Marriage Arrangement

CHAPTER TWO

William Ajayi thrust an advertising brochure at his cousin, Rotimi. A frown creased William's forehead.

"Why is this on my table?"

"It's funny you are asking. It's your office. How should I know?" Rotimi asked, feigning ignorance.

William gave him a disapproving look. "It's the first thing I saw on my table this morning. Agatha knows I don't like seeing such on my table. She kept it here anyway. Do you know why?"

"Oh, that. It's not a big deal. Relax."

With William's index finger on the flyer, he replied, "Yes, this. Drop the pretence. Agatha tries her best to abide by my wishes. She must have been cajoled. What do you think you are doing?"

Rotimi grinned wryly. "You need to calm down. I'm not your employee. Now, I see why they are scared of you. Bro, this is not the best way to live. Your secretary was so worried when I asked her to place it on your desk. Why are you so grumpy?"

"Right, I agree I'm grumpy. My staff hates me, the big bad Wolf. It's nothing new. I'm used to that. Good thing you said you are not an employee of this company. You don't have the right to order my secretary around. Any of my staff for that matter. Stop putting her in a difficult position, please."

Rotimi shook his head. "You are so annoying, I swear. You intimidate everyone around you. I thought living in a different country would open your eyes. I expect you to see things differently. A new perspective. Rather, you've become angrier. I hope you are not depressed. I'm here for you."

"Whatever, man," William said dismissively. "I'll ask again. Why is this here?"

"The tone of your voice is unsettling," Rotimi replied, snatching it from the table.

"Alright, Rotimi. That's enough. I have a busy schedule. What is this about a nightclub?" William asked.

Rotimi handed him a document. "This document contains important information about the nightclub. All you need to know is in there. Go through it when you are less busy."

William laughed, a little too loudly. "Now I get it. You need someone to invest in your new business venture. I admire your tenacity. You never give up. Failure cannot stop you. You must be kidding if you think I'll invest in this. Wake up, man."

"I know I've been unlucky in business. I promise it will be different this time. Trust me. You know that I want to be successful. My past shouldn't influence your judgment. I have a better plan this time around."

"Let's get this over with. My answer is no. I won't be investing in your nightclub."

"Will, just take a look. See what's written in the document. You haven't read a sentence. Don't do this to me."

"I'm a businessman, not a philanthropist. My investments must bring good returns. Should I jog your memory? I lost a large sum the last time I listened to you."

"I apologised for it. You don't have to reopen old wounds. I think about it all the time."

"Do you know why I get upset about these little projects of yours? You don't understand what it takes to run a business. You've made the same mistake repeatedly. What about your investors? Do you think it's easy to shell out a large sum of money for your plans?"

"I understand perfectly. This is the last time I'll ask for your help. I promise."

William flipped a page of the document. "I believe there is some good stuff in here. Currently, I'm not considering such projects. The club can be a lucrative venture if the right decisions are made."

"Exactly. This is why I need your help. Concerning fund management, I'm terrible at it. This is where your support comes in."

Will waved his hand dismissively. "Have you tried doing something that is in line with the experience you have? As an Engineer, there are several things you can do. All I see is you getting involved in things that excite you. Running a good business is much more than that. Except if you enjoy running at a loss. Consider what I've said."

"I guess you are against this because it's a nightclub. There is nothing wrong with the establishment. You said it yourself. It can be lucrative. Have faith in this, please."

William shrugged. "Don't forget what I said. It doesn't matter if it's a club or a school. Think about your managerial skills. How do you plan to run this?"

"I'll take it one step at a time. I'll only ask for one thing. Please, go through this when you can," Rotimi pleaded.

"You know this is not convincing enough. I need more," William replied.

"Tell me what you need. I'll do my best to see that it's provided."

"I need to see how you'll run this business. If you are confident that you can, do it. I'll make a decision afterwards."

"I need funds. There is so much to be done. It's almost impossible to provide the best services without it. That will be a setback for me."

"Is the place open?"

"Yes. I opened the place a month ago. I didn't inform anyone because I've been trying to make it work. And now, I need help."

"That's fine. For now, work with what you have. Most people started small. It won't be wise to spend foolishly. You lack a concrete plan. Also, based on your track record, it's better to tread with caution."

William almost chuckled as he peered at Rotimi, who was sitting cross-legged with a forlorn look. His fashion sense never ceased to amaze William. He had on a black leather jacket and denim trousers. William didn't understand why his cousin still had his sunglasses on. It was one fashion trend he didn't get. He also wondered why Rotimi was wearing a leather jacket. It was blazing hot outside. Whenever he made some money, he'd splurge on expensive fashion items. He never cared about the cost. It was a well-known fact that Rotimi would spend his last penny on clothes, rather than food. Luckily for him, he was a member of the wealthy Ajayi family. In the past, he could afford to spend excessively on clothing and other luxury items. Not anymore.

Will always questioned Rotimi's habits. It was difficult to keep up with the number of times Rotimi believed he could have a flourishing business. William thought of his uncle, Rotimi's father. He was fed up with his son's antics. His uncle stopped giving his son a listening ear after a huge amount of money was lost. William could still recall the disappointing look on his uncle's face when he discovered Rotimi's latest venture was a huge failure. The family wished Rotimi would make better decisions. Unfortunately, it never bothered him.

Rotimi's brother, Dominic was the pride of his family. After years of working as a Physician in a government hospital, their father assisted Dominic in establishing a medical centre. His wife, Olivia was a fashion designer. He was a well-respected man in the city.

As Will's gaze lingered on his cousin, it became quite obvious that Rotimi was frustrated with his response. Will's lack of interest in his business must have riled him. Born the same year, the cousins grew up as brothers. It was easy for both families to bond closely because the two older Ajayi men were the only children of the late Ajayi patriarch. Both brothers were inseparable. Being the only child of his parents, Will considered his cousins as his brothers. Growing up, Will and Rotimi were attached at the hip. They were very mischievous as kids. His mother worried that he'd go astray if he continued his childish antics Rotimi. As soon as he completed his primary education, his parents sent him out of the country. He was sent to a boarding school far away from home. It was a painful separation for his parents, but they believed it was the sacrifice they had to make. They were centred on moulding him into a better man. Someone they'd be proud of.

For years, Will blamed his parents for shipping him off to a foreign country at a young age. It was a difficult transition for him. Finding himself in a new environment was hard. It was the saddest time of his life. He yearned for his family. In his first year, he became a truant kid. On several occasions, he thought of ways to leave the school. All in a bid to get expelled, he got involved in fights and became a regular defaulter. After several failed attempts, he finally succeeded in devising an escape plan. It took the intervention of his mother for him to stop. The memory of his mother weeping on her knees was the miracle that transformed him into a new person. The school management and his parents were able to reach a favourable agreement.

They all agreed that his yearly visits were not sufficient enough. Other arrangements were made for his family to see him during shorter breaks. He began to see the efforts his parents were making. Other members of his family were able to visit him too. Those were the days he looked forward to. Will was thankful his family could afford the trips. Rotimi loved those trips because it was a chance for him to go on adventures. Will's father made several donations to the school. While his father claimed it was a way of providing better education for other children, Will knew better. It was a means of earning favours.

Time flies. Now, he was back in Nigeria, running his father's company. Over time, his past wounds healed. He no longer held any resentment towards his parents. He also knew they were ageing. It didn't make sense to keep dwelling on what happened in the past. He was a man now. A man who had a vision for himself. With his father's recent retirement, it was time for him to excel. People used to talk about him - that he had a fancy degree. As a Business Administration graduate with a Master's degree from one of the leading universities in the world, he never thought he'd be taking the reins soon. A certificate he never planned to use. Not until his father's sudden retirement. He had responsibilities he couldn't deny.

Most people assumed his parents chose his area of specialization. They were wrong. He made the decision. After graduation, he ventured into the world of arts. The time he had to live freely with fewer responsibilities was short. It was a treasure. He developed his love for art as a teenager. It was no surprise that he became an artist after he acquired his degree. With limited time, he travelled the world, doing what he loved. With his talent, it wasn't long before his works were added to various art exhibition shows. While he enjoyed being an artist, he was an ambitious young man that also wanted to thrive in the business world.

"Will, what's on your mind? I just said something to you. You didn't respond," Rotimi said.

"Sorry. I have a lot on my mind. What did you say?"

"I asked if you'd like to join me at the club this weekend. I'd love for you to be there today but I know how you get on weekdays. You make the rest of us look jobless. Is Friday night okay? You can unwind and observe the place. The vibe there is great."

"I have a full calendar. Also, I've not had proper sleep in days."

Rotimi sighed heavily. "Will it kill you to do something different? To rest? All you do is work."

"There's so much to be done. I'd love to see the place but that has to wait. It's been pretty hectic here since I took over. There's too much at stake. I can't guarantee I'll be visiting anytime soon."

"What happened Will? We had a better relationship when we were kids. You are so different now. I need the old Will back. Where is he, man?"

Will chuckled softly. "That was ages ago. We are not kids. It's the reality of life. I hope you know we have responsibilities. I don't expect you to understand."

"You sound like Dominic. Everyone thinks I'm stupid. I'm aware of my role in the family," Rotimi said, a deep frown appearing on his face.

"No one thinks you are stupid. We only disagree with the choices you make. They are usually not the best."

Looking defeated, Rotimi threw his hands up, "I won't argue with you. At this point, it's not necessary. I need to focus on my business. This time, it has to work."

"Tell me something, are you planning to manage the place yourself?"

"I've thought of hiring someone. It's on hold. At this stage, I'll handle it myself. I don't trust people. You know I've had some bad experiences in the past."

"I need you to listen. I don't think you are a good manager. Hire a professional. You need all the help you can get. Someone with years of experience. There are people out there that are willing to work. Such people will do what they can to keep things going."

"Will, you don't understand. If this fails, I'll be doomed."

"Good. Make sure it doesn't," Will replied firmly.

"I can't afford to hire a manager now. I asked for your help because I'm running out of funds. Invest in this and I'll hire the best in the industry."

"I'll think about it. I'm meeting Dominic today. We should go together," Will said.

"I can't make it. I've got stuff to do. Send my greetings."

Will tilted his head and gave him a puzzled look. "I think you are lying. If I was attending a late-night party, I'd probably get a different response. You are avoiding your brother. Why?"

Rotimi shook his head. "I'm not. I have other plans for the day. I'll see him another day."

"I don't believe you. Did you guys disagree? You've always pestered him."

Smirking, Rotimi said, "What do you mean? Dom should be thankful he has a brother like me. Picture Dom as the only child of my parents. My parents will be overly protective of him. Dom will be a depressed soul. I'm the best company my brother can ever have."

"Keep telling yourself that. Dom has a family. I don't think he needs you that much. At least, not anymore."

"We are brothers. Nothing has changed. No matter how large his family becomes."

"I must say that I'm proud of this statement you just made. You are a smart man. You should apply that wisdom to other areas of your life," Will teased with a grin.

"Hey! Don't get on my nerves now. I might not be the smartest decision maker but I know right from wrong."

Still grinning, Will said, "Calm down. You are my buddy. I'll always be real with you."

"The Ajayi clan is against me. All of you. Once I make some money, I'll go on a much-needed vacation."

Will smiled. "Paris? London? Or Milan? I guess you'll go to the fashion capital of the world. That's more your style."

Rotimi sneered. "You forgot New York. I'll tour the places you mentioned. Splurge as much as I want. The Ajayis will feel the effect from here."

Will burst out laughing. "It's funny you still think your bad spending habits will affect the rest of us. You no longer have access to that fat purse your dad kept for you. Let's see how you'll cope when you go broke again. Open your eyes, my friend. Can you recall what I said earlier? If you make good business choices, you'll get to enjoy the lavish lifestyle you so crave. As far as running a business is concerned, I can help you learn the ropes. We'll do this together and I promise you'll smile to the bank."

"I respect what you do but you know we can't run a business together. Think about it. We will argue at any given opportunity. I'll rather do my own thing. All I need is financial support."

"And you will get it when you make better choices. I'll give you another idea. Considering your interests, have you thought of setting up something related to fashion? I've seen your work. You've styled people and I know it's something you love. With that talent, you'll only need support in other areas. The nightclub is also a good plan. Having multiple streams of income will help you greatly. You are also a talented Engineer. There is so much at your disposal. You have what it takes to succeed. I only wish you'd listen to me," Will grimaced.

"I hear you. I know you think I don't put in enough work. You have to believe me, I do my best every time. You know me well. I hate losing. Of late, Dom has been on my case. It's annoying because I feel nobody understands. My family criticises me. I thought Dom would understand. He doesn't. No one supports me.

"As a family, we have your back. I hope you know that. We are not a perfect family but you know how we grew up. We support our own, always. We all want the best for you. At this age, we should be excelling in our fields. Seems you've forgotten what we said as kids."

Rotimi smiled. "I can never forget that. We said we'd be the best generation of the Ajayis because we'd make billions for our generation yet unborn."

"You remember. Maybe it sounds childish now because we don't know what the future holds. The world is changing. Our future generation might do extraordinary things that we never dreamed of."

Rotimi c****d his brow. "This confirms something."

"What?"

"It confirms that you'll get married. I recall you saying you may never get married."

"Yeah. I said that. In my first year of university, I was heartbroken so I said so many things."

"So, have your plans changed?" Rotimi asked.

"Currently, no. I don't have plans of marrying anyone."