Chapter 1: Fox Spirits in the Bazaar

Fox spirits on sale again at the Kitsune Emporium—Kaveripur bazaar hadn’t buzzed like this since last Diwali!

In the winding lanes of Kaveripur’s old bazaar, word had already spread: today, the Kitsune Emporium’s ancient teak doors would open for just one day. Sure enough, a crowd had gathered, their voices bubbling with excitement. I barely waited for the Ola driver to stop before grabbing my bag and darting out, dodging a vegetable cart and a group of aunties haggling over enchanted brooms. By the time I reached the shop, only the last male fox spirit remained.

As I stepped inside, my sandals slapped against the cool stone floor, and the scent of agarbatti curled around me, mingling with old sandalwood. Uncle Dev, the owner—portly, salt-and-pepper hair, and a smile as welcoming as a cup of chai—brought out the fox spirit just for me.

He stood tall and upright, features so finely cut they looked almost magical—so handsome, even a Bollywood hero would be jealous!

Honestly, with that sharp jawline and hair falling carelessly over his forehead, if he walked into a Bandra café, every girl would forget her filter coffee. But he was icy cold, barely glancing at me, arms folded like he was stuck in some endless boring meeting.

Uncle Dev looked at him, then gave me a warm, fatherly grin. “Beta, only this one is left. For you, I’ll give a ninety percent discount—full paisa vasool!”

Ninety percent off?

First thought: nothing good comes cheap! Even street vendors don’t give such heavy discounts unless something’s fishy.

Kitsune Emporium only opens once a year, specialising in these gorgeous, skilful, human-shaped fox spirits. I’ve been under so much stress lately, I decided to get one—just for some fun!

My Amma always says, "Beta, if something’s too cheap, double-check the expiry date!" Her voice echoed in my head, just like when she warns me about street-side golgappas. But such a huge discount—could this fox spirit be defective?

Uncle Dev seemed to read my mind and explained, “This fox spirit’s training went a bit sideways. While the others learnt how to keep their owners happy, he focused on making money. Isn’t getting rich what everyone wants these days? He can help you get rich.”

Get rich?

Now that was tempting!

“If that’s the case, why hasn’t he been sold yet?”

Uncle Dev rubbed his hands together, looking a little sheepish. “He has been sold before, but the customers were after his body. He couldn’t stand the harassment and ran back!”

Tch, so he’s a model of self-respect!

“And our shop offers a one-month, unconditional return at the original price. You can try him out first, but... if he helps you get rich, you can’t lust after his body!”

This was starting to sound like one of those strict ‘Terms and Conditions’ my bank emails me. I glanced at the fox spirit again.

Since Uncle Dev said so—

Alright, I’ll buy him!

I handed over the money, already picturing myself as a glamorous businesswoman with a fox spirit assistant. The shop bell chimed as we left, and I couldn't help but think, 'Ninety percent off! Even Big Bazaar never gave such a deal!'