Binta

Chapter Twelve

I dedicate this chapter to Salma Buba...always seeking for an Update. Thank you dear for your passion towards my story.

The dinner setting was wonderfully beautiful. The hall was glamorously breathtaking. I was swayed by the decorations, the grand lighting and red carpet. The tables had a black and white theme and were beautifully adorned with several bottles of wines and assorted drinks.

The event blossomed when great people arrived. All faces seemed unfamiliar to me but one. The former chief justice of the federation, I could remember vividly how he commended me during my call to bar and recommended me to my boss's chambers. I never got the chance to thank him but guess I would today.

"Good evening gentlemen, it's a great honor to have you all here today....."He went on and gave a long inspirational speech which everyone applauded and finally we were all asked to introduce ourselves.

When the whole introduction was over the awards were presented, I wasn't expecting any award because I was new so I sat down and watched and applauded those who were presented award.

My Boss was presented with the "best litigation officer of the year", I wasn't a bit surprised he deserved it. I was proud of him.

"Best in review and research for the year"...though a new employee but a very hardworking young lady...." The MC announced.

"Wow! She must be very good" I whispered to myself as I wonder who among the new employee just introduced must have performed so brilliantly to deserve an award so suddenly.

"Please put your hands together for Barr Binta Aliyu" I was clapping until I realize it was actually my name but I still was in doubt looking around maybe I was having an illusion until my Boss ushered me up with an encouraging nod of his head.

All eyes were on me as I walked briskly to the stage and received my award which was handled to me by the chief Judge himself.

"Congratulation for a recommending performance" he shook my hand and I smiled.

"Thank you sir...for everything" I said softly with a smile.

"And finally the Crest Star award of the year...." There was a minute silence and then the drums and then the silence again.

"Ladies and gentlemen please put your hands together for Mary Agwu" and there was a loud applause and paparazzi even my boss rushed out to give her a hug and have some pictures with her. I felt a pang jealousy. I wished I was the one. She just stole the moment.

She was presented her award, a key to a brand new Elatra 2015 model car and a cheque of 1million Naira. The chief judge appreciated her with a cheque of Five Hundred Thousand Naira, my boss also appreciated her with a Hundred Thousand, the principal counsel of Abuja chambers appreciated her with Two Hundred Thousand Naira, and so the cash appreciation kept coming in at the end she left the stage with 2.5million Naira. I was so speechless.

"Next year I would win the crest star of the year" I murmured to myself. I stood up and went over to congratulate her and she reciprocated the gesture well.

"With the way you are going it could be you next year you know?" she said happily and I smiled.

"I'm proud of you" I said to her shyly and she hugged me.

"I want to see you win it next year" there was sincerity in her voice, she was so mature in her reasoning and behavior, I fell in love with her instantly. I could envisage the reason why everyone was all over her. She has a heart of gold.

"Have you booked a reservation for tonight" my boss's voice stirred me, I was carried away watching the audience from the balcony, and it was a beautiful view, you could see every happening around and it's sort of quiet up here. I'm not too good with crowd.