Nand Kishor Chaurasia was a paan waala (betel vendor). He had a small kiosk just outside the sessions court in Betul district of MP. He could just make the ends meet……….as he had to provide for the five persons in his family. His wife , mother, a son and a daughter. The daughter had completed 18 years and NKC wanted to marry her off……… and obviously this required money. It was his priority. 

In spite of his best efforts his income did not increase and the expenditures ………. could only be curtailed to a limit. His mother needed a cataract operation, his son studying in class IX wanted extra coaching …..etc. His wooden kiosk was always being shunted … a few meters back by the traffic police and court authorities. Finally, he had to set it up over the nallah (drain) with the help of some wooden boards. Now he had to pay the municipality Walla’s besides the traffic and court authorities.
 
Kazim Bhai was a well known lawyer in Betul and was fond of a good paan with 'Baba 120' scented tobacco. He was the best customer of NKC . His Munshi (the lawyer’s clerk) used to collect the days supply from NKC each morning. Often Kazim Bhai came after lunch or in the afternoon if he was not happy with the paan or wanted some ingredient in less or greater quantity. 

On June 16, 1997 NKC narrated his woes to Kazim Bhai as he prepared his paan. The learned lawyer heard him and assured him of help and went his way. After a few days KB summoned NKC to his chamber (it was a thatched shade with wood takht and two simple wood chairs). The lawyer greeted NKC and offered him a seat. He advised NKC to meet the new sessions judge who had recently joined and request him for permission to set up the paan kiosk in side the court compound. Take some good paans with you in a decent packing ……………… judge sahib is also fond of paans, he explained to NKC. If he permits you, the sale will increase and you can meet some of your liabilities. 'Consult Khalid Mia – the judges peon ……….. he will help you' KB said. 

NKC met the peon of the judge. The peon was in his official uniform that comprised a white tunic, a red kamarband with a brass buckle and a head gear. The peon allowed him to meet the judge at lunch time, only after he was promised free paan every day. NKC gave reference of KB and presented the paans he had brought for the judge. The judge chewed on the paans enquired about the specifics of the betel leaf and its ingredients. Then NKC told the judge of his plight and requested for the permission to set up his kiosk in the court compound. The judge heard him patiently and asked him to come back in a weeks time. He also instructed him to deliver the paans in his chamber daily as soon as he came. NKC complied with the judge’s will. 

One day soon the judge asked him to wait and gave him a twenty rupee note for the paans he had been delivering along with an official looking paper – ‘Heres your permission for setting up the kiosk in side the compound ……… I have acceded to the Bar asociation’s request for a pan-shop in the court’. 

NKC shifted his kiosk inside the court compound ………….. his business improved slightly and few weeks passed. One day early in the morning as he was just setting up his shop, a man in late 40s attired in the traditional colthes worn by the local villagers came and asked for a paan. NKC asked him to wait awhile and went about his chores.
The man started a dialogue –‘ My son had a fight with some other youths in the taadi khaana (desi wine shop) and the police have arrested him. He is to be married day after. If he does not get bail his in-laws will cancel the marriage. Such bad name for them and I will loose the dowry ……………ohohohh ‘(he quietly wailed)
NKC had hardly paid attention to the man’s words but consoled him - ‘oh all will be right don’t worry’.
The man – ‘Kazim vakil also said this ……… but only if you help me’.
NKC was really surprised – ‘what can I do’.
The man – You take this ten thousand rupees ……….. and all will be well!
NKC was now totally bewildered …….’ How and what do I have to do with this money?’
The man –‘ Vakil sahib will tell you all, but please take the money!’ 

NKC took the money and kept waiting for Kazim Bhai. His munshi came to collect the paans but he did not meet the lawyer that day. 

NKC had a bad night …… he was extremely apprehensive.
 
It was after two days that KB came to his shop during a lull and explained to him that he had to take the money when some body came with his chit. Also he had to return the money if he so instructed. Further, he had to tell the person while taking the money that though it was impossible ……… he will try his best and that the judge was very upright and would do it only if he could find a loop hole in the case. Also (KB continued) he had to tell the person while returning the money that the judge flatly refused as it was not possible in any way. 

A small percentage was set for NKC’s services and KB would take the rest of the amount. There were very few such opportunities in the next six months and NKC was instructed to return the complete amount in three cases. 

After a decade……………. 

Many judges had come and gone. Kazim Bhai and his family had migrated to Nagpur where he practices in High court and his local practice is looked after by his chief Munshi and a new lad whom KB claims to be his nephew. KB is considered to be a very rich person in Nagpur with multiple business interests.
 
NKC has a shop in the main street and he is the main distributor of all types of Indian made foreign liquors in Betul. His daughter is happily married with two sons. His son is an MBA and looks after NKC’s business interest. His wife has recently had a bypass surgery and is completely recovered. His mother is at one of the posher old peoples ashrams in Ramtek. KB comes to NKC’s shop whenever he is in town. 

The judge was  posted out of Betul in 2003. He would soon be retiring from the judicial services. He is often seen with a note book and pen making calculations about personal expenses  that can be trimmed down so as to live within his official pension 

Today……………………. 

The paan shop is still in the court compound. NKC still takes the paans to the sessions judge’s chamber. The scam is still in place. The gullible approach NKC through the KB’s Munshi. Their cases are decided as per the law without any undue influence. Those who get a decision in their favour are grateful to NKC and those unfortunate to loose their legal battles get the full refund of their money.

It was only for a period of about a year when NKC was free of his duty……….. the judge in chair abhorred paan. .