Chapter 10 The Raging Fire Rages On Slowly

In Bentong life was tough for him for he had to help out with his wife in her mother's rubber estate.They were providing transport to many other tappers as well,so the little income helped.

He and his beloved wife had actually planned out a hard life for themselves and further were prepared to plant vegetables for a living.They were in fact trying to locate an area for it.When in trouble you really know who your friends and relatives were.

At the same time he applied for a planting position for a plantation in Pahang.But in the meantime he had to work in that holding which belonged to his in-laws.Just imagine a planter having to perform all those manual jobs to survive but it was no bloody shame to toil for one's food if not for himself but for his family.

The children had their schooling transferred to Bentong as well. Two girls in secondary school and one boy in standard six.As the schools were only a short distance away there was no problem of transport to school and back.With that settled Ken could concentrate on his next move.

He and his wife worked for two months before he received a letter from Kuantan requesting his presence for an interview for the Manager position he had applied for.He kept his fingers crossed as he waited patiently for that date to come.

At the appointed date he went there for the interview.In Kuantan he thought there were many other candidates but there were none accept him.According to the secretary the Boss wished to see him only and no others.That was why he did not have to wait long before the Boss called him in for the interview.

The Boss spoke briefly for the way he acted apparently he wanted only to view Ken's personality.Ken was not made to talk much thereafter.Further he requested Ken to see his brother.Ken mistook him and instead went wrongly to see another senior executive.Then he left for home.

He had given hope when all of a sudden , a month later he received another letter requesting his present at the Boss office again.When he saw the Boss who told him of the mistake otherwise he should be working by now.So he advised Ken to see his brother and Ken without any mistake saw the "Dato". The "Dato" appeared pleased and gave his blessings.

Keeping his kept fingers crossed he went about his normal routine helping his wife.Days were just as difficult as he still had to maintain all his children in school.Things were not that smooth going as there some problems with the in-laws etc. but those could be overcome by keeping silent.

Following a week later he received an appointment letter confirming his appointment and was to report for duty as soon as possible.That news made his whole family very happy.Now,thinking back, he realized that it was very important not to tarnish his name when he was at the peak of his career.He lost some money intelligently,that was actually a smart move.Otherwise he would not have secured that position.

The Boss also have knowledge of his past in Good Tree through his friends and many sales representatives of fertilizers,herbicides and insecticides Companies.His decision to give Ken the opportunity to prove himself after all he was only allotting Ken six months probation during which he must prove himself or out he goes.

To an experience Ken six month was a bit too much.He had dealt with "Chinaman" Company before and this should be just as easy.But that was never to be so,because the new Boss was an economic graduate.The first batch from Malayan University in Singapore.So it should not be so easy meat as Ken imagined.

He joined that Company with an open heart,and his wife packed for him on that fateful day.The plantation he was to report for duty was in Kg.Sri Jaya,a tiny village just after Maran town.He arrived there in the morning by an in-law's taxi.

There he waited for the executive from the head office to take him into the
plantation.It was along wait which lasted nearly an hour or slightly more.Waiting for some one who were never punctual was really frustrating,but what to do,as he was new to the Company,.otherwise he can go to hell.He finally arrived with an apology and a stupid smile.

Finally he traveled with him into the plantation.There were many surprises installed for him.The weather seemingly cold.

Now that he was finally employed again as a wage earner,the chances of seeking revenge looked brighter.This time he will saved enough for that caused.Those who offended him must pay and pay dearly.Time of reckoning will be very sweet,Ken wanted to look into their smart faces when the time come and split on them.

The fire in him still rages on,its intensity very much hang on this new position,should he failed then the fire will glowed to new heights and maybe explode.