C7 CHAPTER-7
“Rent is 750 per day for the luxury and 550 for the economy; you may inspect the rooms if you feel like”, Saxena Ji spoke again at the same time motioning to Chandra, the domestic help who also doubled up as the bell-boy to take the key from him and lead the guests to their room. Nasir followed him and after his return whispered something into the ear of his father who shook his head violently. “The room is clean and spacious but as we are planning to stay for a long duration we would request you to offer us some discount”, Nasir said. “Normally, our rates are fixed but for you I can reduce the tariff to 700 per day”, Saxena Ji said. “No Sir, you not understanding, long stay means big income for you, so we need more discounts”, Kasem spoke for the first time in broken English with a big frown on his face, his crutches barely retaining its grip on the floor as he moved forward.
“I am sorry, I can offer you no more discounts, I have to take care of my other expenses incurred in running this place and make some profit as well”, Saxena Ji said politely even though he was taken aback by the rude manner in which Kasem spoke. “No, you are not trying to understand, today 750, tomorrow 650, day after 550, then 450 like that”, Kasem spoke again. “We are not running a Dharamshala here, I think you have come to the wrong place, I already let you know my final offer, if that is not acceptable to you then you are free to leave”, Saxena Ji said running out of patience. “No you do not understand, today 750, tomorrow 650. ” Kasem began again but wascut short by Saxena Ji who got up from his chair. “Stop it, no use arguing unnecessarily, you are wasting my time”, he hissed angrily as he went near the taxi-driver. “From where have you brought these people behenchod, take them away before I lose my cool”, he continued in a menacing tone.
“Decide quickly Sir, or else we will leave”, Nasir spoke making one last ditch attempt to try and make him change his mind. “I have already made things very clear to you so please leave immediately”, Saxena Ji said tersely pointing towards the door. As the three of them left, Saxena Ji saw Rajeev and Akhil standing near the corridor and motioned to them to join him in the lobby.
“I had a tough time dealing with a couple of Afghan guys. I guess every business has its positive and negative sides. I think your dad will be here soon”, he said pointing a finger in Rajeev's direction. Rajeev nodded his head in agreement. Almost at the same moment an auto came to a halt near the gate. Rajeev rushed out when he saw his dad get out with a suitcase. Akhil held the door open for them while Saxena ji folded his hands into a neat Namaste as Mr Arora made his way into the lobby and sat down on the sofa.
“So how was your trip”? Saxena Ji asked. He picked up the intercom and told Chandra to get four cups of tea and some biscuits. “I guess you have come for your son's admission”, Saxena Ji continued the conversation.
“Yes, I am here for a couple of days and would like to complete all formalities by tomorrow. I need a room; a simple one would suit me just fine. How much do I have to pay you”? Mr Arora spoke for the first time.
