BENEATH LAGOS' BLUE SKY
When Paths Cross
CHAPTER 1
Mr. Olu Adeyemi, the MD/CEO of Maga Medical Solutions, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, is a man who has built his company from scratch in less than a decade. The story of his brilliant ideas and innovations has helped the entire pharmaceutical company to grow enormously. Without a doubt, Mr. Adeyemi has done well for himself and his professional community at large.
A sweet breeze filtered through the tall glass windows of Maga Medical Solutions, spilling a pleasant atmosphere across the reception area of the office. It's the kind of breeze that makes Lagos feel alive with undeniable possibilities.
Ajoke, a 27-year-old, beautiful and intelligent lady, has secured a job opportunity with Maga Medical Solutions. It's her first day at work. She worked very hard and spent extra hours to look perfect for the day, starting from her neatly braided hair, smart-fitting outfit, to her beautiful aromatic perfume. She had heard so much about Maga Medical Solutions, a fast-growing pharmaceutical company known for innovation and top-notch professionalism.
Straight out of the elevator, Ajoke found herself in the corridor of the company reception, feeling so anxious and excited at the same time. Everything looks so perfect with the beautiful glass-lined walls, white marble floor, beautiful flower vase, the golden company logo on the wall, and the ambience of a professional atmosphere.
"Good morning, I'm Ajoke George. I was asked to resume today as a new administrative staff member. She spoke softly. The receptionist answered, "Good Morning, Miss Ajoke George. We have been expecting you." After checking something from her computer, she smiled and ushered Ajoke to the HR office.
A few minutes later, she was escorted upstairs, to the executive floor. That was when she saw Mr Olu Adeyemi, the Managing Director, Maga Medical Solutions.
A moment later, a glass door opened, and it was the MD, Mr Olu Adeyemi, in a complete black suit. His presence was commanding, yet very calm. The kind of honor that made everyone around him bow to his professionalism and spark.
"You must be Miss Ajoke," he said. I'm Olu, the MD, Maga Medical. His voice was deep, yet soft, the kind that carries both authority, kindness, and respect. Ajoke quickly got up and extended her hand for the very first handshake. "
"Good morning, sir," said Ajoke. "Nice meeting you, I'm honored to be here,"
Mr Olu looked at her for a moment. He could see an anxiously pretty lady. Then smiled, "Relax, Miss Ajoke, we don't bite here," he said teasingly. Turned to the HR, "Please, show her around and get her settled.
Ajoke exhaled as he walked away. She felt so warm and happy. But as the days went by, she couldn't shake off the memory of MD's voice and charisma.
"He's your boss, not your crush, so stop"!! She scolded herself silently.
A few days later. In the early morning, the blue sky spreads across the city of Lagos. Covering the glass building of Victoria Island. The MD was already in the office early in the day. Olu stood by the window of his corner office, looking down at the busy street below. His nice blue shirt clung perfectly to his broad shoulder. He tried to turn his desk back on to start working.
That was when the door opened gently.
"Good morning, sir," with a very soft, feminine voice.
Olu looked up, just for a moment, time stilled.....
Standing by the door was Ajoke, the new administrative assistant. "Good morning, Ajoke," MD replied, with a deep voice but warm. "You're early, just like me."
She smiled softly, "I prefer to come in before rush, sir. The buses can be as unpredictable as the railway."
Their eyes met briefly, and at that moment, something strong and unspoken passed between them. The sensitivity that can't be explained. They both felt the unusual spark but couldn't open up.
Ajoke stepped forward to hand over the report that the MD had requested the previous day from HR.. Olu noticed the way her hands trembled slightly. He commented on her composure, the way she held herself despite her obvious unease.
"Thank you," he said. "You are actually settling in very well. "Yes, sir." She replied," Everyone has been kind towards me. Though I'm still learning how things work around here.
"Good, take your time. Every good thing takes time and patience. Looking straight into her eyes, ball a little longer than necessary.
Ajoke turned back to leave his presence. But before she could reach the door, he said quietly and softly, "AJOKE....."
She suddenly looked back, "Yes, sir?"
"You are doing well. Keep it up. "
When she left, the scent of her perfume lingered in the MD's office. Olu found himself staring at the closed door for more than necessary. "She's just another employee," Olu. Stop and focus!!"
Later in the day, in the staff lounge, Ajoke sat quietly, having her lunch break. A few colleagues of hers whispered very close, glancing in her direction. "Have you seen the way MD talks and relates with her?"
Ajoke pretended not to hear.
"It's like she's the MD's favourite already,"
Another one said, " In just two weeks, and she's already going in and out of the MD's office freely, even with smiles on her face."
Kemi, Ajoke's close friend in the department, said, " If you people spent half that energy on your work, maybe you'd get a raise before the next election."
The room fell silent. Kemi smiled softly, drew closer to Ajoke, and whispered, "ignore them." Some people can't stand to see others shine,"
I'm so grateful, "said Ajoke to Kemi.
Ajoke laughed, but deep inside her, she knew what they were talking about was not far from the truth. There was something different about Olu, the MD. He has been treating her with respect, listening when she spoke, and never raising his voice. Especially in the Lagos office, where power is equal to arrogance..
Still, she reminded herself to set boundaries.
At almost the closing of our time, Ajoke packed her bag. Olu's voice came softly from behind her door. "Ajoke, please come in here."
"You have been so efficient. I noticed the way you handled the confusion in HR this morning. Good initiative."
She smiled, "Thank you, sir. I just tried to do my best."
Their eyes met again for a long second. They both felt the urge and sparked again.
"Good night, sir." She said quietly. "Good night, Ajoke,"
He replied softly. But with warmth in it.