TREASURES AND THORNS

Chapter Fourteen

OMNISCIENT

<Distractions and mischievous cramps>

The picturesque aesthetics of Ahmad's Mansion had left Rukkayya in awe. The structure was well erected and planned despite her amateur eyes. The architect had erected a masterpiece indeed. Rukkayya was standing by the balcony. She could see a glimpse of the said staff quarters. It seemed to her like a house attached to theirs. it had even been separated by a huge iron gate. She watched as people trooped in and out of the quarters in the moat quiet ways. She was surprised by how the activities of 80 other people had not once caught her attention. Even when she was looking down at them, they moved subtly and made little noise.

Ahmad had gone to the office as early as 6:30am, leaving Rukkayya alone at the breakfast table. He had skipped breakfast under the false pretense of eating at work. Meanwhile, he couldn't wait to get to work. The night had not proved to be restful. Images of big eyed cats hunted his sleep depriving him of the rest he needed. Burying himself in work always eased his tension so he left as early as possible.

"Welcome back sir! I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," the short dark skinned man said. He was still panting from racing to meet his boss. If loyalty had its limits, Mustapha had long crossed it.

"Thank you," Ahmad replied curtly.
Mustapha collected his boss's briefcase and tagged behind him as they took a lift to the sixth floor.

The young mogul was welcomed with greetings from several of the staff he met on the way. Ahmad was revered for his diligence, discipline and wit. The man was uptight and free from scandals. His name hardly caught the attention of gossip blogs because of his private life. They had feasted on his cancelled wedding for months after it happened.

"When is the meeting?" Ahmad asked as he sat in the executive chair in his office. He had already started flipping through the files his assistant had kept for him. The man knew him well, he had to give him that. Mustapha had kept up to his pace these past few months that he had spent buried in his work.

"Its at 10am sir."

"Good, I'll let you know if I need anything," Ahmad spoke and the man knew he had been dismissed.

"Going by the statistics I have just showed you, we have gained well over 80% profit from our investments in the said field," Ahmad glanced at the men sitting round the table and by the looks on their faces he knew none of them were leaving.

"If you still prefer to withdraw your investment, I'll start the procedure right away!"

"Ah no!" The pot bellied man with prominent tribal marks blurted. "We just needed some clarification, that is all," He said in a thick Yoruba accent.

"Yes and you have done justice to that!" The plumpy man opposite the first speaker said. The other men nodded frantically.

"Well that's a relief! It was nice meeting you all," Ahmad said.

"Sir, you handled them pretty well sir, that was impressive!" Mutapha said after they left the conference hall.

"They are like hungry lions, they won't stop roaring until you feed them."

In just a matter of hours, Ahmad had gone through all the files and ledgers that contained details of the happenings from the day he went on break. He had lost track of time until Mustapha came to inform him of the investors arrival.

"You are worst than your father!" the voice from the other end said.

"Walijam Mammy!" Ahmad laughed.