Today is the day I get my money back from Nayeem.
First up, I get a necessary dose of Western comfort thanks to my fellow solo travelers, Garrett and Katherine, a costume designer from NOLA currently escaping her LA lifestyle. A sympathy breakfast and tapeworm story later, and I’m off to face the big bad wolf.
I make it to Connaught Place, find Delhi tours, open the door, and beeline it for Nayeem, sitting opposite the entrance.
I tell him that I want my money back and don’t want to spend more time doing that than necessary. I tell him that he misrepresented his services and guidance, and that I have absolutely no desire to travel with him and his company.
He tries the emotional route first, asking me what happened and to whom I spoke, trying to convince me that it is my hotel that misguides me. He tells me that he gave me the best deal and that everything is booked.
I am seething, and I think it scares him a little. I tell him that I know that it is illegal for him to parade around as the government bureau and that I will summon the tourism police and tell the potential clients next door that he is a fraud. His colleague tries to interject, showing me their license and telling me that they are indeed a tour operator.
I tell them that I don’t care, and that the bottom line is that they lied to me. I want my money back.
Nayeem tells me that the paper has their cancellation policy–25%. I tell him no more than 10%.
He tells me that he’s already given me a big discount and presses me to know what happened and why and that he is giving me legit service. He says 20 %.
Through clenched teeth, I tell him that I now know well enough not to look to his compatriots for advice and that I found it on my own. I tell him that I know that he charged me more than double the actual costs. I tell him 15%.
He tells me that he is actually losing money and changes tactics. Now, he is offering me chai and asking me to think it over and not cancel.
I am about to lose my shit. I tell him that I don’t want to waste his time or mine, and there is no way I am going on this trip.
He continues to press with the, “why.” I think he might be genuinely surprised by my vehement refusal to entertain him.
I feel myself about to lose it. My anger turns to bitter frustration, disappointment and disillusionment, and I feel the tears in my eyes and in my throat.
“Oh no, don’t cry,” says Nayeem. “Ok, ok. Fifteen percent.”
Really?
I am stunned speechless. Although my tears are genuine, I would’ve turned on the waterworks eons ago had I known this man was susceptible.
We agree on 15%, but Nayeem tells me that he won’t have the refunded money for another 45 minutes. Or, I can wait the 25 days for the card to charge back.
I want cash, and I want it now. I tell Nayeem that there is no way in hell I am going anywhere or signing any sort of cancellation clause until I have all of my money.
Suddenly, 45 minutes becomes right now. Nayeem counts 500 rupee note after note in front of me, which I recount twice. He is trying to be conciliatory, but I want none of it.
When I’m satisfied, I sign a paper saying that I’ve been reimbursed in cash for the cancellation and that I won’t dispute the credit card charge, provided the bank notes he gives me are clean.
As I sign the agreement, Nayeem urges me not to cancel. I look at him as if he’s crazy. He hands me a copy of the agreement.
Then, as if there was still something to salvage between us, Nayeem leans over to offer some wisdom, still thinking I’ve been duped by my hotel: “Don’t trust anyone,” he tells me dramatically.
I stare at him in disbelief: “Nayeem, I am learning that lesson the hard way and am taking your advice not to trust people here. That includes you.”
With that, I rise from his desk, see that he finally understands my dilemma, and storm out.
Damn, it feels good.
I was holding my breath through this entire post. I think this is the part of the trip where you’ve earned your “don’t f%@k with me” girl scout badge.
Awesome.
Holy Cow!!! (no pun intended)….I also found myself holding my breath while reading…YOU GO GIRL!
Proud of you!!!
After this episode, you are ready to face the whole world and be a winner. Congrats.