Thorns and Berries

Chapter Thirty-One

Husna

My heels clicked noisily against the marbled floors as I walked in hurried steps into the office building with a box containing files and folders full of important documents, on my hand. As soon as the receptionist set eyes on me, I immediately rushed out of my counter and pulled me into a firm hug and we both laughed together, glad to see each other again after a whole week.

That was Joy, the ever cheerful receptionist in the office. Everyone knew her as friendly, calm and tolerating and very suitable for her position. She was the closest to all of her colleagues because of her likeable personality.
       
"I missed you." I gently entangled myself from her, scanning her from head to toe, wondering if my eyes were deceiving her or it was that the woman had truly added weight just as she looked.
       
"Our arewa barrister. I missed you more. What did you bring for me na?" Joy said in delight.
      
"Wait. Relax, madam. First of all, tell me the secret. You look thicker."
       
Joy blushed before whispering,
       
"God has shamed my mother-in-law. I'm finally pregnant."
   
I stared at her in awe, delighted by the news.Joy was finally pregnant after five years of her marriage. That was great news. I was so sure her mother-in-law who had always treated her bad and called her barren would be thrown off the cliff by her pregnancy. Joy had always shared with me, stories of how the older woman would maltreat her and shove her around because of her condition and although I knew nothing about marriage lives, I would still comfort her and assure her that someday, her prayers would be answered just like it has been now.
       
"This is great news. I am so happy for you." I could say no more as we were joined by some other colleagues who hugged and welcomed me. After we were done with the greetings, I left her to go inside the building, but not without promising I would come see Joy during lunch break.
   
When I arrived her desk, I met the presence of Ummulkhairi and Sandra, arranging their desks and returning their files to the rightful positions. After exchanging greetings and hugs, I settled down and imitated the ladies in arranging her desk.

But then, a few minutes later, we were interrupted by Chisom, Mr Osaze's secretary, who came to inform me that her boss sought my presence in his office immediately.
    
With heart up the edge of my sleeves, I followed Chisom as we found our way to the corridor that led to the office and when we arrived the door, Chisom knocked on it and escorted me inside before walking out almost immediately again.

As my eyes landed on the round shiny bald head, protruding stomach and chubby body of Mr Osaze, a feeling of déjà vu washed over my body. I remembered the countless times I had been called here only to be scolded of my lack of diligence and consistent poor results in my job and how I would listen in silence with head bent to the ground in shame. I hated to have to go through same today, being my first day of resumption from my work leave.
         
"Good day, sir." I coupled myself together and greeted.
       
"Good morning, Miss Tanko. How was your leave? Hope you had fun?" His very deep authoritative voice replied.
       
"Yes, sir. I did."
    
He nodded before saying again,
        
"So, I guess you didn't see the mail we sent you."
   
I shook my head, oblivious of a mail of any sort.
        
"No, sir. I did not."
   
He swiveled on his chair and nodded again.
        
"Alright then." He cleared his throat and refocused his gaze on me while I looked away like a shy high school teenager about to be scolded by the school principal.
"Miss Tanko. I am afraid to inform you know that you have been relieved of your duty in our organization."
     
My ears whizzed and my head blurred at his statement. I was being relieved of my duty? How? Why? What for?
    
I raised my gaze to him now.
         
"Excuse me, Sir."
         
"You heard me right, Husna. Regarding your inputs since your employment here, the media house has come to the conclusion that you are no longer fit to handle your job and has decided to let you go. Jide Alabi will be taking your place in handling the TV show from now on."
    
I shook my head in disbelief and denial. How many bad news did I have to entertain just in a week?