Kindness Pays...

Indians LOVEEEEEEE Freebies. Even if it is like the most trivial of stuff. In India, you never get free stuff - Well, let me correct myself. You do get free stuff, only if you buy stuff. "Ek lo, ek Muft" types. Buy one bar of hamam soap and you get half a bar free ?!? Or something like that. Anyway, but in the land of oppurtunities, it works very different. You actually get STUFF FOR FREE! And you realize that soon after you land. I remember my guy friends from Grad School actually created a mailing list and posted information about the dates and venues of Grad School forums and sessions where they'd have free pizza, cookies and pop! (It used to be Pop in the Mid-west, now soda down south). So for example, they'd have a meeting about Marine Biology or something and there'd be a bunch of desi kids from the CS/EE dept attending it just for the perks at the end of the session! And then there're those who are deal freaks. They subscribe to all possible electronics/clothes/Travel stores and keep watching out for THE time to get the best grabs! I really admire such people and often befriend them so that I benefit from their talents. And then there's the other kind- sign up with an online store and get a FREE something. Like Free 8X10s. And that's what I did this weekend.

R mentioned about free 8X10s @ WG and you could get one per "ACCOUNT". She also had two coupon codes that could be used and since I had two legitimate email accounts- that would mean I could get 4 8x10s for FREE! Whoa! Obviously I wouldn't mind having some of my wedding pictures blown up. I got some really pretty frames for gifts and me being the fill-the-wall-with-pictures-person, I decided to make use of this oppurtunity and do something worthwhile over the weekend. So between a potluck and a christmas party, I decided to rush and create these accounts and upload my photos since the deal was ending midnight. On the way
back from the party, we stopped by the closest and store and eagerly walked in to pick up the photos that I'd ordered. The day had been perfect thus far. But lo and behold- it din't have a "happily ever after" ending. The lady behind the counter was rather rude and dint make any sense to us with what she was saying. She insisted that I could get only one photo per "household" and that I had printed out 4 - which was immensely ridiculous - according to her. She also said that two of my photos were copyrighted and couldn't be printed. She basically threw a fit and said that she would give the other 3 photos only if I'd pay. I was tired. Upset. Sad. Her words got R all wild and she tried arguing with the lady. But it dint quite help. I went back home - humiliated. I mean cmon! I work at the largest chip manufacturing company. I could afford to BUY 3 8x10s. But that wasn't the point. She made me feel small and I did not
like it and knowing she was going to shred 3 memorable moments from my wedding- MY Foot! I was angry. I spoke to the husband later that night and he said some solacing words. I listened and acted calm. But was still bubbling from within. Why dint I deserve those perfectly legitimate free photos?

I am generally not good with handling dishonesty, meanness, empty talk or people who try to get shrewed with me. Also, I am generally very argumentative - but only with people I am comfortable with. And (mostly) only when I know I am not on the wrong. With strangers, I cannot show anger. I simply break down. Or crib about it to close ones. So thinking about all this...somewhere in between I feel asleep. I woke up at about 9:30 the next morning - with a headache. I badly needed some caffeine. I had to return an overdue book at the library as well. I decided to go get myself some Chai and drop off the book. It was a lovely morning- perfect weather and all. As I got ready to step out, I looked at the lonely free print on my bed. I dont know what came over me. But I decided to go back and give it another shot. The previous night, the gal pals had suggested going back to the store the next day when this lady was off shift. So I thought- well this seems to be a good time. She must have gotten off of work the previous night, so maybe I will get my other 3 prints after all. So I drove up to the store again and as I entered, I saw the same lady behind the counter and I muttered something nasty to myself. I made a quick above-turn and headed back to my Alabaster-Metallic Silver machine. I made a quick call to N and started squeaking. It was a life and death kind of situation and N had to save me! After a rather motivational speech about virtues and truth and fairness, I was charged up and decided to fight for justice. So I go up to the lady and...

Me: Hi, Its me again, you remember me from yesterday right?

Lady: Ya..(so)?

Me: So I went back home yesterday and checked my emails and I got 4 perfectly legitimate order numbers, see..(shows a yellow piece of paper with neatly written numbers on them)

Lady: Ya, but I told you yesterday, you're allowed only 1 per household. You had 4 printed out!

Me: I dont think it said per household. It said per account and I have 2 accounts. I had two coupon codes. That makes it 4 pictures!

Lady: (Starting to lose her patience and raising voice): You Confuse me!

Me: (still calm) There's nothing confusing. Like i said, its 2 email accounts + 2 pics per account. Thats 4.

Lady: But two of those were copyrighted. We cannot print copy righted pictures.

Me: I dont understand how it can be copy righted. All 4 of them were taken by the same person. So they should all show up as copy righted. How do you say they are??? (Now losing patience)

Lady: (Shrill) - Listen, we just use judgement

Me: (Thinking) Judgement?? What the heck is that supposed to mean?

(Says out loud)- I cant say anything more. They were taken by the same person.

Lady: Well, if thats the case, I'll have to call the manager.

Me: Sure, pls do.

Lady looks flustered by now and makes some calls. By now, a line has formed and other people are looking at the drama.

Me: I can wait. You can help these people out. I am not in a hurry.

Customer 1: Oh thanks so much honey!

Lady - Even more flustered that I am being nice and patient.Lady helps customer 1 out and I start making small talk.

Me: So, how long do you work per day? I saw you last night and you're still here?

Lady: Oh dont even ask! This other girl dint show up - so I've been covering for her. I am SO tired!

Me: Oh that's bad!! Do you get to take the rest of the day off at least?

Lady: (starts to calm down and actually starts being friendly) Ya- Cant wait to get off at 3!!

Me: Oh thats great! You should get some rest.

Lady: Hopefully, OK hang on, let me call the manager.

Me: Alrighty!

Lady disappears for about 10 minutes and comes back with Manager.They have a discussion about the life, universe and everything. Finally, the manager comes over and says, "We'll print them out for you, just sign the copy right waiver - we dont want to be sued by your photographer"

Me: Oh thanks! That wont happen because I know him personally and the pictures are not copy righted!

Lady: Hang on...lemme print 'em out for you.

Me: That'll be great.. thx!So where from are you in MN...? [The lady told me she was from MN that earlier night]

10 mins later, I get my free prints!!!

Me: Well - you get home early and get some rest.

Lady: Sure..thx! And hey..I apologize for having spoken that way earlier. I dont know computers or internet and I dont really understand what an account
means!!

Me: Thats ok! :)

I walked towards my car like a victorious soldier after a bloody war - proud of how I'd handled such a "difficult" situation. Kindness pays after all... :)