Lest I Miss the Bus Again

Recounting missed opportunities has been my favourite pastime. “What a pity, I didn’t buy Brigade’s 2100 sft. super luxury apartment in…. It was then available for 55 lakhs; now it is quoted at 2 cr. And Sobha’s nearby? There were few takers at Rs 2200 per sft. Their rep persisted me to book one. I didn’t. Now it sells at God knows what price. Forget these, what about that Villa in …………”  The regret list goes on.

Last week I was in Coimbatore visiting my sister. Around that time a senior couple from Kochi visited her looking for a senior citizens home in Coimbatore. For the uninitiated, Coimbatore distinguishes itself as a hub for such homes. Many (including some known to me) from US, UK, and Indian metropolitan cities have settled down there - Vanaprastha, Dhyanaprastha, Nana Nanny, Soundarya, Brindavan, Swarnalaya, to name a few. In fact, you utter any name at random, and chances are there will be one home by that name, unless you try to be mischievous and ask if there is one by, say, Heavens Calling, On the Go, Departure Mode, or Then There Were None.

A brainstorming session ensued among the three of us senior couples - 82-72, 75-67, 72-70 - to pick one for a pre-investment survey. The discussions took such a turn that my sister and I, hitherto passive, also began to show signs of interest in the project. Already I had heard good reports about these homes and I didn’t want to miss the bus again. An appointment was fixed, and next morning the young rep drove us through Phase 1 (completed project) where seniors have been living for four or five years. A row of small, compact and beautiful villas, including car parking, temple, gym, recreation centre, meditation hall, and what have you. First impression is the best impression, and the rep succeeded. We all fell for it. But none available. That is called marketing - to arouse interest in the buyer and then deny him so that he grabs the next available one, feeling victorious.

He then headed to the the current project (Phase 2) where villas and apartments were being readied for delivery before year-end. After a conducted tour of the model villa and apartments he said that only a few apartments were available, no villa. An exquisite temple was taking shape, as also a club house, and a few other centres. 

Sensing that we were not unduly impressed with the left-over apartments, he was quick to add: “Now I will take you to the upcoming project (Phase 3) which is due for completion in early 2017. You can choose at free will.” It was indeed very good, and facing the Western ghats.” He even hand-picked from blue print apartments that would give us a view of the mountain every morning - 202, 302, and 402. “All of you would have the same view, and would be close to one another.”  

He took us back to Phase 1 for a taste of their lunch. They enjoy a reputation for serving good food.  We had to wait at the lounge as the lunch hall was full. A few minutes later, one by one came out after finishing their lunch and all the six of us, unknown to the other, watched them with eyes wide open to see if there were any whom we knew.  No luck. So I picked one at random, told him our purpose, and asked him, “So sir, how do you like the stay here, ambience?” “Well,” he said, “my wife likes this place, and so we live here. Basically I am a research scientist, so I keep myself busy on internet.”

As we got into our own vehicle at the drop-point, to return home, we asked the Kochi couple, “So what is your opinion?” “I wish I could see cheerful faces as they walked out of the lunch hall, radiating happiness. They had more of an ‘inmate’ look than a ‘resident’ look. Also, the promoters don’t allow any regular visitors to one’s apartment or villa. I can’t live without my hobby - astrology - and people come to me for consultation. So it is out for me.”

“And you Shanta?” I asked my sister. The present complex where I live combines senior citizens, office-going youngsters and children. And any of them, not necessarily the seniors, can visit (or order) the mass catering service the promoters run at the end of the complex for anything from breakfast to dinner. I am quite ok meeting just not the seniors over and over again and exchange notes on BP, sugar, and cholesterol, but see fresh young faces, and children playing around in the parks in the complex.

“Any about you? they both asked me simultaneously. “Jai Shriram - I mean Shriram Srishti,” I clarified. But I am no gold standard.

V.V. Sundaram

B-703

09 Aug 2015