed and we had not gotten a power blackout recently. Unless that generator was leaking, there was no way that fuel could have been exhausted.

“Ok, let us go and check.” I told Carol and I accompanied her to check it. To my surprise, there were all indications that the generator’s fuel had been syphoned but there was no way to know what happened or who did it. 

“Carol, someone been stealing the generator fuel.” I told Carol noting that the gauge was reading so low, too low to even kickstart the generator. 

“So, does it mean we cannot work now without this?” Carol asked pointing to the generator.

“Yes, we will be unable to work today. Send Collins to fetch more fuel for it. Go and place an order.” I told Carol. She did just that and Collins left to go and buy the fuel.

I went to Cornelius and told him to monitor closely the generator to establish who perhaps was syphoning our fuel. 

We stayed idle for the rest of afternoon since Collins returned almost 5 pm. 

======

By the time I got home, I found Sally had already cooked supper. We ate almost silently watching some TV as we were both tired and went to sleep early.

======

The following morning, I met Celestine already cleaning up offices. Sally did not go straight to work as she had some clients to attend to. However, she gave me the money meant for our office usage. The first thing I wanted that morning was to meet Cynthia. I looked around for her to come but she did not seem to be around. I called her number and she did not pick. I called Maureen who was her immediate supervisor to ask her if she knew Cynthia’s whereabout but she did not seem to know too.

“Yesterday she was not feeling well, that is why I am concerned.” I told Maureen.

But my mind was not at rest so I called Sally.

“Hello, has Cynthia communicated to you? She has not come to work yet.” I told Sally.

“Yes, she texted me and told me she is not feeling well, she shall come tomorrow. There were some items accounts wanted to purchase, you can send Celestine in the meantime.” Sally told me. She did not mention what was Cynthia suffering from. The suspense was killing me and anxiety too. It felt like mental torture to me.

During tea break, I sat with Collins.

“Collins, you told Celestine to abort. Did she tell you which hospital she aborted?” I asked Collins. 

“Yes, it has some nice nurses who does the procedure at a small fee. Why? Have you fired live bullets somewhere which you want to get dislodged?” Collins asked jokingly.

“Oh! No, I was just asking as a matter of interest.” I told Collins trying to smile.

“Come on dude! There is no harm in it, if you do not want to get into some shit, let the bitch abort.” Collins sounded like he was aware.

“What bitch?” I asked Collins.

He looked at me, laughed and said, “Of course Letisha, I know you have been screwing that bitch for a while, that lady has a nice ass too why lie?” I was shocked by Collins statement.

“Collins, you are imagining things or you are plan crazy. What are you talking about?” I asked Collins genuinely surprised. 

“Tony, you are my friend, come on! Why could you hide that from me?” Collins pressed even further, making me more puzzled. 

“Collins, can you get straight to the point and tell me what you mean!” I raised my voice with agitation. 

Collins scanned the area as if to confirm that no one was listening to us. He leaned forward, smiled and told me, “Tony, I was also seducing Letisha, but she turned me down. She even told me that she is your side dish and that is why she cannot accept me. She even narrated to me how you approached her, how you seduced her, how you fucked her in a guest house, and such things. Tony, stop pulling my legs, just tell me the truth. Are you fucking Letisha?” 

“DAMN! That woman is crazy! I was not even into her. There is nothing going on between us! What the hell is all this about?” I wondered.

“Ok, don’t freak out. May be the lady just wants you. That is her own way of trying to attract your attention if she noticed you are not interested in her. That lady will just open her thighs for you once you request her. She wants your dick man, give it to her!” Collins told me.

“Collins, I have Sally. I do not want any other woman. And she is NOT pregnant for me. Get that into your head.” I told Collins.

“Easy man, Easy! Blast that ass man, there is no harm in it.” Collins insisted.

“Collins, I am not interested in that woman.” I told Collins, but that disturbed my mind. What if such destructive rumors reach Sally? How would she react? This Letisha girl was crazy. How did she even think of that? And if Collins knew, who else knew? I decided I was going to confront her and she would have to tell me what she meant with such stupidity.

“She will have to tell me what she meant.” I told Collins as I left for my office.

When I got into my office, I called Letisha to my office.

“Close the door behind you and have a seat.” I told Letisha.

She did that and I read some fear in her.

“Sir, have I done something wrong?” Letisha asked me as soon as she sat down.

“Yes, Letisha. Someone told me some damning rumors about you and me. Collins specifically told me that you told him that I have been seducing you, and you are my side dish, and that I had sex with you in a lodging. Tell me what is the meaning of all that. I am not pleased with that.” I told Letisha.

She began to shake and remained silent. 

“Letisha, talk to me! You know that I am married and I would not entertain such nonsense from you. Can you tell me WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?” I shouted at her until she shook from her chair fearfully.

“Tony, I am sorry. I had no choice.” Letisha told me and remained silent. 

“…what choice? You are wasting my time and if you fail to talk I will take stern action against you…” Before I even finished talking, Letisha broke down, completely throwing my thought process off course.

“Tony, I know this will not make sense to you. Collins seduced me and I had no other way to turn him down. But that is not the issue, the real issue is, you have a lot of semblance with my immediate ex. The man looked exactly like you. Height, body size, everything and when I first saw you I thought I am seeing him. He was my true love, my real soul mate. He loved me with my child as if the child is his, but I was not lucky with love. The man got snatched from me by another lady who was a married woman. I tried everything to win him back but it never worked. One day, I followed him to where he was with that woman and we nearly fought. As we were quarreling, the woman’s husband showed up. He was a police officer and once a fight ensued, he shot the man twice in the chest and he died instantly. I got depressed and nearly lost my mind after that. That is why I had sworn to never fall in love again but once I saw you, all old memories flooded in my head. I cannot stop fantasizing. I feel like an emotional wreck and totally helpless. I know you won’t understand me but I kind of fell in love with you but I know you are married so every day I see you it is just agony.” Letisha said and the more she talked the more she cried.

I was at a loss on how to handle her, and worse, I never wished Sally to come and find her in that situation. I thought fast.

“Ok, Letisha, I have heard you, now I want to caution you. Stop spreading malicious stories about me and you. That is wrong and it has to stop immediately. Now go back to your office.” I told her firmly. 

She stood up and told me, “Please forgive me.” 

“I have forgiven you.” I told her.

“Thank you.” She said and left.

The whole story sounded crazy. How can someone fantasize to that extent? Was she infatuated? How would I even be similar to someone else in this world?

=======

Sally later came at around 11 am.

“I have met with Kamau, he told me we should expect Irene soon, how soon he did not say it. He even told me to craft some office space for him inside here in your office.” Sally told me.

“Ok, as they wish, this is their company. If this madness goes on, I will look for another job.” I told Sally, she smiled.

“Is that why you had written a resignation letter?” Sally asked.

“How did you know?” I asked her.

She laughed.

“It is still in one of the office cabinets in my office. It was never presented to directors.” Sally told me.

“Go and get rid of it.” I told Sally. She smiled and said, “Yes, sir!” and she went out of my office.

During lunch time, I told Collins the details of my conversation with Letisha and she looked very amused.

“That is not funny.” I told Collins.

“Dude, I know but, Letisha is crazy, if not crazy about you, what a story? Is she even true or she just made it up?” Collins wondered.

“I don’t care, let her stop it.” I told Collins.

A little a while and Sally joined us for lunch.

“Zuhura, I am so famished. What do you have?” Sally asked taking a seat.

Zuhura served Sally after Sally ordered her favorite.

“So, when do we expect Luke and what plans do you have to have him here?” Sally asked me.

“No plan yet, we shall know soon.” I told Sally.

Abdi joined us and ordered. They spoke a few Arabic sentences with Zuhura before breaking out laughing.

“Wow! You guys know Arabic?” Sally asked them.

“Yes, a little. We get taught while young in Madrassa.” Abdi told us.

“Islam is a complex religion.” I said. Both Zuhura and Abdi looked at me.

“It is a religion of peace.” Abdi told us.

“But you guys kill a lot. Why?” Letisha asked joining the conversation.

“Sinners deserve death, it is ok to kill Kaffir.” Abdi said with a serious tone.

“Who is Kaffir?” Chris asked joining the conversation. Abdi looked at him and said in a calm tone, “Anyone who does not believe in Allah and Mohamed his holy messager is a Kaffir deserving death.” Abdi said.

“Damn! That means you can kill all of us.” I told Abdi.

“Ah! No, personally I do not like killing. There is no point in killing a human being anyway. Let each one of us follow his religion in peace.” Abdi said and smiled.

“That sounds better for us now.” Chris said breathing a sigh of relief.

All along, I kept wondering what could be wrong with Cynthia and why wasn’t she communicating. It was tormenting me but I did not want to call her not to sound creepy or desperate. 

=============

The whole of afternoon, I kept thinking what Letisha told me. I even wondered whether she just made up the story. But why would she make up such a bizarre story?

Suddenly, I head Letisha scream from their office and I rushed to see why she was screaming, on reaching there, I found Abdi standing almost at the reception door running away.

“What is it with you two?” Sally asked them.

“It is in there, check it!” Abdi said.

“What is in there and why are you running away?” I asked them as I got into their office. 

To my surprise I found a frog under their table. 

I laughed. “So, you guys are screaming all over running all because of a tiny frog?” I asked them taking some paper to trap the frog and throw it outside.

“It will bite you!” Letisha said.

I did not care, I got hold of it and went with it outside. Abdi and Letisha got outside to see me throw the frog. Sally was laughing asking Abdi, “Such a big man like you, and you fear such a tiny frog?” 

“Madam, I hate those things.” Abdi said.

“You are the man in the office, how can you fear a frog?” Letisha teased Abdi.

I teased Letisha as if to throw a frog to her and she nearly screamed.

“Oh! Please! Don’t try that please…” Letisha shouted making for the door to run away and in the process, she passed in front of me swiftly her bug buttocks brushing my flaccid dick inside my trouser in the process.

“Such a big woman running away from such a tiny animal!” I teased Letisha and everyone laughed at her.

“I have a phobia for tiny animals.” Letisha told me.

“Ok, go back to your office, all is well.” I told them.

“Thank you, Tony! I never could touch that thing.” Abdi said walking with long strides to get into the accounts office. Letisha followed him.

“What if a snake ever comes into your office what will you do? I guess you shall break the wall while running away.” I teased both of them laughing at the end.

==========

That evening on our way home with Sally she told me.

“I like Letisha, she is more hardworking and dedicated to her work. Abdi likes to be supervised a lot and he is forgetful, the only thing good about Abdi is that he has done a lot of accounts and knows a lot in accounting but the problem is, he must be pushed around in order to perform.” Sally told me.

That meant it would not be possible to convince Sally to lay off Letisha, personally I liked Abdi due to his extensive knowledge in accounts despite his way of working which needed to be pushed around all the time.

“Who among the two would you wish to retain?” I asked Sally.

“Letisha.” She answered affirmatively. 

When we got home, I tried calling Cynthia when Sally was bathing but she was not picking her call.

>>>To be continued>>>

As narrated by Dr. Love.