Arjun understood the deal was almost agreed upon, even though it was cheap from the earlier quotes it was still more than his ideal price. But this being one of two dealerships in the entire surrounding cities bummed him a lot. Had it not been the case he could negotiate much more freely.
Alright Arjun we can do that but i need advance of three lakhs for proceeding with the order.
Sir let's make it two lakhs, that's the most i can do right now and handed him the cheque for two lakh without waiting for him to say anything.
Okay i will take it this time but i want fifty percent deposit from the next time, Also not taking any pickles this time?
No sir the sales of those were not really satisfactory, we want to try some other goods.
Alright contact me if you need any further help Shan said handing Arjun his card.
Once they left his shop Lalitha enquired why Arjun had given such harsh quotes at the start which made Bhargav explain things on his behalf.
When Arjun enquired about their current bank balance with Bhargav and got to know that it was around twelve and half lakhs He felt it was the perfect time to order a car for himself and his family.
He could still remember how his family alongside Madan and Karan were brutally killed on their way back from a marriage in the nearby village.
Fortunately or unfortunately Arjun did not go with them as it was during his final exams and he had to stay back. Arjun's entire life took a U-turn after that incident, it was never the same. Without knowing how to adapt to the situation Arjun was scammed of his home as well as their lands in the next few years.
Still he started a small candle making factory with the money and could be considered moderately settled by his eighteens. But when he tried to enter the big leagues it did not work out, had it not been for the kind investors who supported him his new ventures would have resulted in absolute losses with no way back.
He later assumed that people attacked their jeep because Madan was given ticket for the local MLA by the opposition, this time too the circumstances were going in the same direction but he was not going to let the same scene repeat again. He could never forgive himself if he could not even accomplish this.
He sent Bhargav to the printing street to but some more printing raw materials for another one lakh rupees while he and Lalitha went ahead to take a auto rickshaw and visit the nearby car dealership.
Lalitha who was with Arjun could sense a change in his demeanor but she assumed this was his negotiation mode and did not care much about it.
When they entered the dealership nobody cared about them except a new guy in the shop. Even though Arjun was in a suit no body really cared about a kid roaming around in a suit.
Arjun was irritated and just as he was about to shout to call someone over, Lalitha went ahead and talked to the guy in the dealership and brought him along.
Arjun enquired about the cars that were available for sales around the price of two lakh rupees. The guy was a bit skeptical but still went on to introduce three available car models in their dealership.
One was Maruti 800, it was one of the most popular cars during this time, it was perfect for families that were going for fuel efficient type of cars. The price of this car was very cheap too only around one and half lakh rupees worth.
But Arjun did not really want to buy this as it was not very secure as well as a bit small and not very comfortable. Especially with how small it was Arjun felt claustrophobic whenever he got into one in his previous life.
The other option was Premier Padmini which was very common in cities like Mumbai and Delhi but was mostly used for taxis. It was for the same price of Maruti too but Arjun did not really want to go for this mainly because the next car he introduced caught his attention.
The last car was Hindustan Ambassador, This was one of the most iconic cars during these times. It was renowned for it's hard exterior as well as it's plenty interior space. Although it's rate was nearly two lakh rupees Arjun felt it was worth the price.
He had even heard of well maintained Ambassador being sold for over ten lakhs in the future, so this was absolutely the prefect investment.
He further enquired about the milage and availability of the car as well as additional car decors available.
After knowing about those details and that it would take around 2 months for the car to be delivered, Arjun was a bit disappointed. He wanted the car to be available by the time Vladimir came around so he would not need to ask for Madan's jeep to accompany them.
When he mentioned he wanted the delivery to be done within a couple of weeks the new salesmen at the dealership was left speechless, he mentioned a couple of months but here was the kid asking for delivery within a couple weeks! still he curtly replied it was not within his authority to do so and led them towards the store manager.
When the manager saw the salesmen with the kid he ignored coming towards his he frowned but quickly put on a smile and graciously asked
"Hello sir, what can i do for you?"
"I am looking to buy a ambassador, what's the best price you can offer?"
"It's base price is one lakh ninety thousand rupees on road sir"
"Alright what about customization options?"
"They're many options available sir like better seating, seat covers, music system, sound woofers and a better looking interior."
"How much would it cost to put in all the best available options?"
"Around two lakh thirty thousand rupees sir"
"Delivery time?"
"It would take two months for the car to arrive at the dealership and another week to make the modifications."
"That's too long, i don't have that much time"
"It's not in our hands sir, once you place the order we forward it to the company and it's entirely dependent on them."
"No i am pretty sure allotment depends on you."
The manager gave a surprised glare leaned back in his chair and replied
"Even if i wanted to help, sir.... these things aren't so simple"
Arjun understood the guy's intent and motioned Lalitha who stared at him dumbly. He called her to come over and asked to place a bundle of notes on the table. Lalitha did as told and returned back to her position still trying to process why the kid was trying to bribe a private dealership manager.
"Perhaps this might be of help." Arjun replied
The manager did not touch the money yet staring at it he curtly mentioned
"There are... cancellations sometimes"
"Anyone in the nearby future could be timely for us"
After a pause the manager asked
"Do you have any preferred colors?"
"White would be perfect"
The manager was relieved, at least this kid some had some brain. White was the most commonly ordered color so this was doable.
"Three weeks, Two for the delivery and one for further modifications."
Arjun waited a while to get some tension involved
"Two weeks, I want it delivered within two weeks"
"You are a tough negotiator sir" Dealer said
"I don't have much time nor do i like to wait for so long"
"If everything goes smoothly i think we can do it in two weeks sir"
"it will"
The dealer reached for the bundle pocketed it and replied you would need an adult to accompany you, preferably with a driving license if possible.
"Alright" Arjun left the dealership with Lalitha
Meanwhile the manager picked up the phone and whispered quietly
"That unit... is it still available?, Okay i need it within next week"
He then glanced at the new salesman and started complimenting him and promised him a small bonus for the month.
They joined Bhargav who was waiting outside the dealership and went on their way.
As they were about to leave Vijayawada on their jeep, Lalitha exclaimed "Anna?" and asked them to stop it on the roadside seeing someone on the sidewalk. Arjun and Bhargav though surprised still slowly stopped the jeep.
Lalitha ran to the guy who was walking on his way shouting "Balram Anna, Balram Anna!! is that you?"