Happiness at Last

One

Achafu Street in Enugu city was where Ikedinachi had spent most of his childhood days and still could not disengage himself from the activities of this lovely city. The town has few parks and five popular restaurants. Among its peculiar features were how people lived in yards and related closely with one another.

Ikedinachi is the first son in a family of three; two boys and a girl. Ugonna was in class six while Adanna, the baby of the house was in elementary school.

Ikedinachi is five years older than Ugonna because his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okoro had a difficult time having another child after his birth in 1972. He had both his primary and secondary education in public schools and had good grades in his WAEC. He admired businessmen and couldn’t wait to try his luck by experimenting to see what the labour market has to offer him the moment he left school. His parents wanted him to go to the university because he was brilliant he insisted on venturing into business first and then study sometime in the future.

Ikedinachi my son, why have you decided to make a mockery of your parents? Do you want people to laugh at us? his mother asked him.

We can afford to send you to a higher institution. As she talked, the tone of her voice became faint in a deep feeling of disappointment.

Ikedinachi’s father sighed and said to him, Son, we have visited this topic several times, but it looks as though I have been pouring water on stones or perhaps I have been talking to deaf ears, but, if you insist, we shall discuss later. He left Ikedinachi and his mother.

Mrs. Okoro sobbed the more as she could not ascertain whether her husband had accepted their son’s wish or not. She knew her husband well and knew there was no need trying to argue with him over their son’s decision as it has been troubling the family for some time. Ikedinachi loved his mother so much and could not bear to watch her cry. He held her close and promised her that he would become a graduate in future but had always had his eyes fixed on business.

Early in the morning the next day at 5 a.m., Mr. Okoro woke his son up to a father and son conversation. The talk dragged till his younger ones woke up to their chores and prepared for school.

"My son, did you say that you do not want to complete your education first before other distractions like eh…business? He quipped while nonchalantly chipping away on his chewing stick.

Yes, papa.

Papa, I will further my education later in the future, but I want to make some money first, and I want the best for my siblings too.

Ewooo! Ikedi, you want to help your poor father? He interjected in mock surprise. Now, listen to me. You are all my children, and I need no help from anyone.

Mama Ikedi, come and hear your son! he shouted and continued without a response from his wife, not that he expected any though.

The God that it pleased to let me have you all will give me whatever it will take to make life comfortable for each of you. Your mother and I are trying our best. There are decisions that as a child you do not make for yourself without seeking your parents’ opinion because they can totally disagree with you. As your father, my primary responsibility is to raise, protect and direct you. I cannot watch you take a wrong path. Bear in mind that we your parents can never mislead you, we know what is best for you and have seen it all. And this is one of them.

He paused and continued Business is good; you will become a businessman if that is what your heart desires, but first of all, you need to have a solid foundation in life education wise, which will also guide you even better in business. Besides, you will have to watch your mates graduate from different Universities. Is that what you wish yourself?

No Papa but… Ikedinachi found his head in between his palms as he leaned backwards on the sofa.

He knew it was never going to be easy convincing his father, but did not know it would get to this extent either.

His father continued, "I know you are a good son and would love to help your parents and that is the dream of every parent; including myself- he pointed towards his chest as he speaks - to have reasonable kids but please I beg you in God’s name, you are still a child, we are not expecting any help from you now. When that time comes, we will let you know," his father pleaded.

We want a better future for every one of you, and none of you should be sacrificed for the other’s progress rather your mother and I are here to make the sacrifices, where necessary. That is why we are your Parents.

Ikedinachi’s head was filled with thoughts as his father almost brainwashed him but he didn’t want to disrespect him by arguing. Besides, he did not want to be perceived as a disobedient son and had always wanted to set good example for his younger ones.

Papa, I have heard all that you have said. I have always dreamt of becoming a businessman but if you and mama insist that I go to University first, then I will have to. At least, to make you both happy and proud parents.

I am glad you have reasoned with your father. I want you to bear in mind that apart from making us happy and proud, it is primarily for your own good. Do not worry, you will find out in time. We are proud of you, son.

Now I must leave you so that I won’t be late for work.

Nkem, your water will soon be cold, I hope you know what the time is? Mrs. Okoro called out having kept for her husband warm water for bathing some minutes ago.

I will be there in seconds Obidiya.

He hurriedly had his bath, had breakfast of tea and bread with akara balls and left for work. Mr. Okoro is a civil servant and is always at work before time, he was known for that. Despite the hurry, he was able to tell his wife that he succeeded in convincing their son about going to the University. On hearing that, Mrs. Okoro giggled silently as she did not want her son to know what had transpired. She likes sitting beside her husband when he eats, even when she doesn’t want to have an early morning meal. As a trader, she wakes up early to go about her morning duties before heading to the market. In the past, she sold her goods; farm produce of all sorts which are highly dependent on the season as majority of the items were seasonal- in a shop she jointly owned with a friend. However, in the last five years, she had been able to get her own shop with the help of her husband.

Meanwhile, Ikedinachi remained calm all through the day which crept into subsequent days. Gradually, he began to loosen up. His mother sensing his uneasiness over this period approached him to enable him voice out his feelings. Like an overfilled glass of beer, he poured out his heart to her and narrated how he had imagined things to be in his life and how following the persistent persuasion from them and the last chat with his father, he was left with no choice than to succumb to their dance-tune. He sounded more like a powerless chicken that has succumbed to its fate.

I am your mother, Mrs. Okoro pointed towards her chest, all we want is the best for you, Ikem. Ikem is his pet-given name by his mother. We both love you and will always be there to guide you. I understand how you feel, my son. She hugged and held him close to her chest and reassured him.

Ikedinachi had the whole day to himself and could not help the bursts of ideas in his head. He thought of how he would break the news to his peers that he will no longer go into business as he has always boasted, it made him feel bad. His desire to start rolling in cash in no distance time and being able to buy things he needed for himself, without having to ask his parents for money dashed.

Nevertheless, he recalled that other students had talked more often about going to the University. Maybe they seem more reasonable than me, but I was brilliant in school like them as well. That flicker of thought made him realise that his parents might not be wrong after all. Besides, he might be able to focus more on studies at this tender age than when he gets older; he kept thinking as he tried to resolve issues in his head. He felt a bit better.

Two

At nineteen, Ikedinachi already looked overgrown for his age. He was dark, hairy, tall -like his father, and hugely built. He expresses himself well both in his mother tongue -igbo- and his lingua franca - English. He has sideburns and likes wearing his grown naturally-carved beard which made him look more handsome and advanced in age. He was loved by all that knew him due to his charming and caring personality.

Following the conversation with his parents, he still had to convince himself that University was the best option for him now. He fought within himself and was able to bring himself to focus and study for higher institution. He made the necessary preparations and took the requisite examination for entry into the University. His parents were very supportive and wished him well.

The following couple of months were worrisome for him as he waited anxiously for the release of the lists of successful candidates. He often wondered how fast things change; barely a couple of month’s back he was kicking against any going-to-University idea, and now he hopes to be among the successful candidates. He could not wait to be told that he made it through to the University pre-placement exam – JAMB, as it is known, partly because he took the exam and failing would not be an option but mainly to make his parents proud. They would be more excited than him, and he simply knew it.

Luck was on his side as he was successful. A colleague of his had stopped by to tell him that he saw his name on the list when he accompanied his cousin to check for his result in Enugu State University of Science and technology, popularly known as ESUT for short.

Yes, I sat for the examination, he was breathing very fast.

Are you serious? So, congratulation is in order? I was thinking it was a coincidence.

Emm… what? He asked in anxiety. He began adjusting his clothes properly and was ready to make his way to ESUT to see his name on the list with his own eyes.

Hey! Ikedinachi, why did you have to fool others by making them think you have no interest in going to the University? Enuma sounded very furious, not like someone who just congratulated a mate.

He continued, I remember vividly that you talked about various business ideas most times and how prepared you were to venture into them as soon as we left school. I never imagined people could be that deceitful and I did not expect that from you. By the way, I sat for a different University, and they are yet to release their result. I was not caught in your web though.

Oh! Enuma do not sound like that. Ikedinachi was sadened by his tone and how he has misunderstood his situation.

It is not exactly as you have made it look. I have always said that and meant it, but my parents have never supported me, so I simply gave in to their idea. It was a difficult moment for me. I am sorry if that was how you felt then, I did not intend to discourage others from going to the University.

Enuma was not sure if he meant what he was saying. For all he cared, he had told him his piece of mind, and it was obvious that he was truly angered.

Well, congrats again.

"Thank