Monday, January 19, 2009

Helpless and Frustrated

Attempting to buy a decent centre table for a long time. Not finding one easily. Almost giving up hope. Coming across one that fulfills the criteria almost. Booking it by paying some advance as want it polished in a dark color to match the already existing furniture. Delivery being promised by the shopkeeper in the evening of the same day. Delivery complete but polish smudged in transit. Promise by the shopkeeper to get it done again the next day. Does not happen. Call to the shopkeeper and another promise to get it done next week on a fixed day. It still does not happen. Wait. Making another call in few days to check and another unfulfilled promise.

Getting very angry and reaching the shop. Telling him to either send someone to get it done right away or take the table back. Not happy with the incomplete shoddy work. Shopkeeper getting touchy at the word 'shoddy' and becoming very aggressive and rude. I becoming doubly rude and asking him to stay within his limits. Shopkeeper giving all lame excuses and refusing to take back the table. H not talking as H can not speak or understand hindi. Shopkeepers not understanding the reason why H not talking but only me. Coming down to their level and telling H to talk and not letting me talk. H completely confused understanding only that things not right. Asking me to keep my cool and leave. Shopkeeper having the guts to threaten me and talking rudely again. I getting pissed again and threatening him back. H ushering me away after shopkeeper promised to get the work done the next day. Becoming maddeningly angry and wanting to report about the hrassment and threat to the police.

Going to the nearest police chowky and three people directing us to another police station after listening and understanding to our entire story. Suspecting that the shopkeeper regularly paid something for running his shop. He boasting that he was not afraid. Complaining in this case yielding no result.

Increase in the level of frustration and helplessness but attempt at keeping cool in order to be practical. Considering it as a petty matter and trying to leave it behind. No use in engaging into fights with such people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Consoling..............