The Last Dance (Continued 3)

The environment was festive and warm. It was always like this in Cedar Hall. Lydia loved it. Everyone did. Inlaid Rosewood and Mahogany floor, with center occupied by a Renaissance Flower Bells 144 Inches Medallion textured in Indus Gold, Black Galaxy and Roja Alicante Granites . Border emphasized by a 4 inches Black Maquina base and Pulpet Flower in Red Onyx was a splendid choice of taste. An avid observer would have surely noticed that each piece was fixed individually. A laborious job, worth the price paid and the look it gave. The Hall took its name from Western Red Cedar wall panels. Pillars were carved into the walls at equal intervals. Front wall boasted upon a full size aquarium with Angels, Tangs and Butterflies. A hand carved sculptured fountain from Castello Travertine stood in the left front of the Hall. A robe clad Babylonian country woman, with her head down a faint smile caressing her lips, out of a well poured water in the extended hands of a devastated traveler. Oblivious of his thirst, the traveler stared at her, and water spilled out of his hands into the bowl below. It certainly did not undermine uniqueness of Pissaros; El Bosque de Marley and Pontoise, die Cote des Boeufs an der Hermitage, delicately lit with spot lights. Everything of the hall complemented each other. Medallion on floor and a ceiling Mural in dome. A rare 18 branch French Vintage Chandelier heavily decorated with original beaded garlands from Crown to arms and around, hung from the central Medallion of the dome. Crystal pendants added beauty to the piece. A deep set niche in the wall on right held in it an exquisite white marble Gothic sculpture, Virgin and a child. Inside of niche was ornamented by red stones, adequately lit, emphasizing the sculpture and gave a reddish dark glow in the back ground. Above a neoclassic master piece fire place carved out of a single piece Italian Silver Wave with imposing sculptures on stanchions and overlays on Frieze, a Gold inscription etched in a Black Amethyst Granite read:

It is to be prayed that the mind be sound in a sound body

Ask for a brave soul that locks the fear of death,

Which places the length of life last among nature’s blessings,

Which is able to bear whatever kind of sufferings,

Does not know Anger, lusts for nothing and believes

The hardships and savage labor of Hercules better than

The satisfaction, feasts and feather beds of an Eastern King,

I will reveal what you are able to give yourself;

For certain, the one footpath of a tranquil lies through virtue

(Juvenal, Sixteen Satires)

Project Managers entered the hall one after another at intervals. Keeper of the Cedars, KC as he had earned his name over the decades, played at the buttons in his hand randomly. 15 screens, in front of 14 chairs and one at the head, rose from a large half moon Mahogany Conference Table. Another click and a white smart screen lowered in front of the aquarium. Simultaneously, a panel in the wall, slid forward at one side of the screen, to form a podium. KC revolved it 360 degrees on its mounting, checking for smoothness and unnecessary noise. Finding none, signaled to an overwhelming personality in the Hall “It is all yours, 15 minutes to go”. It was acknowledged by a casual nod.
Projections flashed on the screen randomly and people slowly gathered around it. MD briefed the audience. Lydia, looked at him, who, in his resonant and care free voice emphasized on each word flashing on the screen. Every one listened intently. He was captivating. In 5 months he had established himself inextricably in B&G Enterprise. And had rightly earned the title KIA, ‘Knows It All’. People looked at him with envy, few with lust and many competitive souls with contemptuous agreement. He exuded aura of self confidence and assurance. His words were taken as last ones, with no questions asked. There were no exceptions. He was regarded as the soul of B&G.
CEO’s own prodigy.Discovered and supported by him.
This gave him the carte blanche to exert himself upon everyone in the Enterprise, even the CEO. And how well had he done  justice with the faith vested in him. He made The Enterprise proud. The Enterprise excelled with each passing day under his guidance and management. Hence, a weekly update was essential at the headquarters of B&G Enterprise on the Cedar Floor.
Top floor of the Enterprise headquarters was Cedar Floor. Cedar Hall, Cedar Room, Cedar Lobby and Cedar Lounge.  KC along with his team tended the floor and entry to the floor was restricted. Cedar Hall was for the executives’ conferences and Lounge was for them to ease out. Like the hall, lounge and lobby were exquisitely decorated with statues, marble Medallion, wall hangings, chandeliers and wood carvings. However, existence of the Cedar room remained Enigma to everyone.
Lydia, again, stared at the imposing and intimidating figure facing the mesmerized audience. They all praised him and submitted to him. His professional prowess, balanced personality crowned by sound logic, sharp observation and exceptional IQ rendered everyone speechless in his presence. Even CEO would found himself contemplating, if he ever requested for explanations during the weekly briefs. His excesses were limit and time less. He was an associate and a personal friend to CEO, which was well known to all.
Lydia looked around The Cedar Hall trying to absorb the intensity of the surroundings. She basked in the serenity and impact of the environment. She was new to the Enterprise, not more than 3 months and headed B&G Constructions, spread all over the Globe. B&G Enterprise had 9 known Projects, headed by Project Managers, PMs. Kruger watched B&G Petro, responsible venturing in the unknown territories, discovering and drilling Oil and Gas. Goldwin Schumachar headed B&G Manufacturers, which mainly produced cotton based materials with factories in China, Egypt and Turkey. Hussain spearheaded Feather Ways with over 67 destinations to its credit. Marry Ann attended to the family of B&G Employees all over the Globe by running B&G Welfare Stream. Ajeet a Phd in Nanotechnology from MIT was developer of B&G Institute of Advance Studies. It had many world renowned scholars and Nobel laureates on its faculty. Qin Lee – PM Swan Shipping. Ferdinand Lugar supervised and managed V-Care Pharmaceuticals and Boris Kinsky headed B&G Health Care City spread over 800 acres of covered land, equipped with state of the art medical facilities including a fleet of 3 air ambulance helicopters.
This effort was managed and guided by MD and his team of approximately 300 professionals.
The entire B&G Enterprise was supervised by CEO and his staff known as ‘Watch Dog’ or at times ‘Marshalls’. Their number and activities remained unknown. By and large they were not a welcome sign and their jurisdiction had no bounds. CEO was at the apex, gentle, delicate and a considerate man in his mid 30s. Many a spectacular women would dream of being at his side, yet he remained unmarried. He was the Enterprise and MD ran it for him.
These weekly updates were held each Monday at sharp 0900 hrs. A day prior, all PMs would brief MD via vidcon and next day MD would update the CEO to seek his approvals on various projects. Although, people knew it to be a formality. MD always got it all approved on telephone, beforehand. All obeyed him, loved him and hated him.
He was indispensible.
Lydia looked at him and decided to venture an introduction with him later in Cedar Lounge over a cup of Coffee. 2 minutes were to the time and she adjusted the console in front of her. KC hustled in the Hall and fumbled with buttons again. This time screen at the head retracted into the table with all other accessories vanished. It drew curious attention of Lydia who had nothing else to do in coming 2 minutes or so.
Two workers entered the door and replaced the chair at the head with an identical green leathered piece. Another man in mid 20s, carrying a bag, followed and stood by the fire place monitoring the workers, impassively. KC adjusted the chair and looked at the man seeking approval. He, disregarding KC, stepped forward, opened the bag and placed few unrecognizable items on the table. After satisfying himself with the arrangement, oblivious of the people inside, he retook his post by the fire place.
Tempted, Lydia left the chair and ambled across the hall to satisfy her curiosity. She was disappointed to see three fountain pens, Sheaffer Targa Medium, Mont Blac Fine and Waterman placed beside a scribbling pad jacketed in a green leathered folder. Jacket bore the Golden Words “CEO’s Office”. Man beside fireplace watched her every move, ready to plunge on her if she made a slightest unwanted move.
Perhaps it wont be a long sitting today when CEO is not around. She thought. Perhaps more time with MD over a coffee would melt him a bit.
“Its almost time” announced KC and left the Hall.
“OK people, let us do it” MD said aloud with determination, one of his hallmark trait.
“Oh, Hell!!!” It was Ferdinand Lugar.
“Whats with you Lugar? com’on jump in your seat and roll” Kinsky gave a nudge and laughed.
“Damn it!” Lugar stared towards the man by the fire place.
Now he had attention of people around. They followed his gaze. “Where is CEO? Is he not heading the conference today?” it was Ajeet.
“Now who will sanction funds for my scheme? Each day is important!” Mary Ann was surely disappointed.
Feeling the commotion, MD instructed everyone to take their places “Don’t worry people, lets get over with it double time. Then we have time to ourselves.” He had no qualms. He was sure of what he had to do. Funds had already been approved and released by CEO previous evening. It was only that no one knew, but him.
“Be careful there……today. Perhaps you…..” and before Lugar could add further, MD stopped him with a wave of hand, smiling and placing his hand on his heart bowing his head in reverence. Lugar was the oldest in the Enterprise, almost 7 years. Rest of them had not exceeded even 10 months. People valued his opinion. “I want vibrant and exceptional team. I am not afraid of the changes and I will find them personally.” He had said. Lugar was there. CEO had approached them all and got them on board and they produced exceptional results.
He was right
“Whats the matter Lugar?” Lydia, who was seated on the right sounded apprehensive. Door opened and a man rushed straight to the head and seated himself in the chair.
“Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen” words were uttered in monotone as a formality. Lydia was taken aback by the appearance of man. Polo shirt, Khakies and loafers.
Poor Marry Ann! her welfare project wont get funds, at least today. Lydia looked at her. Who had a long face. Anyway, there is always a next time as long as you live. MD stood there rock solid as ever, self assured. He looked even more determined and relaxed.
Man beside the fire place moved abruptly and placed a folder in front of the new entrant. Who acknowledged with a nod. He opened the folder and disregarding all presence started shuffling the pages. People in the hall chuckled in whispers.
“He should have read it before. The bloody Marshals…..” Schumachar seated on her other side whispered.
OKayyyyyy! So he is a Marshal. Lydia was now more interested in the unfolding of proceedings at Cedar Hall today. She had no doubts about the abilities of MD. A Marshal would be a piece of cake. Once people all around the Enterprise knew his significant place in Enterprise, there was nothing to worry. She was looking forward for a short session.
Marshals were considered even supreme.They reported direct to CEO and were not answerable to anyone. They were notoriously referred as Nazis or Gestapo. They cared for none. A clash of Titans was in offing. MD vs Marshal. People smiled.
“ladies and Gentlemen” MD started his update, addressing the PMs, disregarding The Marshal’s presence “Since CEO is not around hence I would keep the update short and brief”. The opening statement was audibly lauded by everyone. Executives and Marshals were always at war with each other. Vampires and the Werewolves. Each trying to get a piece of other.
“But I would suggest…..” Lugar interrupted immediately and was stopped by MD. All exchanged smiles. Being an old hand, Lugar always considered it his right to correct the things and the right was always given to him. But, not this time. Everyone anticipated an interesting encounter.
“We know B&G Enterprise has many ventures to its credit. Last week we faired very well. As CEO is not around so I will omit the details, which I will sound him myself on the telephone. I would go to the Welfare Project Marry Ann has floated for approval. You all are welcomed to give your able advices”. Everyone knew that though CEO was not around but he would be watching the video recording later.
The statement was more to tell the Marshal ‘You Mind your own business. I don’t care.’ He looked at Marry Ann and gave her a consolatory look. She smiled. Marshal sat there untouched, still shuffling the pages.
“Just for the consumption of those who are New” emphasis was on ‘new’ “I would read out the broad contours of the scheme floated by Mary” he said triumphant. Everyone laughed aloud. Lydia glanced at the Marshal who had now placed the folder at a side and stared back at MD with a plain face.
“So Marry Ann suggests….”
“Rather, I would appreciate if you apprised the audience with all the details”. It was a cold voice.
The battle had begun.
“That’s not necessary. They already know the details.” MD counter acted.
“I think, I have been very clear Jake.” He addressed MD by his first name. A hush followed.
“If that’s what you want, Marshal.” Jake smiled, so did all. No one had ever addressed them publicly as Marshal.
Marshal remained impassive. He extended his right hand and his aid placed Davidoff Classic Bent in his hand. He lit it and said “Please continue Jake”. Who, now, stared at him with contempt and fury. These Marshals…I will have to discuss him with CEO. He owes me an apology. He calmed himself. PMs around knew that it would be the last day in business for The Marshal. He had exceeded his limits. With Jake everyone had his limits.
“Never seen this one here before.” It was Shumachar again.
“That could be a reason that he does not know about Jake”. Lydia smiled, enjoying every moment of the tussle.
Marshal’s aid stepped forward again and placed a pipe stand on the table. Their eyes met for a brief moment and he left the room, nodding.
Jake was updating the forum about inroads made by B&G in KSA and South America.  On the contrary, The Marshal was more interested in puffing his Davidoff with a serene face. Aroma of Solani X Sweet Mystery mixed with Spicy odor of Red Cedar added an enigmatic trance to the Hall.
“We have recently concluded three rigs in KSA…..” Jake pointed at the Arabian Peninsula flashed on the screen.
“Are not these two in KSA and one in Venezuela” Marshal interrupted looking in the bowl at burning Tobacco.
“No these are three in KSA”
“But on page 23 you have mentioned two in KSA and one in Venezuela” he pointed at the document on the table. Still interested in Davidoff.
“Ah..yes but we are cancelling one at Venezuela”
“Say so.” A curt reply. Jake fumed on the insolence of  Marshal.
The aid entered the Cedar Hall with a cup of coffee and placed it on the table. Marshal extended his hand and aid took the Davidoff.
Jake continued. And Marshal also continued….puffing, playing with his Davidoff and sheaffer aimlessly, bored.
“Jake, jump to the proposal please”
“It was CEO’s idea, so it would be appropriate that I discussed it with him. You know lots of funds are involved and only He is authorized enough, to approve those funds.” Jake scored a point. People chuckled. Spectators applauding their Gladiator in the Arena.
“Does not matter. Go ahead.” Marshal’s aid gave a disapproving stare to Jake. Which, Jake did not care much about. He had chalked out his course of action.
A call to CEO on his personal number, later, would be enough. The Marshal was naïve not to comprehend Jake’s ploy, ‘make him exceed his limits repeatedly so the CEO has no doubts when he sees the recording’.
“It was considered by CEO that B&G Family i.e all the employees of the Enterprise be extended with a facility to take loans on installments from the organization instead of Banks.” He paused for the information to seep in.
“These loans would be extended on easy terms on the basis of ‘No Loss No Profit’. Zero interest.”
“Whats the cost effect?” inquired Marshal.
“It depends how many individuals take loan, each quarter”
“But you must have worked out something on assumptions.”
The Battle was on. Neither of two giving away. No one knew what the prize was. Perhaps Ego.
“We assumed that each quarter 550 employees would submit for loan from each of our Projects.”
“Who would finance the loan?” Marshal was resilient and Jake was determined. It all was happening in quick succession.
“Projects themselves can finance it or Enterprise can finance it centrally. CEO would decide”. Smiles slipped all over the hall again.
“OK” Marshal adjusted himself in the chair
“What if you set a percentage of the applicants instead of a definite number” he put the question in a suggestive manner.
“Wont change a thing” Jake shrugged grudgingly.
“It would certainly! If you had a quota of 10% in each Project and say B&G Petro receives 300 applications against 881 vacancies worked out on Petro’s 8807 manpower….. Is it correct number Shummachar?” he looked at him and he nodded, surprised. Marshal paused for few seconds leaving a space for everyone to absorb what he had said. “So I suggest, by that way, we would have additional 581 vacancies to be floated to people in other Projects, where people apply in excess. Wont it a better and more welfare oriented approach?” he looked around, emotionless.
Executives were quiet.
“Who finances it?” retorted Jake.
“CEO would decide. As you said Jake.”
Rightly, The Watch Dogs were despised. They would appear from nowhere rendering your  hard work useless in minutes. Even more rightly were they the acclaimed professionals. Dispassionate and indifferent.
The Marshal, after all, was not as casual as he had appeared to be. Jake could not comprehend it since he was     consumed by his ego spree. On the contrary, the Marshal was more focused and knew very precisely what he wanted.
“Anyway”, he started to leave his chair “I suggest you think and develop it on these lines as well.”  He looked directly       at Marry Ann.
Lydia genuinely appreciated the man. He was sharp, confident and authoritative with no ambiguities infesting his mind. The Watch Dogs ensured quality in the Enterprise topped by loyalty.
“I hope your son is out of hospital, Schumachar.” He sounded genuine concern.
“How do you know it”
“Its my job” again said briefly.
“Thanks, he will be shifted to the home, today”
“What are you doing here then? You should have been with your son. If I am not wrong, today is his birthday as well. Is not it?” He unraveled more surprises.
“Oh….Yes! I will be rushing to hospital after the conference.” Schummachar almost jumped in his seat. Rest of the people looked around dumbfounded.
“I brought him this little gift……” His aid handed him over a gift, neatly packed. Which, he presented to Shummachar and hustled across the floor to Jake.
“Thank you Mr. Jake. It was a pleasure listening to you. Surely CEO will be informed about your commendable effort.” The assurance was honest. He shook hands with a perplexed Jake and shot out of the Cedar Hall. Now smoking his Davidoff again.
Silence followed his departure.
“Are they all like him?” inquired Marry Ann.
“Quite impressive, after all.” It was Ajeet.
“But I need his name…” Jake still fumed. Licking his wounds. “Give me the gift”. Instead Shummachar read out aloud

Best Wishes for the Day and for Good Health

My Dear Jonathan

Nicholas Benitti, Chairman Benitti & George Enterprise

“Oh…No!” shouted Schumaccar and others in unison. A shocked silence engulfed the Hall.
“I tried to tell you, Jake” Lugur broke the silence. “ He was the owner. Yup…… Nicholas Benitti”
“But how did you know?”  Demanded Marry Ann.
“His chair, Green leathered. His pens. And his aid. He is Cedar. This is his floor.”
“By the way, Jake.” He turned to him “This proposal has to be his not CEO’s. He personally supervises the B&G Welfare Project. This is his family.” He pointed all around.
“You all were selected by him. Personally.”
“He could have approved the funds? He could have told us who he was?” Lydia still could not solve the riddle.
“So very Nicholas Benniti.” Lugar smiled. “After having seen Jake exercise his unquestionable authority? No way…. he would never question his authority and embarrass him in front of his Managers.”
“But how could he, with so much of authority, bear Jake’s roughness? Who could accept it?” Krugar still could not digest it.
“Simple!”. A prolonged pause. “He likes Jake. Else….. he would have left the Hall, instantly.George would have settled the things later with Jake.” Lugar walked towards the exit saying at his back “Forget it people, move on, he has already forgotten it”.
Jake was staring at Benitti’s aid retrieving his pens, off the table, with a smile on his face.
———————————————TO BE CONTINUED ———————————————