Tight bargains
#31: 100-words on deal-making during a tight election race with a savvy opponent
Tight bargains
Dharamraj was running for sarpanch in the tight village election. Daily, his buffoons shouted slogans from a jeep. One day they knocked over little Seema, breaking her leg. Seema was rushed to the hospital. Villagers chanted against Dharamraj.
Next day, Seema lay on a cot outside her home. Dharamraj arrived. At her father’s signal, Seema wailed. Villagers shouted. Dharamraj offered Seema 1000 rupees. Seema wailed louder. Dharamraj doubled his offer. The wailing escalated.
Finally at 10,000 rupees, Seema’s wailing ceased.
Seema’s father reclaimed the lien on his fields. Dharamraj won the election. The villagers bid the villainous jeep goodbye.
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reena | 01.26.2024
* sarpanch - In India, the elected head of a village.
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Ah but was Seema a child actor hired by the Dharamraj team?
Great piece.