The paanwala nearly dropped his paan. He shot Ishar and the 6 other people with an incredulous look.
Ishar was ready to bet that the paanwala was mentally cursing them for such a short notice for arrangement.
"Well, then you better come with me right now. I'm just leaving to go home and I can arrange you a cottage if you guys are lucky. However, I'll charge extra rent." The paanwala said.
"Yeah sure, it's fine. Thank you." Anjani replied.
The paanwala did a quick count, gave his brilliant grin once again, and said, "Come on! I'll take you to Aralam."
Naren gave him a suspicious look and said, "How do you know so much about Aralam?"
The paanwala smiled and said, "My name is Venkatesh Adhiratha, and I'm the son of the village head."
'So that's why he has so much knowledge about the village'... Ishar thought… 'he literally lives there'.
"So it's decided. We'll come with you AND pay the extra fees, provided that you give us a nice cottage."
Venkatesh nodded his head and started packing his things. After a while he had loaded everything into his small van and cleaned the area.
"I hope you have your own vehicle?" Venkatesh asked.
Karan nodded.
"Then follow me, I'll lead you to the famous Aralam village." Venkatesh said with a smile. "You guys, are in for a treat- the chance to see the most beautiful village that ever existed, along with a free tour guide and a meal package."