It's a deal!

As Indians, the instinct to bargain is rooted deep into our psyche . Be it for vegetables, hawker food, buying a vehicle or a house, we bargain still we strike a deal. It is necessary and even expected in the market. Sometimes, it does turn funny :).

I happen to remember this one time, on a train to Jalpaiguri, my brother started pining for one of those Chinese handheld videogames. I reluctantly enquired the price. 

The hawker said "You are getting it dirt cheap, I will give it to you for 950/-."

I: " I will give you 50/- for it".

And then the discussion went on and on until he came down to Rs.100 :). But finally I told him to keep moving, as I was determined on 50/-. My brother was like 'you never wanted to get it in the first place!'

Another incident comes to my mind about this very lovable lady at Howrah station. With a lot of luggage, she was looking for a coolie ( people who carry luggage ) when one of them came to her.

Lady: " How much will you charge till platform 12?"

Coolie : " Saatth rupiah ( 60 rupees)"

Lady : " Saat rupiah kyun? Abhi to pichle hafte bhara paanch rupiah tha !!! (Why seven rupees? Only last week the rate was five rupees!!! ;) "

Coolie : ??!!!???!!!!!!!

After all, quoting Benjamin Franklin -  "A penny saved is a penny earned."  ;) !