Just recently I had a farewell party for Bags and Niks at my apartment. Since I was in the city anyway we decided to take the bus ride from NYC to NJ together. So Bags, Niks, Kotka and I hopped on the 129.
It was a beautiful evening and hence we decided to get down one stop before my actual stop. We had just walked a few steps ahead when my eyes fell on a HUGE Panasonic TELEVISION!!! Now if you have a TV which is about 15 inches if you measure generously you can imagine my happiness!!
The task was difficult but determination was strong!
Bags, Niks and I figured out a plan to take the TV home and decided to start with baby steps. We lifted the TV; Bags was at the back and Niks at the front. I was holding the cords. Kotka decided to be the cheer leader! (Girls you know!!)
We had just walked about 10 steps when we realized that I might never be able to get the TV home because it weighed about 5 times more than all four of us together. We stood on the sidewalk debating if it was even worth the trouble to take the TV. We were not sure if it is going to work. BUT, like we say in Hindi, "uumeed pe duniyan kaayam hai!"
Just then, a gentleman who was watering his plants saw us struggling and decided to give us his trolley. We loaded the giant TV on it and started with baby steps again. And, by we, I mean Bags, Niks and I... oh Kotka was still the "cheer leader." It was not so easy even now. There were moments when we were tempted to let go. We spoke of the pros and cons of having a big TV. But then I really wanted to give it a try and my friends willingly agreed. I mean not really willingly!
We finally reached the condo after about 20 minutes.
The main challenge was about to begin. Now if you have ever brought such a huge thing to your apartment or someone else’s you know what I mean. The STAIRS!!!!!! Just as we were deciding what would be the best strategy to take that giant to the second floor, my Mom looked out of the window and flipped out!!!!!! Oh yes, Maa was visiting me for my graduation ceremony.
She almost did not know how to react. It is a cultural difference. In India one would never ever bring something that they find on the roadside home. Seriously NEVER! And a TV! You gota be kidding me! You need something; you go to the store and buy it. Simple as it is.
Now, I had no time to explain it to Maa that it is acceptable in America to do this. People usually leave stuff that they do not want outside their house and if someone passing by wants it, they are free to take it! (Only make sure, that someone has really left out stuff that they don't need)
Kotka went upstairs and explained to Maa what was going on. Not that it helped! Bags, Niks and I tried a couple tricks and decided that the two men would complete the task of bringing the giant up the stairs. In the mean time Maa and I made place on the TV table, Maa still not able to digest what her daughter was doing!
Finally, the TV was in my apartment. I plugged it and prayed for a couple minutes before turning it on. OMG! Guess what? It worked!!! Hooray!!!!
It was Victory!!!!
But, wait. Not for too long. After about 10 days the TV died. Turns out that the TV tube was broken and this TV would never work again.
So, I am now back to my little, sweet 15 inch idiot box!
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