The Father's mouth flew wide open. "Huge amount. Impossible!"

"I want to make a safe, lucrative investment and will pay you back with interest."

The Father screwed his forehead, snaked his fingers through his beard, and asked, "What's that investment?"

Baldev produced the Matrimonial Advertisement from his coat pocket, stabbed a circled spot, and said, "I'm going to marry this rich, aristocratic girl; it means a huge dowry!"

"Don't be a fool. No rich aristocrat will ever agree; I'm a poor farmer, and you're a starving attorney."

"I have contacted them by phone."

The Father adjusted his shoulders and asked, "What did you tell them about yourself?"

"I'm a leading attorney with a big bungalow, a car, and a few servants."

"That's an outright lie, which is a big sin."

"I don't mind sinning. I'm sure of my success, since our astrologer told me that my stars are arranging a rich bride for me. I'm going to trap her, and once we're married, the Indian traditions will forbid her from divorcing me."

"You're incorrigible," the Father said. "Well, what did you tell them about me?"

"You're a rich landlord," Baldev said under his breath.

"Look, if they ever contact me, I'll reveal the truth."

"Don't worry; it will never come to that. I'll hire an actor to pose as my father during the marriage ceremonies."

The Father stared at the crows sitting on the tree branch for a few seconds and then asked, "What was their response?"

"They were highly impressed and wanted to meet me at my house at Amritsar."

"They would be turned off after stepping into your shabby, one-room place."

"Dad, they will meet me in a big bungalow and will notice my car and servants."

"How will you manage that?"

"I'll use your five hundred to put on my show."

The Father sighed. "That's cheating. I'm sure your bubble will burst, and you will be in deep trouble after squandering my hard-earned money. I recommend that you marry a farmer's daughter who can help us in our work."

Baldev dabbed his eyes. "I beg you; please let me gamble one time."

The Father shook his head. "You're building castles in the air; forget the whole affair."

"Please take pity on me. This man is extremely rich, and he has only one child. I'll be wealthy and promise to help you and my siblings."

The Father closed his eyes, took a deep breath, slowly released it, and said, "Okay, I'll give you the money, but remember — it's your foolish adventure and your sin, and I've no part in it."

The Father ambled into the house, entered the room where he kept his seed in earthen pots, bolted the door, carefully removed one pot from the thirty lined along the walls, took out the money, and placed the pots back in their place. Then he returned to Baldev who was eagerly waiting for him.

"Son, here's the money; I still think you shouldn't fall into the snares of dowry."

Baldev pocketed the money, hugged his father, and beamed, "Dad, next time you'll find me coming in a big car."

The Father groaned.

Baldev sprung up, jumped on his cycle, darted out of the barn, while ringing his cycle bell and chanting the mantra specified by the astrologer. He didn't care for the girl and was willing to marry even a buffalo, provided it brought a big dowry.

In thirty minutes, he reached his dingy bachelor's pad at Amritsar. He had secured the money, and now he wanted to arrange a big bungalow, a car, a butler, a cook, and a gardener. During college days he saved his friend, Atma, from drowning in a river. Atma was now a rich attorney, and Baldev had planned on exploiting him. He rushed to Atma and explained his game plan.

Atma chuckled. "That's a ridiculous scheme; forget the dumb thing."

Baldev touched Atma's knees and said, "Remember how I risked my life to pull you out of Ravi River."

Atma was stunned, he looked out of the window for a few seconds and then said, "I do owe you one. What do you want from me?"

"Loan your bungalow for a few hours."

"I can do that."

Baldev embraced Atma and said, "I thank you for loaning me your house, but I'll also need a butler and a cook."

"I don't have any butler, and my cook left yesterday."

"You have been my classmate and best friend for ten years; can't you act as a butler for one hour?"

Atma shouted, "Are you out of your mind?"

Baldev was smart in turning on the faucets in his eyes, and tears rolled down his cheeks. "Don't ruin my life. After I marry this girl, I promise to pay you one thousand rupees for one hour's work."

Atma sucked in a ton of air, closed his eyes, and rubbed his chin. After some time, he blinked and said, "All right, I'll help you, but the sin of cheating will be on your soul."

Baldev grabbed Atma's hand and said, "Thanks, I don't mind the sin. I, however, have one more request."

Atma slapped his forehead. "Damn it, I've already promised you too much. Don't crucify me further."

Baldev genuflected, touched Atma's shoes, and said, "I can't ask anybody else. Please help me."

"Spit it out."

"Your wife is a good cook. I'll be obliged if you request her to pose as my cook for one day. There's no cooking involved; I'll purchase everything from the shops, and she will only heat water for the tea."

Atma raised his hands in utter disgust. "Okay, I think I can prevail upon her. But if you make one more demand, I'll throw you out of my house."

"No more demands; I've got all I need. Thanks."

"Have you settled the date for the visit of the Aristocrat?"

"September 17. I've six more days. Tomorrow I'll bring you a butler's uniform."