I have been absent from this space for a inexcusably long time and hence no point apologizing. After finishing the rigour of IIM A, I wanted some more and hence went back to Institute after a week of vacation to take a up a project. The ahmedabad summer was in full glory and unlike the executive rooms that PGPX students enjoy, I had to make do without AC but with NC (Nature conditioned). Then I took up a job in Hyderabad and in the process of settling down. I finally managed to get into the area of renewable energy and hence I feel I am doing justice to Tinaplanet and the ideas it stands for.
I am having the most extra-ordinary time in Hyderabad trying to setup my house. Getting any work done in Hyderabad has become a lot tougher recently. I have been in Hyderabad on and off for last several years but looks like the city has completely outpaced me in many terms. The biggest mismatch I see is in terms of timing. If a hyderabadi tells you that he will call you back in two minutes, he is just trying to cut you off for now. There is no way you are going to get a call back in two or ten or any number of minutes. It is assumed that you will anyway call back to check. When someone says he will deliver something in two days, what he actually means is that he will start thinking about it after two days. This is best explained with an example.
I had ordered for some grills to be put on my windows and balconies. The guy was extremely polite and took down all my requirements nicely. I gave him the deposit money (he has to buy the raw materials!) and he promised me a date (24th, Saturday). I used to call him every 2-3 days to check the progress and if there would be any delays. He would tell me each time that things are making good progress and there is no need to worry. Even on the Friday evening, he said the grills will be delivered around 11 AM on Saturday and he would call me before starting.
Saturday: 11:30 AM: I call to check the status. Guy picks up after two rings and..
Grill Man: Sir, just the second coating of the paint is going on. It will dry in couple of hours and I will deliver by 4 PM
Saturday: 4:30 PM: I call to check status and I am told the painting is still going on. Early morning on Sunday, it will definitely be delivered.
Sunday: 10 AM: Calling and calling and no one picks up the phone. Then I get though in 10th or 11th attempt.
Grill Man: Sir, I am going to Khammam because my uncle is ill. My man has been instructed to get the grills to you.
I take down the number of the new guy and call him. He picks up after 2 attempts.
New Grill Man: Sir, yes sir, I am trying to get people sir. Today is Sunday, so, not getting labourers to load the grills.
Sunday 4 PM: No grills and when I call the guy, he tells me he could not get any people and hence it will be sent on Monday.
Monday: I am in office and I call at 11 AM to check status. Picks up the phone after several tries.
New Grill Man: Sir, one grill's dimensions were incorrect. I measured them while loading and hence making change to one. Will be done by evening. I can not believe anything now and tell him to bring the ones which are ready (promising I will pay for double transport). He says he will.
Monday: 5 PM: Calls goes unanswered. Not sure if the grills really exist.
Monday: 6 PM: I leave office and request the driver to take me to the address I had of the grill fellow. After asking several people, I locate the workshop. There is one guy doing some welding and only about 3 out of six grills are in some state of completion. Rest have not been started yet. I called the new grill man and asked where he was. He said he was in the workshop (not knowing I was there!) and when I told him that I was there in workshop, he said he had gone out for some material. Leaving aside the rest of the communication between him, the welder and me (that will be too lucid for the post!), the conclusion was that he needed more time and definitely by Jumma (Friday), the grills will be installed (not just delivered). So, I leave him and the main grill man in peace from Monday evening till Friday. I was in a way happy to see that the grills do exist and the shop too.
Friday: 11 AM: I called the new grill man and there is no response after several tries. I called the old grill man and he answered after a few attempts. Needless to say, there was still some work left and new expected completion date was Sunday. well, it is already Monday evening and no word from the guy. I am in no mood to follow up. Someday, it will come, probably when I am really destined to received the glorious grills.
Till later....
Ram
