THE RISING SUN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

After a year, the Minister of Works wrote the president of Carutha, requesting him to commission the recently concluded renovation and construction project in Ashurla.

The president was really grateful for his good work. So, in his acknowledgement, he promised to be present at Ashurla.

That would be the first time a president would visit Ashurla.

When the minister applied for the project, it was quickly approved because he had been successful in handling other projects he applied for. He had been a good official ever since he assumed office. He was a man of transparent honesty.

One month later, the President and his entourage visited Ashurla to commission the recently concluded project.

After the President, Minister of Work, and the Head Chief of Ashurla had finished giving their speech, Dr Zainab was permitted to also give her own speech. Giving women the opportunity to address such a great audience on such a memorable occasion where men were predominant was rare in Ashurla. But she had already been risen above such a standard.

In her speech, she commended her parents, teachers and the people of Ashurla for their great support to her. Then she turned to the Minister of Work, with a wide smile and admiration and she waved at everyone. She praised him for his greatness.

"The Honourable Minister may think that he was rewarding me for saving his life at the hospital, just as he recounted his experience with me at the hospital. No, not at all! Sir, whatever you must have done for Ashurla and me is not reciprocal with what I did for you at the hospital. You are doing all these things because you have the disposition towards kindness."

Immediately, everyone gave her a round of applause. And the Minister really smiled.

She continued: I didn't do anything for you; it was God who saved, you, not me. If you were an ungrateful person, you wouldn't have remembered my people and me anymore. You're a loving father, sir. May God always be with you. Amen!

Everyone also responded: Amen!

In her speech, she also commended the President for approving the project in Ashurla.

The event was indeed a memorable day for the people of Ashurla.

After three months, Dr Zainab applied to visit her alma mater. The application was approved by the principal of the school.

She visited the school with some medical practitioners and some officials from the Military of Education. The purpose of the visit was mainly to orientate the young students on issues about choice of career and health awareness, and the occasion was themed "The Rising Sun".

As she was called upon to address the students, everyone, including the teachers, gave her a standing ovation.

She greeted everyone and began to address the students. She talked on gender equality, self-esteem, aspiration and the steps and courage to achieve one's aspiration.

"Success moves like the rising sun. It springs up from the dark, and gradually spreads its radiance and then brightens everywhere. So if you become successful tomorrow from your little beginning, you shall also positively affect people around you", she said.

And so everyone clapped her. After the occasion, textbooks and writing materials were given out to students. After that, everyone departed.

At her workplace, Dr Zainab became very shocked when one of her colleagues ran up on her as she was about entering her car. This was one of those colleagues of hers who were keeping malice with her.

"Ma'am, Dr Amina wants to see", she said.

So, she hesitantly followed her into Dr Anima's office. There in her office, other medical staff members who were not in good terms with her were also present.

"I know you would be surprised to see this. But, I hope you know how sorry we are! We misjudged you out of sheer jealousy. Thus, we have come to apologise to you and make amends. I believe that making peace with you will give us peace of mind. You're really a great woman. Your moral disposition has really influenced us a great deal.

These were Dr Amina's words to Dr Zainab.

She grinned with tears running down her cheeks. Immediately, they run to her and hugged her passionately.

"I know God has already shown you mercy, therefore, I have no other choice but to forgiven you all. We're now family", Dr Zainab said.

"Your life is truly like the rising sun as you always say", one of the nurses said.

They began to live, as colleagues, in love and harmony from that moment onwards.

Dr Zainab and her family remained a blessed one.