In Cold Blood

Chapter Five: The Retirement Party

The long awaited day of celebration came and it was a cool Saturday morning an appropriate day for celebration. The weather was cool which was a promising sign that the event will be memorable. At about 7.a.m in the morning, the gates opened to usher in Richy Rentals into Ajayi's residence. Richy Rentals was well known for their tent like canopies which was unique from the usual canopies erected in occasions. As the Driver of the Van conveying the canopies drove in and parked, the workers alighted from the vehicle. They took a look around and realized that the compound   had a lot of space. After taking note of this, they got down to business. As they worked, Segun and Olu watched them from the security post.
"I love this."
"This day will be memorable." Olu said.
"You are right."
"I believe everything will work out as planned." Segun responded.
Segun and Olu were already dressed for the occasion. They live in the residence, and so woke up as early as 5.am to meet up with the day's event. They were smartly dressed in a Green Safari. As they watched, Toyin, Shade, and Tosin arrived. They exchanged pleasantries.
"How are you ladies?
"I hope you are ready for today's occasion?". Olu asked.
"Of course we are." Tosin was the first to respond.
"That's good Segun added.
"Well I think we should get to work." Tosin said quickly.
"Yes we should." Toyin replied smiling.
As they walked towards the front door, Richard and Toju stepped out of the house.
"Good morning sir. The maids greeted.
"Good morning ladies."
"I'm glad you are here as scheduled." Richard replied
"That's a good sign for today's occasion." The girls looked at each other and smiled as he talked.
"Alright get to work."
"Ajoke is already preparing breakfast."
"You should assist her."
"Alright sir." They replied as they walked away. Richard and his son Toju remained outside for a while watching the workers erecting the canopies.
While Ajoke was busy in the kitchen, Bisi and Bimbo her sister were in the guest room talking. As they talked, Bimbo said
"Today will be a great day for your husband."
"I celebrate his life and accomplishment".
"Thank you." Bisi replied quickly, starring at the jewelry she was to use for the occasion.
"Aren't they beautiful?" She asked Bimbo.
"They are but Bisi.... She said with a stress.
"What is it?" Bisi asked.
Avoiding any argument, Bimbo said calmly.
"Remember this is a memorable day for your husband."
"Please be nice."
"Are you here to give me lectures on how I should relate with my husband?" Bisi replied coldly.
"I'm just.... As Bimbo was about to say more, Bisi cut her short.
"I will be nice."
"Are you happy now." Bisi replied in a sacastic manner.
As they talked Bisi's phone rang and she spent the next 45minutes, talking to a friend. And the discussion was all about what they were to wear for the occasion.

At about 9.a.m breakfast was ready. Ajoke and the maids set the table and in a few minutes, everyone was seated and Bimbo blessed the food. They enjoyed the sumptuous meal Ajoke prepared.
After breakfast, Richard relaxed in the sitting room with his brothers and they talked and laughed heartily. Bisi gave instructions to Ajoke and the maids. While Toju and Ronke relaxed in the Balcony discussing.
At 10.a.m Ajoke's children Labake and Bolu arrived. They were students at Yaba  Polytechnic and were familiar faces at the Ajayi's residence. Ajayi Richard welcomed them warmly. After that they joined the maids in the kitchen.
"Good morning Mother.' Labake said.
"Good morning Mum".
"How are you?" Asked Bolu "Morning girls."
"I'm fine."
"How is school?" Their mother asked.
"Fine mum." They both replied.
Okay girls you are to work with Tosin, Toyin, and Shade like I told you."
"Alright mum." After instructing them, they went to the guest room prepared for them. They changed into a casual outfit and joined their mother in the kitchen.
While Ronke and Toju were in the balcony, Adamu drove into the premises. He brought the appropriate flowers from the flower shop. Some decorators from the shop accompanied him.
Ronke quickly informed her father of Adamu's arrival. He was delighted to hear this. He instructed Ronke to assist the decorators, and instructed Toju to accompany Adamu to get the plastics from the plastic shop. The flowers from Ajayi's shop were beautiful. It was a mixture of different colours. At this time, the driver and workers of Richy Rentals had gone and it was time for decorating the tents. Ronke assisted the decorators, and this pleased her. The red flowers were hung in a circular manner around the tents giving it a breath taking look. After decorating, Ronke and the decorators were pleased.
At this point everything was going on well. But one thing was obvious. Gbenga Richard's first son wasn't in the picture. Everyone was busy that his absence wasn't felt, probably because they were used to his life style.
The party was to begin at 2.p.m in the afternoon. And so by 12 noon, Mrs Martins the caterer arrived with her workers. Ajoke joined her quickly and inspected the delicacies for the occasion. She ensured that it was what they agreed on. The maids and her daughters later joined them and they all agreed to work as a team. After discussing, Ajoke and the maids went in to get dressed. And the Ajayi's also did the same thing.
While that was going on, Segun and Olu were at their post anticipating invitees and visitors.
Mrs Martins and her workers arranged the tables on each tent like canopy that would carry the silver dishes for serving the different delicacies And they did it diligently ensuring there was a serving table on each canopy.