As an aged employee of the company with many unprecedented years of work I promise you any kind of help and support which deems warranted but not at the cost of my firm. Now tell me what's your problem. Because if you don’t I am afraid I may have to oust your name from the employee payroll."

“No sir. Please reconsider my plea.” Wiping the small droplets of sweat appearing on his forehead Mr Luke started stating about his endless melancholy. "Sir, I am diagnosed with terminal stage lung cancer. I have a son who is in his seventh grade and my daughter is in her final year of graduation. I started my career in your company with a salary of two thousand dollars per month. Even with all the savings I pooled up and increments over the years I am not able to pull up a gratuity of at least one million. My doctor told me that my days are numbered in this world. I am worried about my finances and the life of my wife, children after my death. With the worry I am not able to concentrate on my work. I know my health and family are my private matters and I truly regret my conduct towards work but please don't remove me from this job. This is the last hope I have in my life."

“You should have told me about this long ago. Anyways…” I was completely shocked over Mr Luke's indisposed revelation. It was difficult to form words to console the aged employee who had grown his hair gray working for my company. Learning about his health, there was not much that could be done to save him but I was determined to support his family and help the old man to die in peace. 

Bringing out the cheque book from the drawer of my table I signed a fifty millions cheque that could stand as a support towards his after life benefits. Lifting up myself from the seat, I circle the table and pat his shoulder as he faces me tensed.   "Everything will be fine and looked after regarding your family." I assure him.

Mr Luke visibly relaxes taking the cheque from me with a gratitude. His smile was uncontrolled taking over his sad features. "Sir, I and my family will ever be grateful to you for your generosity." He stated with immense pleasure while shedding happy tears. 

I pat his droopy shoulders one more time and speak with an enriching grin. "I have a condition. From today forward you will work for the firm giving your utmost dedication and…." 

He wouldn't let me complete "Yes sir. You are assured of it." His reply goes decisive this time, with all the hitherto negativity driven away.

Shannon's POV

I was completely dumped in work with papers sprawled all over my office table. It's been over a month since Mr Luke's disease disclosure. Though the sickness had taken a toll, within the past few weeks he had rendered his complete concentration over the work to the best of his capability because I promised him, I would take care of his family whenever there would be a requirement. 

My phone buzzed after a short while and a smile embraced my features looking at the caller Id like always. My mom was calling me. "Hello son, it's been a while since we met you. Of late you have been too engrossed in work. You rarely visit us."  She complains like a five year old kid. 

"Mom, please don't start again."  I speak to her while signing the documents that required my perusal.  

"Have dinner with us tomorrow. We can have a small chit-chat and then you can go back home." Mom’s demands never end but she is also the only woman I love in this world. How can I deny her? I informed her in an affirmative and continued with work but this time with a smile on my face.

Next day as promised I went to my parent's house for dinner. My brother Adam was in his best behavior unlike I expected. Over the past month he changed completely and became responsible. The happiness of my parents seeing the change in him had crossed all the boundaries which made me happy too. Probably the bad luck in my family is going to end soon.

Adam completed his Masters in Mass communication and journalism from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He wants to be a journalist but dad insists on him to take over our family business. I intervened in the conversation and let Adam have some more time of freedom while doing work of his choice. He is recently absorbed in the post of a journalist in one of the leading newspapers of the country.  

The next day

Buttoning up my coat, I walk to the conference hall in swift, long strides to hold a meeting with the department heads.  My secretary runs behind me trying to keep up with my pace and holding out the phone for me to speak.  "No phone calls Nina during the summon of the conference meeting." I hold up my finger dismissing her abruptly while walking.  

"Sir, I think it is important. Mr Judea wants to speak to you regarding our upcoming project in collaboration with their pharmaceutical industry."  I turn back, giving her a stern look.  "This is my last warning to you.  I state my rules only once and I don't like to repeat them."   My secretary's face goes pale.  In fear stricken eyes she stammers in a low voice.  "Sure... sir, this would not repeat again."

Walking to the conference room, all the department heads were holding in attention from their designated places. Wishing them quickly, I commence the meeting. "Mr Ramon, what is your explanation on this?" I push the file on the table towards our sales head of the department.  "Why are our sales depleting in basic consumables when our prices are reasonable and even a middle class consumer can afford it?