Chapter 5 Summary

Chapter 5 begins with Raju explaining how he came to be called "Railway Raju." During his time as a shopkeeper at the Malgudi station, Raju earns a reputation among the travelers as man who is able to get anything for anyone at any time. People passing through would ask Raju a variety of questions: how to get to a particular hotel or where they might buy a delicious meal. Raju always has an answer even if he has to make up a lie. Raju does not see this type of lying as a detriment, he is merely unable say, "No," and "I don't know." Raju tells himself that he simply lies sometimes in order to be pleasant. Eventually, Raju establishes a professional friendship with Gaffur the taxi driver. Whenever a customer needs transportation, Raju hustles him out to Gaffur and Gaffur takes the traveler...