In the bustling streets of the town, amidst the harsh sounds of car horns and bustling crowds, Mr. Ibeh, a popular entrepreneur in the selling of fairly used electronics, found himself at a crossroads. In his mid-thirties, the desire to settle down tugged at him. Despite his influence, the quest for a life partner proved daunting.
Returning to his hometown, he was greeted warmly by his mother, the only light of his existence since his father's passing. Amidst joy and laughter, he confided in her his desire to find a wife. With a knowing smile, she recommended Oludi, a woman from the same village who had returned from the city to see how her parents were faring. Weeks turned into months, and before he knew it, the traditional marriage ceremony was upon them. As the congratulatory messages flooded in, Mr. Ibeh envisioned a future of marital bliss and continued success in his business ventures with his new wife.
However, reality soon showed its ugly head. Despite his initial financial stability, the demands of marriage and the unstable prices of goods and inflation in the country left Mr. Ibeh struggling to keep his business afloat. Desperation gnawed at him as he tussled with his diminishing finances and the pressure to provide for his new family.
Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Oludi's career path in insurance. Together, they seized an opportunity presented by a job advertisement, holding on to it as their last lifeline in the storm of uncertainty.
One day, as they were both sitting at the shop, Oludi got an email on her phone asking her to come for an interview. Immediately, she returned home and dressed up for her first interview.
"Please be careful and be wise. This could be a fake advert. Things happen in this town," her husband advised.
"Sure, I will," she waved him bye and boarded a bus.
After an hour's drive, she was at the HillX Insurance Company. The queue for the interview scared Oludi away as she thought she was even going too early. She was the penultimate person in the queue. No provision was made for applicants to feel comfortable, making it a test of patience. After 40 minutes of waiting, it was her turn. She entered, and the three sets of interviews were conducted. Eager to hear the end result of the interview, she listened intently as the interviewer announced.
"Though you have nice qualifications, I can't employ you as the marketing manager. You will need to work a month's probation, and when we see how productive you are, then we will consider hiring you as a permanent member of our marketing team."
"Thanks, madam, I'm okay with that."
"Nice, you may resume office on Monday."
Mr. Ibeh was happy to hear the good news. They celebrated at home. While his wife resumed office, Mr. Ibeh focused on his business. One day, while crossing the road to deliver electronics, he met his old friend. Happily, their conversation began. Mr. Ibeh began narrating his business struggle since after he finished his marriage in a very confused manner to his friend, Nnamdi.
"This talk requires us to sit down," Nnamdi led the way as they spotted a beer parlor. Mr. Ibeh poured out his business struggle to Mr. Nnamdi, who offered listening ears.
"This happens in all businesses. You didn't waste your money. You invested it in something vital. He who finds a wife findeth a good thing..." Nnamdi said, reassuring him.
"The company I work with is a foreign company that imports foreign materials to different states in the country. We have branches in almost 14 states in the country. I heard this branch in this town needs an experienced driver, and the pay is wholesome," he said trying to see if his idea can help his friend out of his worry.
"It's a nice idea, but driving a heavy-duty car is something I have not done before even though I can drive," he said fearfully.
"Give it a thought and let me know what you decide so I can get you started. Since we are paddies, you don't need to write a letter."
Mr. Ibeh discussed it with his wife, who bought the idea and encouraged her husband to try the job and see if it's what he can do. He called Nnamdi, and they went to the company to sign the contract. He first went through weeks of training on how to drive heavy-duty cars. After which he signed the contract and began working.
His brother-in-law, Ike, was brought in to manage the shop as Mr. Ibeh kept stocking it up with part of his salary. At last, what felt like a crumbling life shone like a rising sun. With efforts from each end, the family found themselves on the brink of success. Mr. Ibeh remained grateful to his friend Nnamdi for being there for him and showing him a path that paid off.
As their conversation continued, Mr. Nnamdi said, "I was once in your shoe, and someone brought me out of that pickle. Since then, I learned to always help those who I find that are in a similar pickle.”