The company episode 7 – finale
The company 7 (the end)
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As the chairman vetted out his anger on the managing director, the other members of the board tried to calm him down. After some minutes of anger and pacification, the chairman sat back on his seat and the meeting continued. But the chairman insisted that the managing director must leave the room while the board decided on how to handle the case. The managing director excused himself and went outside.
Outside the room, the managing director saw Stanley sitting calmly and pressing his phone. He walked and stood in front of Stanley. Stanley felt uneasy as he didn’t know what to expect from the managing director who was by then a wounded lion. The managing director stared at him for some time before saying “you want to be the giant killer, huh? We’d see where that will end for you”. After saying that, he walked on. Immediately he left, Stanley heaved a sigh of relief and went back to his phone.
Stanley waited for another two hours before the board called him back in. When he entered the room, he could tell from the expressions on the faces of the directors that there was good news to receive. He quietly sat and waited. Not quite long after he sat down, a female member of the board started addressing him. “Mr Stanley Edeh, it is with displeasure that we the members of the board of directors of Penmarking plc receive the news of what you went through while trying to save the company from doom. The approach of the managing director in handling the issue is not acceptable and we totally condemn it. On behalf of the entire company, we apologize for whatever discomfort and hurt his actions must have caused you and your family. We assure you that your family is safe from any threats whatsoever. We also commend your perseverance in pursuing the truth even when your life was threatened. We say a big thank you for protecting the image of the company”, the woman addressed.
When the lady finished speaking, the chairman spoke. “Mr Stanley, having heard our position on the matter, how do you wish we proceed?, the chairman asked. Stanley was flattered by the question and he blushed a little before replying. He told the board that he had no right to say how they should proceed. He stressed that the board being the highest authority in the company reserved the right to decide what to do. However, he made it known that his utmost concern was making sure the fluid would never be let into the market.
After giving his reply, the chairman assured him that the fluid would be discarded. He also told him that because of the circ-mstances at that point, the company would not surcharge the staff who failed to do their jobs properly which resulted in the bad fluid. That gladdened Stanley’s heart as he was very concerned about his colleagues. As he was still enjoying the win, the chairman added “from this point, you are reinstated. You will receive a bonus of six months of your basic salary. Thank you once again”. Stanley was so happy. He heartily thanked the members of the board and left.
As he drove home, he had the smile of satisfaction and accomplishment on his face. He had won at last. He couldn’t wait to break the good news to Anita. By the time he got home, it was slightly past dusk. He was too excited to remember he had a fight with his wife. Immediately he entered the house and received a cold welcome from Anita, his mind was refreshed. The excitement vanished. The events of the previous night flooded his mind. Evidently, a peace-less home is life limiting. He only managed to tell his wife about the outcome of the meeting and received a shallow “thank you. Congratulations”, in return.
Later that night, Anita refused to sleep in their bedroom again. She went to sleep on the couch as she did the previous night. Stanley couldn’t bear it any longer. He couldn’t allow the malice to linger. He went to the sitting room to talk with his wife. When he got there, Anita was fast asleep. He gently woke her up with taps on the back. When she saw him, she sat up and shifted farther from him. Stanley didn’t mind, he rather spoke. “Babe, I am sorry I went behind your back to do the thing I promised not to do. I didn’t do it because I don’t care about your feelings or the lives of your parents. I did it because my conscience wouldn’t let me rest and approaching the issue head on was the only way we could live without having to look over our shoulders. I know you are hurt, but please forgive me”, Stanley begged. Anita didn’t say anything. She sat quiet as she clutched her arms around her legs at the edge of the couch.
Stanley went close to her and held her hand. She pulled her hand away. “You didn’t think it was wise to prepare my mind for whatever would have happened? What if something had happened to you? This union, us, no longer mean anything to you. That was why you didn’t think of discussing with your wife before taking such a big risk. I get the message, Stanley. I need a break”, Anita said while sobbing. Stanley asked what she meant by saying she needed a break and she told him she needed a break from him and the marriage. “Tomorrow, I will move some of my things to Ifeoma’s place. I will stay there for a while. I need to clear my head”, Anita said.
Stanley couldn’t believe what he heard. The thought of staying apart from the only woman he knew how to love made him mad momentarily. He rushed to Anita, held her on the shoulders, looked directly into her eyes and said “you are my rock and strength. You are my happiness and courage. Without you I am vulnerable and weak. If you leave me, I’m not living anymore. Please forgive my shortcomings. I made a mistake and I’m sorry. I can’t live without you”. As he was speaking, Anita started crying out softly. He pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly. After some minutes, he sought for her l-ips with his and started k-ssing her. Gradually, she started reciprocating the k-sses and they proceeded to doing that which couples do. The couch started dancing and I looked away.
Do you think she forgave him?