Bani carefully removed the bangle and chain she had brought, placing them on the tray. The staff member handled the pieces with practiced precision, weighing them on a digital scale before checking their purity using a small touchstone. The rhythmic clinking of metal and the soft hum of machines filled the office.
"These are 22-karat gold. We'll proceed with the valuation based on today's market rate," the employee informed her, typing details into the system.
A few minutes later, he handed Bani a form. "Since this is your first loan with us, you'll need to open an account. Please fill in these details—name, address, ID proof, and nominee details."
Bani nodded, quickly filling out the required fields. She handed over a copy of her ID, which the staff verified.
"The loan amount against your jewelry is ₹230000. We offer a tenure of up to 12 months with flexible repayment options. Interest is calculated on a monthly basis. Would you like to proceed?"
"Yes," Bani confirmed.
The staff entered the final details into the system, then handed her a receipt. "The amount will be credited to your bank account shortly. You'll also receive an SMS confirmation."
Bani checked her phone after a few moments—her account had been credited with the loan amount. She exhaled, feeling a mix of relief and determination.
Aman wiped the sweat off his forehead as he stepped out of the hotel. The day's work had been exhausting, but he had no time to rest. He had a mission—finding a truck.
His friends, Raju and Prakash, were already waiting for him outside.
"Ready?" Raju asked, adjusting his cap.
"Of course," Aman nodded. "Let's go."
The three of them made their way to the vehicle dealership, a large open lot filled with trucks of various sizes, some brand new, others second-hand but still in decent condition. The dealer, a stout man with a thick mustache and sharp eyes, welcomed them with a practiced smile.
"Looking for a good vehicle, eh?" he asked, rubbing his hands together. "I have some solid trucks, all in excellent condition."
Aman and his friends exchanged a quick glance. They knew dealers always started with sweet talk.
"Show us what you have," Aman said.
Inspecting the Trucks
The dealer led them to a row of second-hand trucks. Some looked clean, while others had visible dents and scratches. Aman wasn't interested in appearances alone—he needed a truck that was reliable.
He began his inspection carefully.
1. Checking the Engine: He opened the hood and asked the dealer to start the truck. The engine roared to life, but Aman wasn't convinced yet. He listened closely for any unusual knocking or rattling sounds. Raju, who knew a bit about vehicles, checked for oil leaks around the engine.
2. Tire Condition: Aman walked around, kicking the tires slightly to test their firmness. Worn-out tires meant extra expenses later. "These look a bit worn," he remarked, making a mental note.
3. Chassis and Body: He crouched down to check for rust underneath the vehicle. Some rust was normal, but excessive rust on the chassis was a red flag.