Two Lakhiers

Ramgupta and Virgupta were two lakhiers from Rajpur. One day, after finishing his work, Ramgupta went to Rampupia to collect his wages.

“I have a ten-rupee note; could you please return five rupees?” Ramgupta asked.

“Sorry, I don’t have any change with me. Just give me the note, and I will repay you later. That would account for the five rupees,” replied Virgupta.

“I do not pay in advance,” stated Ramgupta firmly. Just then, Virgupta arrived on the scene. “What is the problem?” he inquired.

“Can you give me change for ten rupees? I need five rupees to pay this man,” said Ramgupta, seeking help.

Virgupta took the ten-rupee note and gave Ramgupta only five rupees. “You have precisely the amount you need. You can take the rest later,” said Virgupta.

However, Virgupta never seemed to remember that he owed Ramgupta five rupees. How could Ramgupta, a lakhiar, ask for such a paltry sum from another lakhiar?