India, Aug. 3 -- Mango vendor and the art of street deal

By Prof. P.K. Misra

It is indeed a paradox that though mobile street vendors fascinate me, I try to avoid them. Why? Most of the time, after I have made a deal with them and they are gone, I realise I have been mercilessly 'cheated'.

Then I begin to rationalise that I do not feel the same way when posh shop owners successfully rob me - and I make no complaints about that. But all that can wait. Let me tell you this morning's story.

I had just returned from my morning walk and was closing the gate. Seeing me there, a mango vendor on a moped approached. There was eye contact, and he understood that I might be his first 'kill'.

The first sale or 'boni'

In Mysuru, the local term f...