The Chronicles of Chatur Bahadur: Episode 1 - The Capitalized Favor
The air was thick with election chants, but behind closed doors, the real deals were whispered over tea and sealed with envelopes. Chatur Bahadur, master of hidden ledgers, had a guest that evening — the Party Treasurer, sweating under the weight of his own desperation.
“Chatur ji,” the treasurer said carefully, “the party needs urgent… contributions.”
“Contributions?” Chatur smiled slyly. “No, no. That word stinks of charity. Let’s call it strategic spending. My books must remain elegant.”
The Transaction
Chatur signaled his accountant to adjust the ledgers:
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Dr. Miscellaneous Expense 700,000
Dr. PPE – Hydro Development Rights 1,200,000
Cr. Cash Paid 1,900,000
The Cover Story
On paper, it was flawless. A portion vanished as “miscellaneous expenses” — a catch-all no one ever questions. The bulk was dressed up as Hydro Development Rights, a shiny PPE line that sounded visionary and patriotic.
The treasurer left with a suitcase heavy enough to swing an election.
“The party will not forget this,” he said with relief.
“Of course not,” Chatur replied. “Hydro projects are about power — political and electrical.”
The Aftermath
Weeks later, approvals that had gathered dust for years suddenly cleared. Government contracts slipped his way as if the rivers themselves had been redirected. Competitors fumed, but Chatur sat smug in his leather chair.
“The best investment,” he whispered to himself, “is the one that hides in plain sight.”