My Da Vinci Code!

I was in MG Road on Sunday. I had nothing to do at home and was also thinking on upgrading my shoe collection. So, the one and only destination is MG Road!

It was around 2:30 PM when I hit the place. The weather was excellent (as I had written earlier) and it was nice walking along the road aimlessly.

Thus I landed up to a street book seller. Reading all the things that are happening with Da Vinci Code, and having read the book myself, I was rather curious when I sighted the particular book on their “shelf”. So, I asked “Bhaisab kitne ka hai?” how much it is for?
“120 ruppiah!” the man said. “Lelijiye, bahot hit hai!”. I was already enjoying the conversation. “120 to bahut jyada hai. Thik se dam bolo” I said. “saw se kam to hogahi nehi” the book seller loses interest and throws the book back to the end. I showed a mock disappointment, and walked away.

It was not even 200 meters that I saw another book seller. Again, I checked the price. This time, to my surprise, the price offered was 100 and he was ready to give me at 90. I walked away as it is.

I took a turn from old Times of India office to the Church Street. Opposite to BPL office, there was another young man sitting with a heap of paper backs which almost looked new. My eyes started looking for Da Vinci Code, and it did not take more than a second to see one. “How much are you going to give me that book for?” I asked him in English. “75/-“ pat came the reply. “I can only afford 50”. I was almost looking sad. “not possible sister. These are pirated copies, and I cant sell beyond 65. 60 is my cost”. I was not willing to give up. “are you sure? Because I know I can get this book for 50 rupees if I walk a little further down the street.” Oopps, now he will understand I am new to Bangalore!. “Ok. Take it. Let me start the selling even at a loss”. I was surprised. I took the book, paid him 50 bucks and went away. I read the original book some times back and was intrigued. Now I have the duplicate for my book shelf!