Amina
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un was the only thing I kept chanting as I stood in front of Mr.Ahmad office. Only Allah knows what I'm feeling deep down. I almost turned the whole office upside down but I couldn't find any brown file or any file similar to it. When Fareeda and Nonso came back from lunch, I asked them and none of them saw it. And now I'm standing in front of his office after getting a call from him. I don't know maybe I left the file with him. The little thought kind of assured me.
Adjusting my head tie position, I knocked on the door and waited for him to usher me in which he did so. Pushing the door open, I was met with him working as always. “Good day sir” I greeted, bowing slightly.
“Good day Amina. That file” the moment he said that file I felt like something had been banged in my chest.
“Yes sir”
“Bring the file. I want us to have a one on one meeting like I said. Very soon we'll work on it.”
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
From where will I start? What trouble am I getting myself into?
You have to do this Amina!
You need to do this!
“Sir”
“Yes” his face was glued to the screen as he answer me.
Be calm Amina!
“Sir I don't have the file” I said in one breath. For a moment, everything was still. I could only hear the heavy beathing of my heart.
“What do you mean you don't have it?” he asked his attention now focused on me.
“I... I kept it on my desk before going for lunch break and when I came back, I didn't see it. I know-”
“You must be joking” he cut me off. I would be lying if I said I didn't see a hint of anger formulating from his face.
“I’m serious sir. I know I kept it on my desk. I don't know what happened or anything. So I was thinking maybe I left it with you” I try to calm myself down yet, I know that will not happen anytime soon by the look Mr.Ahmad is giving me.
“You must be stupid for saying that”
“Sir?”
“Yes you heard me. You must be stupid. And I hope you're not serious about what you said. You know what losing that file will cost you” his voice was slightly raised as he stood up from his seat making his way towards me. My legs were beyond weak that they couldn't move an inch.
“I’m sorry sir but I'm serious. I-” blaring of phone interrupt me from completing my sentence. Mr.Ahmad reached for his phone laid on the desk. His almost angry eyes were still on me as he place the phone to his ear. “Hello” he uttered calmly. The next thing that follow is his changed expression. Hasbunallahu wa ni’imal wakeel
He raked his hands around his temple followed by a hiss from his mouth. “Who sent you?” he said.
My brows knit in confusion. “Sir I don't understand”
“WHO SENT YOU!” It was as if my heart had been eliminated from my body by his voice. A voice I haven't heard from him from the very first day I met him.
My body immediately pick up it pace with shaking of my body “Sir... I...I don't....”
“Now your tongue is glued right? Speak up like you always do. I'm really disappointed in you. I didn't know you'll stoop this low. I want you to tell me who you're working for right this instant!”
“I swear sir I'm not working for anyone. You misunderstood me. I know the file is somewhere I will check well” I turned around to leave and his word striked me to a halt.
“Don’t you dare take a step you hypocrite!”
“You think I will let you go easily after what you did? You know what this call is about? That our biggest rival company just announced their new project. And you know what the project is?” My lips were too heavy to speak up but his yell forced me to talk.
“No”
“Its the same project we had a meeting on. And the same design everything. And I know you're the only one I gave the file to. And now the file is gone. Now tell me I shouldn't point my fingers at you”
“Sir I swear I have nothing to do with it. Maybe someone took the file and leak it to them-”
“Who else if not you. Tell me. Who?” I didn't know when or how tears slid down my cheek. It was the first time I found myself in a difficult situation.
“Believe me when I say I don't have anything to do with it. I swear by Allah”
“Its easier to swear when the heart is different”
“Wallahi sir-” we were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Come in”
Came in Cindy. Her eyes traveled to me followed her brows creasing.
“Sir you called for me” my eyes snapped towards him. When did he call her?
“The security man is going to do a thorough search in your office so I want you to take a closer look. Any little evidence you find” his eyes went to me for a split second before moving back to her.
“Okay sir. But Is everything okay?”
“You’ll find out soon” she didn't say anything more only bowed her head and left not before giving me one last glance.
Ya Allah help me in this.
“Better have your seat because you won't leave this room until I find out that you have nothing to do with the leaked information” his voice was dimmed visible of hate. Declining to seat wouldn't do me any good considering how weak my legs were. The split AC are nothing compare to the coldness I was feeling throughout my body.
“I know that I'm clean but if doing a thorough search will be the way to prove my innocence then so be it” I muttered which I didn't know catch his ears.
“You could say that. Pray to God you're indeed innocent like you said” he ushered back. Exchanging words won't do me any good so I only did what I think is the solution to my problem. Pray.