Starting the Business
After 6 years of vigorous apprenticeship under Chief Okafor, Emmanuel was now ready to step out on his own. Chief Okafor had indeed settled Emmanuel with a small yet substantial sum of money, alongside vital contacts in the pharmaceutical business. Emmanuel wasted no time whatsoever; he rented a small warehouse in Onitsha, stocked it with consumables and medicinal supplies, and officially registered his new company: Emmanuel Pharmaceuticals.
The early days were rugged. Emmanuel worked himself to the bone for 16-hour days. He supervised everything himself: sourcing products, negotiating with suppliers, and ferrying orders to clients. He came to be known for his honesty, reliability, and quality, after which his business started growing exponentially.
One evening, Emmanuel was busy with accounting when a call came in. It was from one of the major hospitals based in Enugu; they needed a large amount of antibiotics and were ready to pay in advance. This was the opportunity Emmanuel had awaited. He worked throughout the night, ensuring that everything was poised perfectly. By the time of the shipment, there wasn't a single mistake, and the director of the hospital personally telephoned him to express gratitude.
"Mr. Emmanuel," came the voice from the other end, filled with admiration, "your professionalism is unparalleled. We will be doing much more business with you in the future."
He hung the phone with pride swelling in Emmanuel's heart. This had merely been the beginning.
A Hero's Welcome
As Emmanuel's business flourished, he considered it time to return to his village. He had not been there in years, and he wanted to show his mother and the community what he had accomplished. By the time he arrived, the village was agog with excitement. Emmanuel's success had penetrated the village, and they were giving him a grand welcome. Children ran beside his car, cheering and waving, while elders stood at the entrance and beamed with pride.
"Welcome home, Emmanuel!" they shouted, their voices full of jubilation.
Emmanuel emerged from the car clad in an elegant suit, exuding the confidence of a prominent businessman as he was engulfed by a crowd of well-wishers wanting to greet him and hear the latest news about his ventures. That evening, the village celebrated his arrival with much merriment, singing, dancing, and feasting. Emmanuel stood before the throng, his heart leaping inside him.
"Thank you all for this warm welcome," he began, steadying himself against the flood of voices crying, "Thank You!" "I am where I am today because of the support of this community, the guidance of Chief Okafor, and the sacrifices of my mother. And now, I must give back."
He further announced that he would build a real new school for the village, with modern facilities and trained teachers, and give employment to the villagers in his business and the new projects he would launch.
Cheers went up, joy written all over their faces. Emmanuel became a hero, a symbol of hope and success in their midst.
Reviving old ties with Elsie
The next morning, Emmanuel visited his mother. Elsie had aged since he last saw her, but the fire in her eyes was bright: the strength and determination had always inspired him.
"Mama," said Emmanuel, hugging her tight. "I missed you so much."
With tears in her eyes, Elsie hugged him back. "I missed you too, my son," she said. "But look at you. You've become a strong and capable man."
Emmanuel sat her down in the sitting room, where he had laid out pictures and papers depicting his business activities and the projects he had undertaken. "This is everything that you do, Mama," he offered in grateful tones. "Your sacrifices, your strength-these are my guiding lights."
Elsie trembled at the pictures. "I'm so proud of you, Emmanuel," her voice cracked. "You've done so much, and you've given so much back. I always knew you would."
Taking her hands into his, Emmanuel knelt before her. "I could never have done without you, Mama," he said. "You are always my inspiration."
Sitting there surrounded by the love and warmth of family, Emmanuel felt a deep satisfaction. He had come so far, but he knew that the journey was just getting started.
Seeking Justice
Emmanuel's business grew by leaps and bounds, and his import and distribution channels covered the whole country. Emmanuel began to focus on the past. He had never forgotten those people who had wronged his family-Leo Udeh and his gang, plus the corrupt elders of the village and other people who aided them in causing their downfall and humiliation.
Later one evening, while going through his business plans, Emmanuel received a call from the private investigator he had hired. "Mr. Emmanuel," the investigator said, with an apparently serious atmosphere, "we have landed on some interesting information about Leo Udeh. Apparently, he has been engaging in shady deals and we have proof that might nail him."
The blood was pumping in Emmanuel's heart. This was the break for which he had been waiting. "I want you to send me everything you have," he ordered, steadied yet determined.
Going through some of the documents churned up even more venomous resolve within Emmanuel. He would never rest until justice was served. He began quietly and carefully collecting more evidence, drawing on his father's friends and associates, old contacts, and piecing together the puzzle related to the betrayal of his family.
One day, he received a message from a former partner of Leo, who was willing to testify against him if provided with protection. This was Emmanuel's chance. He arranged for the meeting of the partner while ensuring everything was done legally and ethically.
Emmanuel felt a sense of purpose wash over him as he was preparing to go ahead. He was no longer the helpless boy who stood as a silent witness when tragic wrongs were done against his loved ones. He was now a successful businessman, a well-respected member of the community, and a man ready to face any odds in delivering justice to those who wronged his family.