End of the Road

approach.

CHAPTER-ONE

Amos Onaji woke up in the middle of the night, feeling debilitated with body throbbed and blamed himself, for his weak state of health. He had worked assiduously the previous day, attending to the influxed of customers, at his three business premises. And now he was paying the price for his inability to have taken analgesic tablets, before going to bed that night. Rousing forcefully with pains, he got up from the bed, held on to the bed switch and turned on the light. He twirled toward the direction of the door and walked to the dining-room.

He moved toward the first-aid box, which was thumb-tacked to one of the walls of the dining room, opening the first-aid box, he collected two tablets of panadol extra. He closed the box and walked to the refrigerator at the right corner of the dining-room, and collected a glass of water, thrusting the tablets into his mouth; he drank the water and gulped down the tablets.

Feeling a bit relief, he ambled to the window of the adjoining road and peeked through the window, to observe the quietness of the night. Feeling very satisfied, he turned sharply and trudged to the main sitting-room. He pulled out a desk’s chair, sat down quietly and turned his eyes around the embellished sitting room. He glanced around again and nodded to his accomplishment. Feeling very self-fulfilled he rested for a while, stood up and walked to the master bed-room. He opened the door of the master bed-room, crossed the threshold of the door and switched on the light. His wife and three kids were still caught up, in a deep sleep.

He stared at his lovely wife and his three beautiful kids, grinned with delight for his achievements, here on earth. Smiling blissfully, he walked back to his room and plopped on his bed.

Once on his bed, sleep has completely eluded his eyes. The images of his childhood days in the village of Umudike gradually creep into his mind. Memories of how, he had passed through a thorny-path of life as a child, were still very fresh in his mind. He had made frantic effort, in the past to repel these thoughts, but the thoughts keeps, re-occurring. These thoughts were gradually becoming a night-mare, to him because of the de-humanizing nature of poverty, which he was confronted with as a child. Sometimes, he had to croon a melody or get himself entrenched with more jobs, in-order to denude these memories. As most times, he often bristled with anger at the mere thoughts of his past.

This very night, these thoughts re-ushered into his mind. As a little child from a relatively poor background, he had always had the inclination to become a lawyer. Although, he had made a remarkable achievement in business, but such childhood dream has refused to be blurted out of his memory. His enthusiastic feeling for law, sprouted from a few members of the village, who were practicing lawyers in major cities across the country. These individuals often visit the village, during festive period to celebrate the social events, with family-members and other loved ones. On such occasion, they often wear a preppy image and walked swaggerly in an exquisite displayed of wealth. These images of a special being had culminated into his strong desire, to want to become a lawyer. He vowed to himself nothing would deter him, from achieving this dream.

As a little child of a peasant farmer, he recognized the need for hard work on the farm, to augment his father’s effort. He had on most times, worked late into the evening on the farm, in-order to raise enough funds for his education. He worked tirelessly, to combine his farming work with his education, especially, being the first child in the family. He wanted to be a pacesetter, for his other siblings and had always put up, a stupendous performance in all his examinations. He had never come below first position, in his class. Even as a child, he sees determination as a necessary pre-requisite, to achieving his noble objective of wanting to become a lawyer.

He had often boasted, to his congenial friends and relations of his strong desire, to become a lawyer and his father had always emphasized his unctuous support for his great dream. He was in a state of hysterical excitement, when finally he was promoted to primary seven, his last and final year in the primary school.

But barely had he settled adequately, for his primary seven’s curriculum work, when an incendiary device was ignited. It was a bomb, which shattered hope-dream-vision and the determination to succeed. It was this particular cordite device that momentarily removed the smile, from his gleeful face. On this day, he had organized a crammer lesson, with few members of his classmates, in his home on a discourse on mathematics. After a lengthy discussion, on some torturous topics that dragged late into the evening, he decided to escort his colleagues halfway, to their homes. As soon as, they crossed the passage door that lead to the road, his father who sat with other closed friends, who had come to visit him, suddenly called his name.

Amos, please, see me as soon as you return.

Yes. Dad, he turned and answered.

After walking his class-mates half-way, he returned to the house, walk-passed his dad, who was still engrossed in a deep conversation with his friends and entered his room. He lay on his bed and made himself comfortable on it, faced upward with his arms and legs sprawled out. He tried to ruminate deeply, at-least to figure out the tenor of the conversation, which is of paramount interest to his father. He wondered about the last time, his father had called him for a private discussion. As he lay on his bed, he tried to figure out, the possible lines of issues his father would take up with him that night, since he had never been summoned by his father, for urgent meetings on odd times of the day, in the past. Each times, he makes an effort to discerned, on the likely topics of interest, his dad would take up with him; the more rapidly his heart palpitated.

He had known the visitors, who sat with his father that evening and wondered what they could have come, to discuss with his father which would prompt this unexpected meeting. His head was cramped with jumbled thoughts. He lay awake, on the bed for a long time, waiting patiently for his father call and was still in the midst of these confusing thoughts, when he gradually drifted into a deep sleep. He woke up the next the morning, feeling shrouded by the mystery of the discussion. He went to the bath-room, took his bath quickly-brushed his teeth and came out again. He entered his room, got dressed up and waited patiently for his father’s call. He was having a feeling of trepidation, of his dad real intention.

He had barely waited much longer, when his mum called out his name, he rushed out to the sitting-room, found his mum and dad, were both having conversation together. He greeted both of them and she in-turn, pointed to his food on top of the dining-table. As he was eating his break-fast that morning, he took a furtive glanced at his father, who has now made himself comfortable, on one of the chairs in the sitting-room. His mum had left him and he pretended to be pre-occupied with what his other siblings, were doing at the sitting-room. He thinks, from the looks from his dad face, he was patiently waiting for him, to be done with his meal. But when he was through with the meal, he stood up to leave. Then his dad beckoned to him to come over. He walked over to him and sat directly opposite him.

He said. My son, paused, looked at his face and continued.

I’ve taken great pain, to seek for advised from well wishers. As the saying goes, two heads are always better than one.

At this point, he could feel the sudden dropped of sweats, from his face as his dad unfurled the specter in the speech. He harrumphed and then continued.

I’ve taken pain and time, to observe the most progressive element, in our small community and each time, I point my search light, my conclusion was always the same, he eyed him for a respond and when there was none.

He continued, Do you know Mister Isaac Okonkwo, who lived by the community’s rivulet. He was among the guests that sat with me yesterday evening?

Yes, dad, nodding his head.

He took a surreptitious glanced round the sitting room and continued.

Isaac Okonkwu has a son, named Julius Okonkwu, who is a business-man based in Lagos, he said and leaned forward. Julius Okonkwu is a successful spare-parts business-man. He had expanded his business from one retail spare-parts outlet to the second and now a third retail outlet, in a different location in Lagos, he said, with a straight face.

It was at this point, he was beginning, to feel the depravity in his father’s personality. As a teenager, who had lived in the village for a long time, he was conversant with countless cases, of how youths had been forcefully withdrawn from the primary school and had been taken to major cities, across the country to serve their master, in a business-operation. The gloom on his face deepened, as he listened to the specter of his speech. He now realized for the first time, why all these years, his father had been showing a lackadaisical attitude toward his education. And now, it seemed his predilection for law, was now very blink. Curious but waited patiently, as he was beginning to simmer, with hate for his dad.

This is real luck! My son, he shouted out. Julius Okonkwu hasn’t seen you before, but he has heard a lot of stories about you. He specifically requested for you. My son, I am very proud of you, looking straight to his eyes. You will have to manage his third spare-parts outlet for him and after serving him for five years, he is going to set up your own business for you, he tilted his chin.

He was traumatized, by these words and suddenly felt eerie. He sighed with disappointment, and lowered his face. But when he raise up his face again and looked straight at his dad, all he could see was hate, despaired. This is preposterous dad, he said, in a brusque tone. He was non-plussed by these words. Father, you are aware all I ever dream about, is to become a lawyer, he sounded resonantly. You are supposed to guide my aspiration and not to destroy it, Amos cried out angrily.

He clenched his teeth and suddenly grew pensive. And his eyes were gradually brimming with tears. Father, I have worked tirelessly from the age of four years, when I first discovered my passion for law. Are you going to let my dream flinch away from me? Please, dad, don’t partake in the destruction of my hope and my future, he wailed out and blubbered like a baby.

His father suddenly became exasperated with fury. Enough of this non-sense, I’m your father and it is my duty to decide what is good for you. And my decision is final, he said angrily, stood up from the chair he was sitting on and left the sitting-room.

Father, you’re despicable, he said quietly to himself.

As a little child, from a poor family, he had vowed to eradicate poverty, which was so endemic in his household, but at that moment, he saw such hope blurted out or thrown into the dustbin, since his ambitious has been thwarted by the same man, he called his dad, leaving him bemused about his future. Through-out his remaining days in the village, he developed a feeling of animosity toward his dad and refuses to see anything good about him. This very night, he remembered vividly, how he had lost hope completely in life.

He had barely waited for four months, when news came, filtering through the air that, Mister Julius Okonkwu, his perceived new mentor and his boss, had come to the village to pick him. It was a rumor that wriggled strongly.

The next morning, Mister Julius Okonkwu paid an unscheduled visit, to his family house. He was carrying two bags, filled with some unknown items. He came in the company of his dad and other few relatives. As soon as, they entered the house, they greeted his dad and then turned to greet his mum, in the usual traditional Africa style, one after the other. They took their seats, on three long benches that were brought in, for that purpose. Mister Julius Okonkwu stood up, shuffled to where his dad was sitting, mumbled a word to his ear and then went back to where he had sat earlier. His dad immediately called his younger brother and directed him to Mister Julius Okonkwu. He dipped his hand into his right trouser pocket, brought out some monies; gave my younger brother the money and whispered to him. A minute later, my brother skittered out of the sitting room, to the passage that leads to the road.

Mister Julius Okonkwo was tall and thick with muscular shoulder-oval shape face and has a bushes whisker on his face. And when he smiles, his immaculate white teeth sparkled. He was dressed in a white Jacket and looked like a complete gentleman, judging from his appearance, he was an opulent man, but seemed like the easy going type.

He specifically requested to see him and when he came in he stood up from the bench seat, held him tightly and said. I know how you feel, Amos. I also know it is always not easy to leave behind your loved ones. I felt the same way too, when I was leaving my parents for the first time, but look at me now, I’ve no regret taken such a bold decision. I’ve everything a man could boast of achieving. I’ve achieved fame and wealth because I took such a bold decision. It’s a matter of time, Amos. Things can also turn around for you.

Thank you, sir.

He bent downward, carried the two bags from the floor and handed them over to him. I bought you some clothes, he stretches the two bags to him.

Thank you, sir, Amos was filled with joy for the gifts.

He rushed out of the sitting-room, entered his room and unzipped the two bags. He removed the clothes, one after the other. Mister Julius Okonkwu had bought him, five pair of trousers-seven packet shirts and two pair of shoes. He smiled gleefully, as he sizes the clothes on his body and they all matched his body. This man is generous. He is a nice man after all. I shall go with him to Lagos. He has bought for me, what my own dad had never bought for me, he said quietly to himself.

In that state of tremulous excitement, he ran back to the sitting-room and was closely followed by his mum. As soon as, he entered the sitting-room, he knelt down in front of Mister Julius Okonkwu. Thanks for the gifts, sir. His mum also came into the sitting-room and thanked him, on his behalf. Mister Julius Okonkwu responded and said. You are welcome.

His dad, who had also invited some close family members, brought some kola nuts and gave them to the most senior man present, so that the kola nuts can be broken, in the usual traditional Africa way. Mister Julius bought a lot of drinks so much, so that, what was supposed to be a mere visit now turned into a ceremony. All the guests had a field day drinking.

How were you, able to know my son’s sizes? his father asked him.

Oh, I visited home nine months ago. I saw your son; he didn’t know me and so, couldn’t have noticed my present. I watched him very closely and I liked him. So when all discussion about him was through, I used my professional skill in fashion, to figure out his sizes. This was easy because I loved fashion myself.

Mister Julius’s dad, finally stood up, he cleared his throat and greeted everyone present. He explained the reasons, why they have come to see Mister Dickson, my dad. We haven’t come here, to pay homage to the gods, neither have we come here today to appease the ancestors for any wrong doing or to celebrate any festive occasion. But we’ve rather come here today, to seek the permission from my dearly beloved friend, brother, to allow his son to work with my own son, in Lagos. He tapped his son on the shoulder and ordered him to stand up, to address the crowd.

My elders, I greet you all, bowing down his head. I haven’t come to the village to celebrate any festival, as it is the custom here. I’ve come to the village to seek for help from elder Dickson. My businesses are growing and it is only natural when a business expands, more capable hands would be required, to pilot its affair. Today, I have come to seek for help from elder Dickson, to allow his son, Amos to assist me to run my new business, he looked at Mister Dickson, nodded his head, then he sat down.

My dad stood up and thanked everyone, present in his house. Then he turned to Mister Julius Okonkwu. My son, I thanked you, so much for the wonderful gifts, you’ve given to my son. I want to assure you, of my blessing and acceptance to your request. But I must admit that I am a novice on matters, relating to issues of this nature. I’ve never given out any of my son before and hence, I do not know these agreements. If I release my son to serve you in Lagos, what does he stand to benefit, after he had served you. You should explain the terms of agreements, then he thought for a moment. There must be something attractive, which should motivate me, to want to let out my beloved son to you, he grinned.

Mister Julius Okonkwu stood up again, turned to his dad, I salute you my elder. Under this contractual agreement, your son is expected to serve me for a period of five years. During this period, he is expected to be diligent, honest and above all, he must be prepared to sacrifice his time and energy toward the growth of the business. At the expiration of five years, he would be compensated with one/fourth of the total value of the goods in the shop under his control, to enable him set up his own business. And during this period of active service, I shall be responsible for his upkeep.

My dad stood up again and turned toward me, you’ve heard the incentives that goes with the sacrifice, you are about to make. My son, are you pleased with it?

He shrugged his shoulder.

My Son, be more specific in your respond? he frowned.

He stood up this time. This is a good offer for a guy like me, dad. I accept the condition, he said out loudly.

My dad, turned again to face Mister Julius. My son, my approval has been granted. When do you intend to leave with him, to Lagos?

Mister Julius, in his usual polite manner, stood up and said. I shall be leaving back to Lagos, in three days times. This is to enable Amos, to have enough time to prepare for the journey.

Mister Julius and his entourage of family members stood up, simultaneously, exchanges pleasantries and they beg to take their leave. It was just a minute after they had left the house, he realized for the first time, the drama which has taken place in his own father’s house. Looking pale and sullen, he wondered how, it will be for him to leave a village he had grown up, to loved and cherished so much. Over the years, he has become a famous member of the little community. He had integrated himself with every facet of the socio-political life of the community, Marriage ceremonies-Initiation of the youths into adulthood-Cultural dances by the different age groups-Installation of chieftaincy title on a deserving member of the community. He remembered how, the children in every household, would gather together in front of the house, when the darkness of the night would shimmer under the moonlight. He wondered how life would be, without these activities. He knew it wasn’t his intention to leave the village, at-least for now and was going to leave, under the compulsion of his father. He gnawed his teeth, felt highly disgruntle at his father’s action and vowed, never to forgive him, for turning his life upside down.

The next day, activities had been geared up, for his eventual departure to his new destination and his mum directly supervises all the preparations. She knew too well he wasn’t happy on the current turn of events. My mum loved me so much, but when it comes to taking decisions in the house, she often succumbed to her husband decision, even when she is against such a decision. She is easily susceptible to her husband influence. Maybe, this could account for reasons, why there was always peace in the house. He knows too well, she wasn’t happy about this particular decision. She no-longer looked at him in the eyes, when she talks to him.

One evening, he sat glumly on a bamboo bench, in the far corner of the walls of the compound and was snaggled with thoughts, about the new direction his life was just about to take. He has heard stories of Lagos and he also knew too most of the successful indigene of his community, all resides in Lagos. People often jokes that it is only those who are tough, who can succeed in Lagos. But Mister Julius okonkwu seemed to be diametrically opposite. He looks quiet and humbly, at-least judging from his appearance or just maybe, he could be wearing a superficial behaviour, when he is outside Lagos. Those of us in the village often looked at our brothers and sisters in Lagos as being very arrogant, they often treats us disdainfully, whenever they come visiting the village for the annual festival. They looked at us as being inferior and we disliked them so much, for this attitude. They wear good clothes and had plenty of monies to throw around, but that doesn’t make them, to be more superior. All the same, we often admired their appearance. Though, it was often kept secret in our chest. They have the quirks character of taunting us, with offensive language, they called us primitive people. It was pretty awful. Such supercilious attitude toward us has always created a stalemate, in our daily interaction with them.

Although, the idea of relocating to Lagos was repugnant to him, but after a second thought, he wondered, if it might not turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Right there, he decided to take his relocation, as the will of God and to make the best use of his remaining days in the village.

He stood up from the bamboo bench, walked back to his room, but when he opened the door of his room, he discover his dinner has been neatly package and carefully placed on the only table in his room. The food was occluded with a napkin to keep it warm. This is very unusual, he thought, my mum would always call on me, whenever my food is ready, but why this change of attitude. Maybe, she now has a feeling of compunction, to have supported my dad, into taking a decision which was detrimental to my education, he said thoughtfully. When he opened the food, wow! This is a special meal for a special personality, he said quietly. This was the best meal; he has ever eaten in his life. It contains all the ingredients, which are normally found in a rich’s farmer meal in the village. The aroma was completely irresistible. He quickly sat down, on the only chair in the room and did what was right with the food. When he was done with the food, he took the empty plates back to the kitchen.

He got up the next morning and after taking his bath, he slipped on his school uniform and was ready to leave the house, but his father who was surprised to see him dressed up for school, called him to his room. He turned sharply toward the direction of his dad’s room and walked toward his father.

Good morning, father, he bowed down his head.

I thought we’ve taken a decision, about the issue of your education. Why are you, still dressed up for school? he yelled at him.

Yes, father. I’m going to inform the school authority and my class-mates about the decision of the family.

And, you think, it is necessary?

Father, these are individuals, I’ve known for almost seven years now. It will be unfair for me, to depart the village without informing them about it.

Okay, do as it pleases you, he yielded.

Thanks, dad, he said politely. And immediately, walked through the passage to the main road and took the route that leads to the school.

He arrived the school late and walked to the head-master office, the headmaster was just settling down for the day’s activities. The head-master was astonished to see him, in his office that morning. I hope there is no problem, Amos?

A little problem, sir, he answered.

What is it then?

I’ve come to inform you I’m pulling out of school.

But why? he asked.

My father wants me to go to Lagos, to learn a trade.

For God sake, what is wrong with these men? he asked, gushing with anger. Why do they always prefer a business, to the education of their sons? Do they understand the value of education, to the future well-being of their children? Oh, God! And look at it, you’re doing so well at school, he was silence for a minute. Well, I wished you all the best, he said, staring at him.

Thanks, sir, he turned and left his office.

By the time he got to his class, they had just completed their first lesson. He quickly mounted the podium, to address his class-mates. He raised his right hand up and beckoned to his colleagues to remain silence. I’ve a very special announcement to make, class, he shouted.

The class fell silenced.

My friends, colleagues in the same struggle, he volunteered.

Over the years, as each day, months and years passes by, my affection for all of you, was getting stronger by the day. And today, without mincing words, I can say to you all that, I’ve never known and cherished anyone else, beside those of you, I’ve spent my entire six years with. It deepened the heart I’m going to miss you all. (There was an expression of shock on their faces, when they heard the word miss) I shall be leaving the school, to learn a trade in Lagos, there was spontaneous up-roared of anguish and an expression of anger.

To be precise in my speech, I’ve come to school today to say goodbye to you all, my loved ones.

This sudden announcement precipitated, a solemn looks on their faces. Some were shuddering with disbelieved, while others were already brimming with tears. It was Peter Onuche, who was courageous enough to speak on behalf of others. He demanded to know why, I should be leaving at a time when we all, are about to write our first primary leaving certificate examination.

It was never my intention to abandon my education. Rather I’m leaving because my father wants me to leave. I think, he is probably running away, from his responsibility, he replied sobbing.

This is a monstrous act, one of them bellowed out loud. While others, were blabbering with hatred for his father. But such outcries won’t reverse my father decision. Suddenly, he also felt tears, falling down his eyes. In a bid to hide his face, he walked out the door of the classroom, to the school compound and eventually to his home.

Today, being the last day before the trip, Mister Julius Okonkwu had visited the house, to find out his readiness for the trip. He came in, sat on one of the chairs in the sitting-room and asked about his parents?

They hadn’t returned from the farm.

Get dressed up, he ordered. Let go out for a stroll.

He quickly dashed into his room, got dressed up and came out again. Mister Julius Okonkwu stood up from the chair and headed toward the door, while he followed closely behind him. He called his younger sister and told her, to inform his parents he had gone out with Mister Julius Okonkwu. That evening, he had no illusion, about where they could be heading to. They walked along the Village’s main road, turned left to an Alley, they walked some few distant, turned left again to a street, that was a closed and finally stopped at a house, by the right hand side of the street which has a beer parlour joint. We entered the beer parlour joint, which was a little spacious and got ourselves seated in the far corner of the joint. Mister Julius Okonkwu, called the waitress, ordered two bottles of malt drinks and two plates of pepper soup. The waitress quickly turned around and left to bring the orders.

Then Mister Julius turned toward him, Amos, I want to know more about you, your aspiration in life and how you feel about your going to Lagos. He also wanted to know about the latest gossips in the village. As they talked, the waitress came with the ordered and placed the ordered on the table. She collected her money and left. That evening, we talked on some many issues for two hours and turning to him again. Make sure you are ready before eight am, he said, Let’s go back home, they stood up and left the beer parlour joint to the main street. As he was about to turn a sharp bend that lead to his father house, he reminded him again.

Make sure you are ready before eight am in the morning for the trip, he bid him good night and left.

He got back home, only to discover that his parents were putting finishing touches, for his eventual trip in the morning. He greeted his parents and went straight to bed. He was woken up, the next morning by a strange noise, inside the compound. He got up quickly and rushed out of the room, to the compound. He found his parents and younger siblings, were still very busy stocked piling food stuffs and other ingredients for making soup, in different sacks for him to take along to Lagos. He greeted his parents and checked the time. Gushed! he screamed out. The time was quarter to eight, already. He was already late for the trip. He hurried to the bath-room, took his bath and came out to his room. He slipped on his clothes and worn his pair of sandals.

After he had finished with his dressing; he entered the sitting-room and sat down to eat his break-fast which was neatly packed in a flask. He had barely gone half way with his meal, when he suddenly heard the voices of some strangers in the compound, but when he peeped through the window, behold Mister Julius Okonkwu and few of his relations were already in the compound. He washed his hands quickly, rushed to his room to carry his travelling bag and came out to the compound. As soon as, his mum and his other siblings sighted him coming, they all burst into tears, while his dad was wearing a solemn looks. He was filled with empathy for his mum. He had never seen his mum cried before and the pain of watching her cried, soaked into his heart. In a swift convulsive reaction, he also broke down in tears too. He could hear himself blub like a child.

This was really a pretty awful situation for the whole family. At that moment, so many thoughts skimmed through his mind. He felt like a rejected child that morning, a child who has been thrown into the evil forest. They were all still rumbling with tears, when Mister Julius Okonkwu held his hand and gently pulled him along through the passage, to a waiting taxi which was parked right in front of the house. The singular power of his departure became real when finally, he slipped into the taxi cab. There was pandemonium. There was a simultaneous outburst of an uncontrolled wailing especially from his mum, who could no-longer hide her emotion. His mum rushed toward him and forcefully opened the car’s door. She pulled him out of the car and held him tightly. My son, I can’t believe you are leaving us behind. I want you to know I love you so much and I am going to miss you.

He lowered his head and could no longer withstand the ugly situation. Please, tell my father, I don’t want to go. It took the combined effort of his dad and Mister Julius Okonkwu to pull his mother away from him. He sat in the car again too confused to understand what was happening to him.

The cab driver got into the driver’s seat, while Mister Julius Okonkwu sat beside him. As soon as, the driver started the car, he drove off.

He went through all the rudiment and served Mister Julius Okonkwu for five years, as a very loyal servant. He lost his dad, during this period. But at the expiration of the compulsory five years, he was settled as agreed upon. He decided to relocate to Nasari state, where he set up his own business and got married to his lovely wife. His wife was recommended to him, by his own mum.

This very night, when he takes an introspective look into his past, he concluded his father was right after all, in his decision. His achievements were so numerous to recount; He has a wonderful wife who has been very supportive, in every ramification. He had three beautiful kids-one boy and two girls. He had built two twin bungalows in Kwona city and another four identical flats in his village. He had just bought his first car and was now a proud owner of three spare parts shops, all in different location in kwona-city.

Even in the darkest hour of the night, he looked up, to the ceiling of his house, which formed a thick layer between him and the heaven and he said. Gracious God, thank you for everything. Still swallowed in deep thoughts, he gradually fell asleep again.

CHAPTER-TWO

He woke up the next morning, feeling very strong again. He took his children to the bathroom and bathed them, one after the other. Then he dried up their bodies, with the towel and brought them back to the master bed-room, he cloaked them in their school uniforms and led them to the dining-hall, where they ate their break-fast, soon afterward; he came out to the main compound. Using a wet piece of towel, he cleaned up his car, and unlocked the doors of the car, the two kids entered into the car and he drove them to the school.

As he drove along, he stared at his son, Kelvin, who was sitting next to him inside his car; his face was filled with smile for his little boy. He is very excited about his little son. He has the propensity to achieve greatness in life. He is very smart and intelligent. At a tender age of one, Kelvin could identify things with his eyes and could call his mum by her name. He has a scintillating character and people were generally fond of him. He was never scared of playing with strangers, as other children do. Each time, he stared at the little boy face; he always sees the picture of success, embedded on the innocent face. He hoped Kelvin will make him proud when he grows up.

Kelvin will be six years old in two months time, he had promised he was going to make his sixth year anniversary a memorable one for him. He needs to prove to him he was the type of a father, who rewards people for their hard work. Kelvin is the best pupil in his