SUNNY WEDNESDAYS: ATINUKE (Chapter Three)

   

NO 0789

The black dress with transparent lacy sleeves from TOW by Tete Ayemet fitted like a glove as she took her tag, No 0789, from the front desk officer at Lions Globe Company. 

She glanced at it briefly as she ascended the elegant spiral staircase, its gold-veined marble steps smooth and cool beneath her feet. The wrought iron railing, simple yet graceful, curved upward, catching the soft light from the crystal chandelier overhead, she made a note of thanksgiving for having opted for her pink Nike sneakers and not the open toes stiletto she had previously considered.

Her silver drop earrings glimmered as it got a ray of sun that pierced into the conference room, "Lord, you are in control" She muttered and went in.

"Good morning Mrs Atinuke Dairo, you are rather quite early, please do have your seat,"

Giving a perfectly rehearsed smile, she accepted the bentwood chair drawn out for her by Mr Gbenga, the Operations Officer in charge of the Fruit Deliverables in the Company.

Exactly thirty minutes after, Mr Tiga, the C.E.O took his seat, and Miss Thelma, the Accounts Officer took her seat, the meeting started officially. 

ππππππ

"How did it go," Judi smiled as she opened the door into the factory.

The four-story factory stood tall and functional, each floor serving a distinct purpose. The first floor housed six neatly organized offices, each bustling with activity as employees worked in a steady rhythm. On the second floor, crates of fresh, vibrant fruits in every shade imaginable were stacked high, filling the space with a sweet, earthy fragrance. The third floor hummed with the sound of machines, where the fruit processing line ran smoothly, turning the raw produce into something more refined. Finally, on the fourth floor, the packaging and branding department was alive with creativity, where the fruits, now in their final form, were carefully packaged and labeled with sleek, modern designs.

The land was a gift from Mama Ty before her passing, "my contribution to the favour of God upon your fruit business," She had said.

Atinuke beamed with joy as she remembered how her 24 year old self had jumped up and down on that day, running to tell all her family relatives who were present at the family house that day.

The workers were all draped in the company overalls and meticulous at their different sections of production, they understood the drive that Atinuke stood for and that was all thanks to Judi Fir.

"Good afternoon to you too Judi," Atinuke gently pushed Judi, her bosom friend and Team Lead.

Judi chuckled as she watched Atinuke slump into her office chair, 

"C'mon gist me na, you shall not keep me in suspense,"

Atinuke smiled as she stared at the fair skinned petite woman pacing around her office as she expectantly waited for answers.

Judi, a pillar of strength for her and her Company, the factory smooth operations was due to Judi and she was glad to have met her in Welfare Department of God’s Dwelling Herald Ministry twelve years ago.

"Okay fine, before you blow my ears, it went well, we are to start production immediately on fruit packs for their upcoming events, 24th May and 27th June..." She bursted into laughter as a note pad came out from Judi's blouse and a pen out of her pigtailed afro.

"Continue Jare," Judi joined in the laughter.