Just Venting

I was sitting and reading a book trying not to feel too frustrated. The artist who was supposed to bring bring logo designs yesterday evening and who could not be contacted till afternoon today, still hasn't sent me the designs by email as he had promised.

The upholstery man who promised to start work on Mitali's furniture early this morning still hasn't shown up. The story is the same. He could not be contacted till noon. And his "I'll be there soon" has stretched into hours!

It's really frustrating. How can one expect a region with such a laid back attitude to keep pace with the rest of the country which is jostling with each other to move ahead? And the worst part is the lack of a professional attitude towards work. Couldn't either of these people simply call up and say, "I'm sorry something important has cropped up I won't be able to make it"? It seems they don't know how to value other people's time at all!

Anyway, in order to keep my BP under control I decided to sit back and read and try to relax. And then Bhola called to give me news of the project. Actually, he called to inform me that the project "owes" Rs. 42,000 to various people! Wow! I thought I had cleared most of the dues when I left the project in the middle of February. And it's only six weeks since I have been away. There are no volunteers on the project, so how come there's so much expenditure? So I've now asked him to make a list and send it to me. Or better still, bring it along when he comes to Kolkata in early April to escort Nicholas back to the project. I'll get an opportunity to tell him money isn't growing on trees! But I am certainly a worried man! No revenue and mounting expenses. Though I am lucky that I am able to stay at Mitali's place and don't have to pay for my food or rent, I still have personal expenses. And then if I have to take care of the project from whatever little money I am able to beg, borrow or steal, life is going to be difficult indeed!

The project's news is that it's very hot these days. It's 40 degrees in Kolkata and so I am sure it's a few degrees hotter in Roldih. There are hot winds blowing. Summer has come to India a bit too early this year. It's still supposed to be spring!

The vegetables are growing. Bhola, Suman and Shanku are busy watering the plants every evening. School is functioning. Today was Ram Navami. So it has been a holiday in most places. But Baba Gyan Mandir was open.

All is well....