Season: Munnar Tourist

“If the clouds allow,” Raju said with a wink.

On the way back, they passed the main road. Traffic had slowed to a crawl. A tourist in a rented saree was trying to pet a wild bison near the roadside while her husband filmed. A chai wallah was doing record business. And Raju’s friend, Shankar, who ran a homestay, was standing outside with a cardboard sign: “Room Available—Only 15,000 Rupees.” munnar tourist season

He typed back: “In Munnar tourist season? Always. But bring a sweater. And patience.” “If the clouds allow,” Raju said with a wink

That night, Raju sat on his veranda, drinking ginger tea. The hills were quiet again, save for the distant rumble of a late-season bus. His phone buzzed—a message from a number he didn’t recognize. “Need jeep for sunrise. 5 AM. Five people. Is it worth it?” A tourist in a rented saree was trying