One hour later, Mpho was standing by the boardroom door, greeting the president of MGC and his other companions as they headed out at the end of the meeting. All of them were smiling. For that past hour and couple of minutes now, Mpho had forgotten everything except that he was making a name for himself. He did, and he had succeeded. MGC president, Mr Matekane produced his business card from his wallet and handed it to Mpho.

“You are a very good businessman. Call me here and we will talk about decent and better work for you,” Mr Matekane said.

Mpho accepted the card happily and waited until they were all out before he could get back to collect his files. His father came in just after him. He looked quite impressed at Mpho. He came in with his arms folded.

“So, you did it. I am impressed.” His father said.

“I am also impressed father. But the job is done and the investor signed.” Mpho said without looking at his father. He busied himself with arranging the files on the table. He couldn’t look up. He felt like he will lose control of himself and disrespect his father.

“We should celebrate with your mother tonight. We will also celebrate you joining the company permanently.” He father said.

Then, with his hands placed flat on the table and bending over as if searching for Mpho’s every reaction, Mpho decided then that he was ready to face him. He looked up at his father.

“There is no need to celebrate because I am not joining the company. Mr Matekane offered me a job. We can celebrate him as your investor and my new employer,” Mpho twitched his mouth slightly giving his father a small secret smile. His father didn’t give him any reaction.

“You are not going.” He said simply.

“What? Father, you can’t possibly tell me to deny this offer.” Mpho argued.

“You are my son and I know what is best for you. You are not going to work for someone when there is a family business. You are going to work here and marry a woman who will give you a son that will run this business after you. And that’s it.” His father’s voice came out strongly.

Mpho wanted to say something disrespectful but changed his mind.

“No father. No, you can’t tell me what to do with my life. I have that right and I am old enough. My life is my choice and I will live with the consequences.”

Mpho stepped towards his father. His voice was still in control, to his surprise it came out as strong as his father’s. He came close enough to his father and their eyes were almost on the same level. Mpho was not aware that he was almost his father’s height until now. They stood for a few seconds, staring and not one blinking. Mpho felt he was already crossing the line of respect to his father. He looked away and his father laughed.

“Do whatever you want, but once you do, remember to find yourself a new family. I don’t have a child who rules himself.” His father said.

“There’s no need to father. You had already disowned me a long time ago. You were just using me as your tool now. I am done with that too.” Mpho handed the files to his father and walked out of the office to his car.

***

Tell us: What do you think Mpho will do now?