Paris (Part 3)

(I will be sharing this story in 5 parts, at the most. Each week, one part will be released taking the story forward. Hope you enjoy reading this one.)

For a recap you may read Paris (Part 1) | Paris (Part 2) .

In the next three days Krishna manages to find the travel agent's address with some help and visits him. It is located in a residential area with very few houses. Most of them are dilapidated and nobody is staying in there. Still there were few passersby here and there.

Suresh, Travel Agent
One agent for all countries

This is written on the name plate hanging disinterested on the wall of Suresh's office. Seeing all the English on the name plate, Krishna is already impressed. Even though he does not know exactly what is written. There is a young boy who greets Krishna and gives him a glass of water. Mr. Suresh’s office is more like an extension of his house. Rather he has converted a section of his rented house into his office.
“So, still going to Paris?”, Suresh asks as he enters the office with a big smile.
“Yes”, Krishna replies with the familiar sparkle in his eyes and greets him.

Suresh is a person who is always neatly dressed with big old spectacles. He has this remarkable warmth when talking to people. It is this quality that makes people comfortable talking to him, even at their first meet. This is the very same reason that attracted Krishna to visit Suresh for his Paris plans.

“But do you have enough money?”, asks Suresh, being sceptical
“How much money is required?”, enquires Krishna
“Look, for any outsider it is 2.5 lakhs but because you are from my village, I will take 1.5 lakhs .”, Suresh replies
“1.5 lakhs ?”, Krishna repeats aloud in shock
“Yes.”, confirms Suresh
“Can't it be done in 50 thousand?”, Krishna asks foolishly
“Yes, it can be done”, Suresh replies confidently
Krishna asks in excitement, “How?”
“In your dreams”, says Suresh
“Suresh bhai, please do something. I only have 50 thousand. It will take me another 7 to 8 years to save 1 lakhs. I can’t wait that long. You know about the marriage issue. I also have to handle that. Please bhai”, Krishna pleaded.
“So many things has to be done, Krishna. Your passport, tickets, and other arrangements. I have already reduced the price. Okay,(thinking for a while) luckily I have a friend who stays there. You can stay with him and he will help you in visiting all the sites. I will inform my friend. I am sure he will agree. Other than that nothing more can be done. You can understand, it is not in my hands. It is government charges. We have to follow. But there is something you can do for sure.”, Suresh suggests
“What is it? Tell me. I can do anything for Paris.”, says Krishna showing keen interest now that his stay in Paris would not be a hassle
“Listen to me carefully. This will solve both your problems.”, comforts Suresh
“Okay.”, says Krishna and listens attentively

Suresh suggests Krishna to return to his village in few days and meet Manohar Ji.
“No way, I am not going back anytime soon. They will get me married immediately.”, Krishna interrupts before Suresh could even share his complete idea
“Will you let me complete?”, says Suresh
“Sorry”, apologises Krishna
Suresh continues, “You go back and tell the headman and Manohar Ji, that you are ready to marry his daughter.”
“WHAT ?”, Krishna says with his mouth wide open
“Be calm and listen. Hearing this everyone will be happy. Even you do not want to hurt them, Right?”
“Yes, but ?”, Krishna replies in confusion
“Then you tell them that you have one request to make.”, Suresh adds
“One request?”, asks Krishna

To get an update when the next part is released, do subscribe to this blog. :)

TWEET this!

Paris - Part 4

Submitted to Write Tribe #MondayMusings

Image Credits - Google Images
Story © Copyright Salvwi Prasad