Confused looking at the title?? Wondering what would be so special about a gas cylinder??? Then you have to read on to truly understand what makes this post special.
Post marraige, I knew that I should be taking up more responsibilities and own many things myself. I should get prepared for leading a new life, in my style. As part of this, I have taken a few vows. The primary one being -- never never contribute to the biggest demon of this country ... CORRUPTION. Now you must have understood the context of this post. :) It all happened this way:
I've been trying to get a new gas connection since a couple of months. While Bharat Gas and HP have turned down my request straight away citing lack of supply as the reason, Indane Gas ppl have responded positively saying that new connections are issued in the first week of every month.
The first visit: This day, after looking at the iocl website, I took all the documents mentioned there. However, the distributor wasn't impressed. He asked me for a ration card which was n't mandated at all. I politely rejected his statement and said that it isn't a requirement. Prolly he didn't expect the reply and started screaming. I boldly said "give me your computer, i'll show you what's mandatory and what's not". Obviously he denied. Then, I said, if you don't accept my application I'll call up your head office and take the matter forward. Surprisingly, he gave his cell phone to me arrogantly. I shivered a little initially not knowing what to do if this fails. But I was stern on not wanting to offer any bribe which that RASCAL wanted. However, I took his phone and started dialing the number. Prolly he didnt expect that and finally he said... ruk ruk, give your proofs and a person will come to your house for inspection.
The second visit: The inspection was done to confirm that I do not hold a connection already. Once that was certified, I immediately went to their office. I was turned down saying .. "arre.. your inspection was just done. why are you in a hurry. meet me after 2 days"
The third visit: "why did you come at 2pm? new connections are given only from 9-1" . I thought "one day your hand/leg will break in front of me and then i'll fix up some muhurat and then take you to a doctor"
The fourth visit(at 10am):"the printer is not working today. if you want you can come after 2 days" to which i replied "this is the fourth time I am visiting you for a connection." He said, "that's okay come once more." This time, I lost my temper. But if I quarrel with him, I was sure that I was not going to get anything fruitful. Afterall, I have to visit him for refilling my cylinder in the future. I said "hope it would be the last time." But the angry man in me tempted me to dial up the head office. And there I go .. i should have recorded the conversation then :) i've told them all that has happened with me. They've heard all of it and accepted their problem and asked me to visit once more and it would be done.
The fifth visit(today):Gud news .. i got it done. Of course with a warning "u will get it only if you purchase a stove from us and you have to wait till your turn for a new connection arrives." I said "we'll see"
So, this is how it all happened. Now, on this last day of 2009, I want to end the year by publishing this and expressing all the SATISFACTION that I've got after this achievement. Things in this country aren't that worse. They are just bad. And it's a responsibility on all of the citizens of this country to not make it worse.
Many thanks to my colleagues for sharing all the frustration I had each time. :)
Finally, I wish all the readers a happy and a prosperous new year 2010. :-)
