Sam's store is a convenience store located in the center of Afikpo, a small town in the South of Ebonyi. It's a family business that has existed for years, it has been in the family for a very long time and has been handed over from one generation to another. Everyone's eye was on the store, people envied them because of the way they managed the store, customers sought for them from different parts because they literally sold almost everything. Whatever you cannot find in other store must be gotten in Sam's store. They were known and respected in their small town due to family history.
Chike was the 10th person in line waiting eagerly to inherit the business. He had been hoping that his father who was 76 years old would hand over the business to him already and just retire. As the first born of his father, he was to continue the business and hand over to his own children in the future. Chike was an impatient young man, he also takes nothing in life serious. He was sent to a big city to learn automobile repairs, but he came back after few weeks and said to his father, "the skill you want me to learn is too difficult ". Chike was lazy, he wouldn't go to farm, he didn't finish high school, infact he was a dropout. All he wanted was just to enjoy life and spend money already worked for by others.
Time came for Chike's father to hand over the business, so he called out his son to advise and encourage him; Chike, it's time to hand over the business to you, just as you are aware, this business has long been in our family for years, my great grandfather handed it over to my grandfather, my grandfather handled over to my father, my father handed over to me and now I'm handing this business over to you as my first son. Please handle this business with all seriousness, hold on to it like your life depends on it, remember, no matter what happens, never think of selling this business. It's the family inheritance and must remain in the family so that you can also hand it over to your children. Always seek advice from me and your mother if you encounter any difficulties. After saying all these, Chike's father blessed his son. Chike thanked his father and promised never to disappoint them.
Chike held the keys in his hands and said to himself, "finally I'm in charge here, it's now my turn to enjoy". He left for his friend's place and narrated to them about his father's retirement and him being in charge as the business has been handed over to him. His friend's rejoiced with him and insisted they celebrate. Chike sponsored the outing ofcos, they ate and drank to stupor. When the waiter brought the bill, Chike was shocked to see how much he had lavished in a day, his friend's cunningly said to him "this is just a little bill, remember you are the boss now and the business is entirely yours. A little fun will cause no harm". Chike made payment and his friend's were happy.
Few months after Chike took over the business, his father died. It was a sad day for the people of Afikpo because Chike's father was a kind man. He assisted the poor women in the village by giving them farm lands to cultivate so they would have food to eat. He also paid school fees for the orphans in the village. He was well respected, the people missed him dearly and he was given a befitting burial.
Now that Chike's father is dead, Chike doesn't need anyone's consent before making decisions. "no one can question me now" he said. Chike started spending on frivolities, he would lock up the shop to go partying with friends, people started complaining about his recent behaviour, saying he is unserious and not like his father and it finally got to the attention of his mother.
That night when Chike came home, his mother called to discuss with him. He went to his mother and she told him they needed to talk about something important. She reminded him about promises he made to his father regarding the business, begged him to take the business seriously and mind how he spends before he gobbles up the business. "Remember, this is a family business, do not run it down i beg you" Chike's mother said to him.
Chike didn't listen, he became worse when he started dating Oma the most beautiful girl in the village. His mother warned him that the girl is just after the business, her family had longed been interested in the business and had tried to buy up the business from Chike's father, but Chike's father response would always be "this is a family business and would always stay in the family". Chike's mother tried her best to help Chike reason. Chike was already in love with Oma and wouldn't listen to his mother.
The business continued to run down, the store is no longer as it used to be, they had fewer items, customers would come to get things and they wouldn't have, their customer base reduced in just a few months because Chike didn't manage the business well and he didn't care either, all he cared about was Oma.
A few weeks later, Oma said to him "why not sell off this business since it's no longer profitable, we can go to a bigger city with the money, start up a bigger business and get married". The idea seemed good to Chike, so he asked Oma "where do i get someone that would pay well for this business, remember it's located in a good place and have a good history, if i have to sell, then it has to be in exchange for a very good amount of money " he said.
That's not a problem Oma said, "i know of a very rich man in the big city that would pay well". Two days later, a well dressed man came to Chike with Oma to buy the business, they discussed and agreed on the amount, transferred was made immediately and the business was handed over to the new owner.
Chike was overjoyed when he saw the large sum of money in his account. "I have finally made it" Chike said. Being a small village, the news spread everywhere and Chike's mother heard about it, she cried bitterly, tried her best to see whether she could still save the family business, but it was too late. Nothing can be done anymore and besides the new owner is not ready to let go either.
Chike noticed that Oma started giving excuses of being busy all the time or sick and not wanting to hang out as usual, their plans to move to a bigger city was also aborted because Oma said her parents wouldn't let her leave their home until she's married. At this time they've both squandered 80% of the money.
Chike was bored one afternoon and decided to take a walk to the shop to see what's happening there, to his shock, Oma was there, the place had been renovated and really doing great, customers were all over the place and the store was stocked up with varieties of goods.
Why are you here? Chike asked Oma.
I'm sure you can see for yourself that I'm part of this business, reason I'm here, or are you that stupid? Oma snapped back.
That was when Chike realized the costly mistake he had made. The business now belongs to Oma's family and the buyer he had met few weeks ago was Oma's brother who lives in the city. He's known for gobbling businesses and would go to any length to achieve his goals. His interest had long been in gobbling the business but Chike father wouldn't let go, the opportunity came when Chike took over and Oma was used to make it easier.
Chike felt deep regret, he recalled all the warnings from his mother, he had let his family down, it was too late, the family business had been gobbled by Oma's family.
Chike wished he could turn back the hands of time, "oh no, what have I done" chike said aloud as he wept bitterly.
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STOPCaptivating! Felt like reading more but sadly the Interesting story had to end. Family legacy terminated at Chokes hand. Be careful of your so called friends, most of them are evil. Backstabbers everywhere.
Thanks for reading and commenting
My pleasure
I thought this was a news article at first.. wonderful writing
Thanks 🥰🙏
Chike needs a good cane in his butt.
Hahahhahah he does
Very interesting story, I really enjoyed reading it. Chike ended up very badly because of his decisions influenced by irresponsibility.
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Excellent day.
Thanks for taking time to read. Have a great day