Maximus, the Youngest

Versi Bahasa Indonesianya di sini.

His name was Maximus Mahawira Tanudjaya, the youngest of the Tanudjayas.

Being born into wealth and fame, Maximus always thought that he had it easy. Unlike most conglomerates’ households, he was raised while being showered with love and affection from both of his parents. He had always been close with his mother and father. Something that most of his friends did not have.

Most people thought that having everything must have made him spoiled. That was partly true, because he was not, not really. Being the youngest automatically made him free of some responsibilities, like managing the family business, for example. That meant, Maximus had to choose another career path as he did not, and would not receive anything from his family. That had always been a tradition for the Tanudjayas. The least the family could do for him was give him a position in the company. But he would never be entrusted to run the company as it was the responsibility of his older brother.

Maximus was never really bothered by this as he did not really have an interest in having that much responsibility on his hand. Instead, he felt a little grateful because seeing how his friends had been running around for their family business, he had a little freedom.

Though this would be an entirely different story if his relationship with his current girlfriend, Katerina Antareksa, succeeded.

Katerina was an only child and her family owned the biggest service provider in the country. Being an only child and a girl, it was customary for the family to entrust the business to the in-law. In this case, it would be Max’s. And he never prepared for that. To him, this patriarchal tradition was very outdated. He believed in gender equity and that women should be given the same rights people gave men because there were historical data that could prove the fact that women can be equally (or even more) successful as men.

“I am thinking of opening a new cafe,” His mom began as she took a sip from her cup of earl grey tea. Her eyes were fixated on Max’s and he had a confused expression on his face — proven by the frown on his temple. Realizing that her son had questions, she smiled and said, “I want you to run this cafe, darling.”

Max gulped anxiously. Running a business was never his passion and his mom knew that. He nervously chuckled, trying to shoo his anxiety away. Seeing that his mom did not chuckle along with him, he knew that she was serious, “No way. You are NOT seriously thinking that I would run a business.”

Vivian Sandika Mandala-Tanudjaya, Max’s mom, shook her head at her son’s dramatic remarks. She remained calm as she took another sip to finish the last of her tea. After putting the cup down, she folded both of her arms on her chest, “I know you are not passionate in this field, love, I know. But I know you have the skillset to do so. Proven by how you helped in researching our upcoming game release a few months ago,” She paused to study the change in her youngest son’s expression, “I know you are capable to do so, love. This is my legacy for you.”

The man beside her, Michael Linggar Tanudjaya — Max’s father, who had been quiet, finally spoke, “That’s true. I remember how eager you were in assisting us. I know it is not really what you are passionate about. But you can think of it as a side business or something once you have found what you like,” Michael extended one of his arms to reach his son’s arm, rubbing it gently, “This is the least we can do for you, son.”

So Maximus nodded his head in agreement.

Well, he no longer has nothing now.