Baldev took a hasty leave and cycled to his cousin who was a taxi driver. The cousin agreed to help him. In India the taxis look like private cars, except their license plates bear black letters on a white background, while the private cars have white letters on a black background. Baldev made another set of plates for the day and bought a white over-starched uniform for the driver. The cousin agreed to bring his taxi with changed plates to Atma's place on September 17, and accept twenty rupees for his work.

Baldev read books on etiquette and rehearsed his act several times. On September 17, at four in the morning, he went to the Gurdwara and rubbed his nose before the Holy Book to secure God's blessings. He chanted the mantra and cycled to Atma's bungalow, where he changed into a rented silken suit.

"How do I look?" he asked.

"You're fine. Your face muscles are flinching; don't be so nervous," Atma advised.

At ten a white Mercedes car appeared before Atma's large brick bungalow. The gardener, Atma's clerk, who had agreed to act his part for twenty rupees, saluted and opened the gate. The car crawled on the paved driveway and stopped in front of the porch, next to a shining car. Baldev's cousin, in the chauffeur's white uniform, rushed to open the rear door of the arriving vehicle. A heavyset, middleaged man, wearing a golden threaded turban, stepped out of the car, and a lady loaded with jewelry followed him.

Atma, dressed in a butler's uniform, made a low bow, opened the door and escorted the visitors to the living room which had three large sofas and several easy chairs. Silken curtains were billowing under the waves created by three overhead fans, The air was saturated with the fragrance of flowers and burning incense.

Baldev, relaxing on a sofa, lifted his head, folded the legal magazine he was studying, stood up, and shook hands with the visitor and greeted the lady with folded hands.

"Sardar and Sardani Karnail Singh, nice to meet you," Baldev said and then gestured to the cushioned sofa. The couple smiled and took their seats.

Baldev asked, "Will you have hot tea or a cold drink?"

The Aristocrat smiled. "Tea will be fine."

Baldev rang the bell. Atma appeared, bowed, and said, "Hazoor, Sahib."

"Bring hot tea and some hors d'oeuvres."

Soon the butler appeared with a silver tea pot, imported china crockery, and silver plates loaded with sweets and saltines. After adjusting those on the coffee table, the butler left with a deep bow.

The Aristocrat asked, "You told me that you have two degrees; what are those?"

"B.A. in arts and L.L.B. in law," Baldev said. "Let me show the certificates."

Then Baldev pointed to the certificates on the wall, and the visitor glanced at them.

"Good. How is your practice?"

"I'm the best attorney in the province and had to refuse many clients."

The Aristocrat stood up, took his wife to the corner of the room, and discussed for a few minutes. Baldev held his breath with a thumping heart and chanted the mantra in sotto voce. The couple returned to their seats, and the Aristocrat said, "We approve you. Now we'll show you the pictures of our daughter; she completed her M.A. this year. If you like her, we'll perform the engagement ceremony."

The Aristocrat took out pictures from his pocket and gave them to Baldev who glanced at the ravishing beauty and said, "She looks okay; I accept her."

The lady painted a red mark on Baldev's forehead, inserted a dried date in his mouth, and placed a ring on his finger. The Aristocrat shook Baldev's hand.

Baldev said, "I want an early marriage. Will September 25 suit you?"

"We want a big wedding reception; let's make it October fifth."

Baldev nodded with a smile.

"Baldev, I own ten thousand acres of farmland, and you will have to manage it. Do you know anything about farming?"

"No problem, I'm fully trained and have a big farm of my own."

The Aristocrat scrambled up and paced the room. After making three rounds, he stood before Baldev and said, "That's fine, but I face one problem."

Baldev was perplexed, but he managed a smile. "What is it?"

"I can't make you the Chairman of my corporation which owns a sugar mill, two textile mills, a steel factory, and several shopping malls."

Baldev was befuddled. "Why?"

"The board of directors are the stock holders and will oppose your appointment unless you own some stocks."

Baldev was speechless, since he never expected this.

The Aristocrat patted Baldev's hand. "Son, I can purchase those stocks for you, but it would hurt your pride. You're a rich man and can easily buy those."

Baldev tugged his mustache, grinned, and said, "I can afford it. How much?"

"Fifty thousand rupees."

Baldev's heart sank, but he managed to tame his emotions and said, "I can arrange that by tomorrow."

"All right, tomorrow at ten I'll bring the CEO of the company, and we'll pick up the money and give you the receipt for the shares."

The Aristocrat scrunched his nose, gestured toward the furniture, and said, "You better get rid of this cheap stuff. We have imported all the furniture from England for our daughter. You should bring at least three trucks to cart your dowry."

Baldev's heart jumped with joy, but he kept up his veneer.

"Before we leave we want to tip your servants. Call your butler and cook," the Aristocrat said.

Baldev rang the bell.

As Atma appeared, he said, "Bring the cook. Sahib wants to give Bakhshish (tip) to both of you."

Soon Atma and his wife (butler and cook) stood with folded hands, and the Aristocrat gave twenty rupees to each.

Then the Aristocrat and his wife embraced Baldev and took their leave.