Undefiled Queen

Stephen’s POV

I was completely dumped in work with papers sprawled all over my office table. It’s been over a month since Mr Luke’s deadly declaration of his disease. Though the sickness had taken a toll, within weeks Mr Luke had rendered complete concentration over his work to the best of his health. I promised him, I would take care of his family whenever there would be a requirement. My phone buzzed after a short while and a smile embraces my features looking  at the caller Id.  It was my mom. “Hello son, it’s been a while since we met you. Of late you have been too engrossed in work. You rarely visit us.”  She complains like a five year old kid. “Mom, please don’t start again.”  I told her to sign the documents that required my perusal.  “Have dinner with us tomorrow. We can have a light chat and then you can get home.” I informed her in an affirmative and continued with work but with a smile adorning my face.

Next day I went to my parent’s house and had a refreshing dinner after a happy talk with my brother Eros. Over the past month he changed completely and became responsible. Eros completed his Masters in Mass communication and journalism from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He wants to be a journalist but dad insists on him to take over our family business. I intervened in the conversation and let Eros have some happy years of freedom doing work of his choice. He is recently absorbed in the post of a journalist in one of the leading newspapers of the country.

The next day

Buttoning up my coat, I walk to the conference hall in swift, long strides to hold a meeting with the department heads.  My secretary falters behind trying to keep up with my pace and holding out the phone for me to speak.  “No phone calls Neena during the summon for the conference meet.” I hold up my finger dismissing her abruptly while walking quickly.

“Sir I think it’s important. Mr Jack wants to speak to you regarding our upcoming project in collaboration with the pharma industry.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I turn back, giving her a stern look.  “This is my last warning to you.  I state my rules only once and I don’t like to repeat them.”   My secretary’s face goes pale within a matter of seconds.  In fear stricken eyes she stammers in a low voice.  “Sir, this would not repeat again.”

Walking to the conference room, all the department heads were holding in attention from their designated places. Wishing them quickly, I commence the meeting. “Mr Rafiq, what is your explanation on this?” I push the file to our sales head of department.  “Why are our sales depleting in basic consumables when our prices are reasonable and even a middle class consumer can afford it?  Remember if you do not give me a justifiable answer you would be quick to submit your resignation on my desk within the next couple of minutes.”  There was a visible distress appearing in the kinesics of the department heads.  Sucking the breath in his throat Mr Rafiq replies in trepidation. “Sir the raw material is not reaching our industry on time.  As a result our products are not able to meet the sales demand and our competitive firms are grabbing the market.”

A nerve ticks on my neck muscle and I fist my hand on the conference desk.  “So you keep your hands folded reading the whole story while our sales drop to a threshold point?  Why doesn’t the raw material reach our industries on time?  Answer me damn it!”  I growl sending the silent conference hall to vibrations. Gulping audible Mr Rafiq gets a feeble reply.  “Sir, please give me ten minutes. I will set the matters right.” I square him inscrutable.  “What were you doing all this while, Mr Rafiq?  Baking cookies in your home?  I need your resignation on my desk damn right now.”  Stating my objects lucid, I behest.  “Mr Mathew from today, you would be in incharge of this matter. Make it a point to brief me about the progress of affairs on a daily basis. The meeting is dismissed.”  I state leaving dreadful faces of my staff behind watching me walk away.