Dealing with the Installers

It had been a month since I bought a washing machine. I still remember the day I bought it. The balding portly salesman, grinning...the size of his grin perhaps competing with size of his rotund belly.

"Sir, this is the best model we have...fast-moving model, very good dryer, 3 year warranty...and very good price"

I hate sales talk. The more they blab...the less I trust 'em. Heck, I would have walked out that instant but, damnit! I needed a washing machine. There wasnt a decent showroom for miles around. And I wasnt gonna spend all afternoon looking for another showroom.

"Ok...looks good...any discount?"

" Sir, this is the besht price... it is heavily discounted...special offer"

That grin again.

"Ok..take this one. Will this be delivered to my place?"

"Yes Sir...by tomm morning, one of our boys will bring it your place and install it. Dont worry about that sir...."


I'm worried. The "boy" did bring in the washing machine 2 days later. On asking the "boy" by when he will finish installing....

"Nahi sahaab...install tho Toshibawaale karte hain...hum sirf delivery karte hain"

The frown on my face only too visible. He finished his "delivery". As he was stepping out of the house, I see another grin.

"Sahaab, kuch kharcha-paani...."

It wasnt a request mind you. He demanded it in a "grinny" sort of way...as if his paan- stained teeth would make me feel obliged to tip him. I hate 'em when they ask for tips in a slimy sort of way.

I gave him a 50.


All this was about 3 weeks ago. Not a day has passed since, when I havent called up the dealer, the "toshibawaale", ( even my dad, out of sheer exasperation, for some encouragement!) asking them, pleading, shouting, begging.....

The serviceman from Toshiba would at times say he would be come by 6pm....and I would leave office early and wait and wait.....but our friend never turned up.....


PS: You wont believe this....As I'm writing this blog, doorbell rings and "holy crap and miracle of miracles"...Its the Toshibawaala!!! I was so happy when he said he was from Toshiba...my smile went from one ear to the other (dont picture that). He finished his job quickly....explained the basics..and he didnt even ask for "kharcha paani".... Very professional.... damn, we miss guys like him.


Oh btw, I bought some furniture on Sunday. Delivery boys delivered the furniture yesterday and left with their K-P. Installer was supposed to come today...didnt turn up....


Another day in paradise folks!

It was a warm day, the sun shining with confidence,a bright turquoise blue splashed across the sky. A day to wear a crisp linen pink shirt, light white capris and transcluscent escada shades and amble around barefoot on the beach.

Chris understood this...she didnt waste too much time dressing up. She lived the mood the day commanded. She drew the curtains back and the bright blue sky and ocean together beckoned her presence. An hour later she was a pink dot on the vast white sand beaches of St. Tropez.

The splash of the waves, gulls gently screeching somewhere...and the wind blowing against her hair and shoulders...these were all she was aware of. Its days like these, she thought, that she had always longed for...and yet...