Sukesh and Mukesh were two business partners who lived in Timmapuram village. Although they earned similar incomes, their spending habits were worlds apart. Mukesh was penny-pinching to the core. He always believed in one mantra: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” If walking ten miles could save him a rupee, he would do it without a second thought.

While all the villagers saw festivals as a time for joy, sweets, and family gatherings, Mukesh treated them like incoming storms. The mere thought of relatives showing up made him gulp in fear, as if every knock on the door came from someone trying to snatch his wallet. During festivals, he would lock .............