Forbidden Passion: 6

Damola glanced at the different constructions going on in the estate as he drove down the road that led to his family house. He couldn’t believe he had missed this much during his last visit. A lot had happened since he left six months ago which he didn’t think was a long time. He had thought it would take a long while before he visited home but two weeks ago he had rushed down here to see his mother. His brother had made it sound urgent that he came and see her. And even though he had tried to get to the house as quickly as possible that day, he had arrived late. His mum was already up and going about her business like nothing was wrong. She had been happy to him though, and wanted him to stay longer but he had apologised and explained why he had to go. The accident had disrupted his plans and he also had the feeling his father would be back that night or very early the following morning and since he was officially banned from visiting by his father he thought it wouldn’t be good for him to be caught. 

He glanced at another construction. It looked like some sort of park. Bright gardens estate had been one of the oldest ones in Ikoyi owned by the Lagos state government but was later sold to a group of individuals investors and his father happend to be part of them. Some years later his father had bought out the other partners and became the some owner of the property 

The exterior of his family home had also not been left out of the wave of change. Some renovation and extension was taking place. As he got out of his car, Damola noticed three cars packed outside usually only his car, that of his brother and their father stayed outside. His mother’s car was almost always in the garage with the other rarely used vehicles. She preferred riding with either of them or used their father’s car. The other cars were probably unavailable when she needed them. He thought.

As he entered the smell of home cooked meal wafted into his nostrils and this made his stomach rumble in response, reminding him of how long it had been since he tasted his mother’s cooking. They had cooks but they only used his mother’s recipes and on some special occasions she did the cooking herself and the cooks were only allowed to assist her in getting together all she needed to do the cooking. He assumed this, was a special occasion too. 

“Ah, there he is.” Adeshina was the first person to see him. “We were worried you were no longer coming.” He said as he hugged him briefly and then patted his back. Damola chuckled. He knew his brother didn’t mean what he said. Who ever refuses to answer the call of Alhaji Zubair Adetula?

 

“They are in the dinning room.” Shina said before he could ask. 

“Am I missing something? What’s the occasion?” 

“You will find out soon.” Shina whispered. Damola thought for a second he noticed his brother’s trademark mischievous grin. This had better be good, he would hate for it to be just another confrontation with his dad.

“Mubarak!” His father called out. Oh, was that excitement he noticed in his father’s voice? Damola found it had to believe even as he made to prostrate to his parents. But his father took his hand and then gathered him into his arms in a brief hug before patting his back. His mother smiled and hugged him too. This looked more like a family reunion than a family meeting. They would have been complete but for Adeola who was still away in Canada studying. “Kaabo” “Kú ọjọ mẹta.” His parents said simultaneously. 

They all got seated while Mrs Adetula served the meal. It was Jollof rice and chicken. She made sure the rice had the veggies her husband and children loved in it, green Peas and Carrots. Bland Jollof rice was a no no in the house. The joy in her heart knew no bounds today. A few months ago she wouldn’t have thought this could happen soon. When her husband had sent their second son away it had shattered her. She had heard of parents disowned their children but had never saw that happening with her family even when she knew her husband didn’t approve of Damola’s career path. But he had returned from his trip and had a change of mind. He told her he now realised it was too harsh a punishment to mete out on a child just because that child has a mind of his own and she couldn’t have agreed more.

“Mubarak, báwo ni? How’s the entertainment industry treating you?” Alhaji Zubair asked, half-way through his meal, usually, he referred to his children by their Islamic names. He believed calling them that would always remind them of their full identity, a Yoruba and a Muslim. “ A dupẹ sir. Work is fine. I’m just a Talent manager.” 

Damola had almost finished his rice and was reaching out for more. He smiled as he made that last statement. He wasn’t just a talent manager, he was one of a kind . He had groomed some of the biggest names in both the music and movie industries. He used to run a place called Underground Label. He named it that because that was what it was, an unknown secret. After years of operating from the shadows, he decided to come public and that led to the birth of Crown records. That had not gone down well with his father but he had not stopped him until six months ago when he had turned down the offer to join the family business. 

The Tula group was into construction, real estate and hospitality. Alhaji Zubair Adewale Adetula had built it from the scratch. He started it as a construction but had later expanded to include real estate and hospitality business. His wife Nimota Wuraola Talulla had been his greatest support. He was always grateful to have her in his life.

“I know you are more than that my son. I have been doing some digging. You are exceptional.” Damola still couldn’t believe it was his father singing his praise. But every word warmed up his heart. This was all he had wanted from him, acceptance and support. “Thank you so much sir.” He said and bowed slightly to show respect. 

“You are welcome.” 

His father smiled before adding 

“But I still don’t understand everything about what you do and why you chose the path, but know this, none of us will stand in your way.” 

His mother and brother nodded in agreement. 

“Your shares in the company is still intact and you are as much part of the company as everyone here is. So we will still value your input in the running affairs of it.” 

There was it. His father had smartly pulled him back into the family business but this time no one was forcing him. He was to do things at his own pace but also remember he had a role to play in the family business. He wanted to ask his father what or who was responsible for his change of heart but he knew better than to stir that up. There would be plenty of time to ask questions later. Just enjoy the moment. He thought.

But there was still more to celebrate because, after they had finished eating, Shina called everyone’s attention at the table to himself when he cleared his throat loudly and said 

“I’m getting married.” 

“What?” 

Damola watched their parents reaction in unison to Shina’s announcement and wanted to laugh. 

“Sorry, that didn’t come out right. I mean, I’m ready to settle down.” He rephrased. 

Damola agreed that one saying ‘I’m getting married’ to African parents sounded more like you had planned and sorted everything about the wedding before informing them. Which is a great offence. This was a great news but Damola was surprised by it. The relationship must have been going on for a while for him to reach this decision. Shina had never really been open about his love life but so was he, if not, he would have had at least an inkling about who the lucky girl was that had captured the heart of this bookish brother of his.

...To be continued.