Chapter Two: Home Coming

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About four blocks away, stood the Ajayi's residence. The building was always a wonder to anyone visiting Macaulay close for the first time. It was indeed a wonder, a large luxurious residential property made of superior stone works and high grade wood. It was well secured with a wired gate and two security men at the security post.
A walk through this luxurious property will lead you to a table tennis court, an exclusive garden adjacent to a swimming pool, which created a sense of splendour. Inside this exclusive property, was a well furnished sitting room with exclusive furniture , and a wine cellar, decorated with assorted imported wines of different brands. The kitchen was second to none, with silver appliances and a chief cook Mrs Ajoke in attendance. Three maids maintained the apartment on a daily basis. The house had a masters bedroom, and other additional rooms for guest visiting. The Masters bedroom had soft blankets, a Rosy bed cover and a simple pendant light which gives the room a quiet warmth.
Ajayi Richard the owner of this property was blessed with three children. Gbenga his first child studied Engineering in the United States. Toju his second child was a Lawyer, while Ronke his third child was currently in her finals studying Accounting in University of Lagos. Richard loved this combination of disciplines, that is what he wanted for his children. He had a good relationship with Ronke and Toju, but had a fractured one with Gbenga. Gbenga loved clubbing and partying, and was even a DJ in one of the clubs in Victoria Island. Richard didn't fancy his career choice. He wanted Gbenga to work in the oil company he was retiring from but the latter thought otherwise. This strain between father and son began to affect his marriage to Bisi his wife, whom he often blamed for pampering Gbenga from a tender age. She was always on his defense, not seeing anything wrong even when he was excessive in his ways.
Richard met Bisi in his undergraduate days. It was her smile that attracted him to her. They got married after he got a job in PortHacourt. They were often admired as a couple, until Gbenga's excesses started.
On a Saturday morning in the month of January, Richard was on board to Lagos from PortHacourt. He took the 10 a.m flight, so he could get to Lagos in good time. He was an upright man with principles, and just retired after thirty five years of service to Shell an oil company in PortHacourt.
His departure from the company was admist joy and tears. He was a dedicated worker who contributed positively to the company's growth. Now in his late sixties, he reflected on his days as a worker in the company. How he introduced and suggested ways to improve the company and the company is forever grateful for his input.
As he reflected, he thought of his son Gbenga, and wished he could follow his footsteps. But the reverse was the case. Gbenga was not interested in working in Shell even with his Engineering qualificàtion.
At about forty five minutes, the plane landed in the Murtalar Mohammed airport Lagos. The airport was a beehive of activities. Passengers were seen alighting from the plane with their luggages. Cabs were seen waiting to pick passengers to their various destinations. Other passengers were seen waiting for their flight time. His driver was already there to pick him up. Adamu put the luggages in the booth of the Highlander Jeep. In a few minutes, they hit the road. Adamu smiled as he drove he was so happy to see his boss.
"How was your flight sir?
" It was fine Adamu" And
" How are you?
" I'm fine sir. " Infact everyone has been talking about your return and retirement party. I can't wait oh. Adamu replied.
" Oh Adamu is it your retirement party?" Richard asked quickly. Laughing Adamu replied
" I wish it was sir, I wish it was."
"Oh Adamu you are so funny, l miss your lively nature". They continued to talk and laugh heartily until they got to Macaulay close. The sound of the car horn alerted the two security officers at Ajayi's residence. The gate opened and Adamu drove straight to the luxurious parking space in the premises.
When Richard alighted from the car, Segun and Olu the two security officers gave him a warm reception.
"How are you Segun?"
"I'm fine sir"
"And you", referring to Olu
" I'm good sir"
Adamu brought out the luggages from the booth of the car and as he walked towards the front door, Ronke opened it and ran straight to her dad's warm embrace.
"Oh Ronke How are you?"
"I'm fine dad"
"How was your flight?"
"It was fine my princess"
Smiling Ronke said
" Oh dad stop calling me that, I'm not a baby"
"But you are my baby" Richard said looking at Ronke.
Ronke looked at her dad, he gave her a mischievous look, and they both laughed heartily.
"How is school?" Richard asked quickly.
"It's fine dad. I'm home for the semester break, and I'm happy it fell at the appropriate time, because your retirement party is coming up soon."
"Ronke it's just a retirement party with friends, colleagues and family, it is not a big deal. Richard responded.
"I disagree with you dad."
"It's not just a retirement party, but your retirement party."
Richard laughed when he heard this. They laughed as they walked towards the front door. And when they got into the sitting room, a sweet aroma hit Richard's nostrils.
"What's cooking?" He asked.
"Oh dad Aunty Ajoke has been in the kitchen preparing a welcome meal for you". Ronke replied.
"Is that so?" I can't wait to taste it. Richard said salivating.
"Yes dad go in and change so we can have lunch together."
As he walked towards the room, the three maids Shade Tosin and Toyin, emerged from the kitchen . They gave their boss a warm reception.
"How are you?" Richard asked as he walked towards the room.
" We are fine". They replied silmutaneously. They looked at each other and giggled, they were happy to see their boss who treats them well.

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