At an Indian restaurant which Ram claims to be one of eighteen he owns, Ram explains to Del and Rodney (who arrived looking for Del) that he and Malik are from rival families, each of whom makes claim to an ancient statue of the Hindu God Kubera (who Del originally believed to be "one of India's premier wicketkeepers"), a statue of great sentimental and financial value. Malik has the statue but Ram wants it back and informs Del that he is prepared to pay £4,000 for it. He is unable to make such an offer directly however, due to the caste system preventing him from speaking to Malik directly. Sensing an opportunity to profit, Del agrees to act as a messenger for Ram and Vimmal.