- Bribe Fighter
- 9 years ago
- 4050 views
No Bribe = 5 days of darkness
When we constructed our house in Bangalore, and requested for the local authorities to convert the temporary connection into permanent, they, the BESCOM, were super-efficient in disconnecting the temporary connection. However, to change the new meter, for which charges against bill were already paid, they requested a ride home. Enroute came up the additional charges, which were nothing but bribe. As a matter of fact, the amount of bribe in the name of coffee, would be equal to about 14 months of coffee for the engineer, if calculated at two cups of coffee per day!
Of course, and as always, I refused.
The next 5 days, I spent without power, but thanks to the company of two street dogs, the nights seemed less lonesome. Since my father was staying with my brother, and I was alone, the 5 days did , matter of fact, teach me about the marvels of the night sky, the healthy cold water baths; how to enjoy freshly cooked lunch; real life versus television, and much more!
While the engineer came everyday, to check if I had illegally taken a connection, his shock proved the point that everyone sees himself in others. The illegal route he had chosen made him think I would dot he same. For him, sadly, his chances seemed to dilute by the night!
It was on the fifth night that a cursing government servant had to be dutiful in a most unwelcome manner.
A warm shower on the 6th day proved to be a champion session for me :)
Talking about showers, I will shower several such stories of my fight against corruption, while some have been won too.