As the New Year's celebration began to draw near , a sombre mood began to brew in the new family.
...
Luvuno always had an argument with Daniel about his parents or other relatives always being elusive. She had only met his mother once when she got married and never again.
Daniel always seemed to evade questions about his family as if to hide a big secret.
Luvuno: What's the reason this time for not coming to see baby Kelvin.
Daniel:....
Luvuno: Don't you understand that this alienation can be interpreted in a negative way , as if your family did not consent to our marriage.
Luvuno argued with Daniel till midnight without getting a satisfactory response.
Daniel held his head as he sighed in exasperation as it had already become a custom to always fight before any noteworthy celebration.
Luvuno believed herself to be in the old school category where she felt a celebration had to include all the loved ones.
She harrumphed in frustration as she turned to her side to sleep , hogging all the blanket to herself.
The next morning.....
She informed Salma that she would be planning to go home to her other relatives and catch up with them.
She planned to leave baby Kelvin in her care and she would come back early so that she could relieve her to celebrate later with her parents.
She resumed for work as she only had one week left before they were allowed to go for break for the new year celebrations.
As she entered the prestigious bank ,
The clock ticked relentlessly, each second bringing her closer to the much-anticipated New Year's break. The office, usually a hive of activity, was now a quieter place, a calm before the storm. As she sat at her desk, a soft glow from the computer screen illuminating her face, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
The past week had been a whirlwind. The usual routine was disrupted by the festive spirit that permeated the workplace. Colleagues exchanged cheerful greetings, shared holiday plans, and engaged in lighthearted banter. The office was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Now, as the final days approached, a sense of urgency crept in. She had to tie up loose ends, finalize projects, and ensure a smooth handover to her colleagues. The pressure was mounting, but she was determined to finish strong.
Despite the hectic schedule, she couldn't shake off the excitement for the upcoming break. She envisioned lazy mornings, cozy nights by the fireplace, and quality time with loved ones. The thought of escaping the daily grind and immersing herself in the festivities filled her with joy.
As she packed her belongings, she took a moment to reflect on the year that was coming to an end. She had faced challenges, achieved milestones, and grown both personally and professionally. With a grateful heart, she looked forward to the new year, eager to embrace new opportunities and experiences.
The office buzzed with an electric energy as the day of the New Year's break announcement dawned. The air was thick with anticipation, and hushed conversations filled the corridors. Colleagues exchanged knowing glances, their faces lit up with hopeful smiles.
As the morning progressed, the tension grew. The usual mundane tasks seemed less important, overshadowed by the excitement of the impending news. The ticking clock became a constant reminder of the approaching announcement.
In the Dokata Bank Company boardroom , where the upper echelons of management held their meetings, it was sleek and bathed in soft, warm light. The long, polished mahogany table gleams, reflecting the faces of the company's top executives. The air is thick with anticipation as they gather to discuss the year-end plans.
Yassin Belewa, CEO , a seasoned leader with a sharp mind and a warm demeanor, begins the meeting. He speaks with authority and clarity, outlining the company's achievements for the year. The room is silent, each executive focused on his words.
Then, a shift in tone. Yassin pauses, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I believe," he begins, "that our employees have worked tirelessly this year. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in our success. As a token of our appreciation, we've decided to extend our holiday break for another week."
A ripple of excitement passes through the room. A few executives exchange knowing glances, their faces breaking into smiles. The CEO continues, emphasizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation. He encourages everyone to spend quality time with their loved ones and return to work refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of the new year.
As the meeting concludes, the executives leave the boardroom, their minds filled with the anticipation of the upcoming holiday break. The decision to extend the break is a testament to the company's commitment to its employees' well-being and a gesture of gratitude for their hard work.
Finally, the moment arrived. A company-wide email was sent out, and the news spread like wildfire.
It read as follows :
"Good morning, everyone.
I hope this holiday season finds you all well and in good spirits.
As we approach the end of another year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to Dokata Bank Company. Your contributions have been instrumental in our success.
To show our appreciation for your tireless efforts, we're pleased to announce an extended holiday break for another week. We believe this extended break will provide you with a much-needed opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
We encourage you to take full advantage of this time off and return to work refreshed and rejuvenated.
Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!"
The office erupted in cheers, laughter, and congratulatory messages. The weight of the week's workload seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of relief and joy.
The rest of the day was a blur of activity. People rushed to finalize their tasks, bid farewell to colleagues, and make last-minute preparations for the holiday. The office, once a place of serious work, transformed into a space of celebration and camaraderie. As the clock struck the end of the workday, a wave of excitement swept through the office. It was time to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the promise of the new.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling office parking lot. Luvuno, a young mother, emerged from the building, a sense of relief washing over her. The news of the extended holiday break had filled her with joy. She couldn't wait to reunite with her family, to hold her child, and to spend quality time with her husband and Salma.
As Luvuno approached her car, a black sports car, she paused, taking a deep breath of the crisp, winter air. The anticipation of the journey ahead made her heart flutter. She unlocked the car, the familiar beep signaling her entry. The interior was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chilly outdoor temperature.
She adjusted the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of the car seat in the back. A small smile crept across her face as she imagined her baby nestled safely inside. With a final check of the mirrors, she turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and she pulled out of the parking spot, eager to embark on her journey home.
She decided to pass through the mall to buy gifts for the folks in Makina , where she was born and raised.
The crisp winter air nipped at Luvuno's skin as she stepped out of her car into the bustling mall parking lot. A sense of excitement pulsed through her veins. The extended holiday break had given her the perfect opportunity to surprise her distant relatives. With a shopping bag slung over her shoulder, she headed towards the mall entrance.
Inside, the festive atmosphere was palpable. Christmas carols played softly in the background, and colorful decorations adorned the store windows. Luvuno wandered through the aisles, her eyes scanning the shelves for the perfect gifts. She picked out alot of gifts for the folks in Makina.
As she moved from store to store, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. The thought of surprising her loved ones brought a smile to her face. She imagined their reactions, the look of surprise, the warmth of their gratitude.
With her shopping completed, Luvuno headed back to her car, a sense of satisfaction filling her heart. She couldn't wait to share the joy of the holiday season with her family, both near and far.