The compound of the Ezes on this very day went wild with the jollification of all kinds of enjoyments ranging from the delicate dishes that lined on the buffet, the soul lifting songs, the warm atmosphere of guests arriving and exchanging pleasantries to the costly and colorful attires that decorated the environment among flashy cars lining from all angles of the mountain top apartment which was dedicated specially for this purpose.
It was Tabitha's day - a day to celebrate the day she was brought into the world.
Never in the history of mankind had it been brought to her notice prior to her coming to the capital city that she was going to be honored in such a way ever.
This would mark her third birthday in the city, however, this was to be the one that would be specially organized to honor her. Mr and Mrs Eze and family had much in-store - surprises that Tabitha wasn't aware of.
Her mixture of creamy, gold and a touch of blue lining perfectly fitting on her body was a special dress made up by one of the strongest fashion agents in town.
These were specially hired for the entire family, with focus on Tabitha.
It was a day like non other.
Dike looked forward to this day, so much as to see the adorning of his crush lady on elegance that would surpass what he has been seen all the while that itched his appetite for love.
The little talking Joy who was fast growing was busy dazzling around Mrs Eze like her accompanying little angel.
The occasion was marked to begin at exactly 10am Saturday and end in two hours of time.
Tabitha was kept indoor until when she would be ushered out to the main stage by the master of ceremony who was well suited and all smiling for his job.
When everyone was well sited with just a few guests stealing in as a result of lateness, first, the opening prayer was done, the national anthem joyfully sang.
After this, the much awaited moment by the attendees was graced;
"Ladies and gentlemen, may we please make welcome, the lady of the moment, the beautiful princess of the house, the elegant lady, princess Tabitha!"
Everyone Screamed in excitement and applauded happily, their eyes hungry to feed on the beauty of the most high.
Franklin was siting in a far end smiling broadly as his hopes were still hanging on Tabitha accepting his Proposal someday. He had in his hand flowers with an envelope in it which he brought for gifts.
When the large door opened and she made her way out, the crowd roared in excitement and rose to a standing position, with gleaning smiles on their faces.
Tabitha majestically walked the red carpet with maidens ushering her to her seat. The joy was so much that she was humbled with tears rolling down her eyes. It was beyond her control. Of course she was attended to quickly in order to prevent much flow of tears as a result of emotions.
As if this wasn't enough, as she sat down, she then saw a car drove in a packed close to the red carpet.
Everyone opened their eyes wide to see who it was again.
To the surprise of everyone sited, it was Tabitha's parents and other family members.
She was shocked. How on earth was this done without her. She ran to Mrs Eze and fell into her arms.
Well, the first surprised package was achieved by the Ezes.
As the program proceeded and everyone was enjoying himself with entertainment and food, Mr and Mrs Eze Ngozi and family walked to the podium as Mrs Eze was given the microphone to speak.
First, she invited Tabitha and his family to stand with her on one side, then she handed over the microphone to her husband.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my wife has already said it all. I am going to hit the nail on the head." His entrance compelled Tabitha to freeze where she was standing as she searched for what was actually been played.
"Alright," he continued.
"Tabitha, we are sorry this is coming to you as a shocking surprise. We apologise if you may have felt nervous. We love you so much and only want to surprise you." He paused and watched her reaction, but she only smiled nervously.
"May I please invite barrister Philips Sewua to the podium. Barrister Philips is a well recognized lawyer and has been serving the legal affairs of my family for the past few years. We invite him here so that he can witness this moment and after that ..." He paused and smiled, looking around nervous faces.
Tabitha, you know we love you so much. We don't know how you will feel about our decision, but today we want to confess publicly and ask for your opinion that we should legally be allowed to co-parent you alongside your biological parents whom my wife has already spoken to. It is in the interest of I, my wife and children to have you join us as one and become our legitimate daughter." He said and turned to his wife, giving away the microphone.
This also came to the shock of Dike and his sister although she had a little insight to something of sort which the both parents had kept hidden as they believed definitely this would be to their delight.
Bar. Philips Sewua was standing there smiling as the crowd cheered.
Tabitha turned to her parents and they nodded as a sign of approval.
But she was baffled. She turned to everyone, looked at Mr and Mrs Eze and looked lost for a moment.
When she lifted her eyes and met those of Dike staring at her emotionally, she was weakened.
Overwhelmed with thoughts, she slumped to the shock of everyone.
People quickly rushed to her, Dike pushing his way first and holding on to her. Without delay, he lifted her into the car that brought her parents and the driver zoomed off to the hospital with no little delay.
The celebration became unsettled with mixed reactions from everyone present.
Of course she just fainted - everyone was aware.
To someone, she couldn't contain the excitement. To others, the bewildered look on her face indicated something was not right about the news that was broken to her.
To Mr and Mrs Eze, they felt sorry this was happening. They feared that something may happen to her and they would be the cause of it.
To Dike, he was grateful to God he was still standing. It was better she fainted. This he knew was as a result of their love. she sacrificed the moment for their love. If she was going to accept to be adopted by the Ezes, that means she and Dike would become siblings meaning that they won't be able to love or get married to each other.
To this Dike wasn't wrong.
As the car drove on, Tabitha opened her eyes. Dike wanted to scream but she shut him up because they were the only two at the back of the car. The others were following behind in another car.
Tabitha had false the slump to make everyone think she was overcomed by her emotions meanwhile in reality, she was fighting for her love with Dike.