Air-conditioners - To buy or not to buy; that is the question

Upon retirement, we moved from the scorching sun and biting cold of Delhi (disregarding many of the city’s plus points), to Bangalore, the Garden City, or Retirees’ Paradise. We had reasons only to feel happy about our decision, enjoying life at 3000 ft above the sea level, with a pleasant climate all through the year.

But that was until last year. This year we got a taste of Delhi summer, once again. Even the ground on which we tread radiates heat.  

I recalled the small-time Investment Agent’s advice to me when I disclosed to him that that would be my last investment before we left Delhi for Bangalore. 

“Why sir? This is your own house, and in a good locality surrounded by such bigwigs as Bansi Lal, Balram Jhakhar, Rajesh Khanna (post film days), Amitabh Bachhan’s brother…” Why do you want to leave sir,” he quipped, worried more about his possible loss of business.

“For the sheer pleasure of Bangalore climate,” I replied, with a triumphant look. “Bus itni si baat? Apne is ghar ko Bangalore banao. Simple.” 

How? I asked. “Har kamre me airconditioner lagao and araam ki zindagi farmao.”

That is the talk that came to my mind when I experienced the all-time heat in Bangalore these days. 

Seldom a leader, and often a follower, I was tempted by my sister-in-law having installed two airconditioners in her home, and one (at present) in her daughter’s – all of which a week before the summer rush began. Apparently, she had negotiated the price – and she is good at that. So, Aunty and I were spared of that ordeal. 

Together, the four of us – we two, sister-in-law and her husband – gate-crashed into the shop to a hands-full Lokesh (name changed), the AC section in-charge. He promptly recognized my s-i-l and signalled to her he would be with us in a moment. He entrusted the unsure prospect in hand to a near-certain deal; because that was the third visit – once for her, then for her daughter and now for us.

The customary “Coffee, Tea or Coke,” courtesy was missing. Now it’s sellers’ market. Nonetheless, finding me looking frantically for a chair to sit, he asked us if he could get us water.

The airconditioners were selected. Different brands from the ones my s-i-l had selected for her and daughter. I played my super-senior citizen card, and probably got the best deal, or minimized their margin - and paid upfront.

Yes, that is a negative point – paying upfront. They would give you more discount had you used your credit, repeat credit card, or opted for EMI. And I wasn’t for either. 

The delivery is made very quickly. Their argument: why let the material lie in your godown, let it be in the customer’s house. Yes, it is in yours, waiting incessantly for the Manufacturers’ technician to install them. 

In fact, I have never checked the My Gate app so many times to see if by chance I have missed their request for entry approval. Believe me, this is the wait you should learn to put up with. I had cancelled two of my Slokam classes solely relying on their promise, “tomorrow morning definitely, sir”. 

Aunty had to cancel twice at last minute, because we got calls from the service guy asking for location, as though he was stuck halfway – he was probably asking for drawing up schedule for the planned day. 

You mentally resolve that once installed, you would complain to the Senior Citizens Grievance Cell, of which the Assistant Commissioner of Police is the Chairman ex officio. You would also write to PMO for their abysmal after-sales care… You had in fact lined up you plan of action post installation.

The installation guys are in sight – at last. Even before they have stepped in, you undergo a metamorphosys. You offer them coffee or something cold, as you would for a bride or bridegroom’s party on arrival. 

They get to business at 10 am, and finish by late evening – just in time before we get an alert from SFV Gate. “What about explaining the operations?” I asked. “Madam, (meaning my s-i-l) can explain much better than us, sir. She gave us useful tips  to us too.” They stood by me to ensure that I gave them a rating of 10 out of 10 in job execution. 

The air-conditioners were switched on. Both seemed working – and cooling faster than usual – yes one tries to justify one’s investment. In that calm, cool atmosphere, your mind also undergoes a change. “Why after all make a fuss. If you see from their standpoint, they have, as the delivery guy said, about 3000, not 300 when I asked in disbelief, air-conditioners to be delivered, and all of them of course had to be installed. And unlike delivery which can be ten or twenty a day, installation can at best be two or three a day, with core-drilling, mounting, electrical connections and what have you to be completed.”

Suddenly you find yourself arguing for them, and assure yourself, “All is well, that ends well,” and move on to the next job – to pack your luggage to leave at 4.30 in the morning for a flight to Delhi for a family wedding.