Our previous landlord is acting up. He has already delayed the return of our House Deposit by more than 3 months and now there are indications that he might not return all of it, either.

Yesterday me and my roommate Som felt that we were for the first time getting insights into the mind of the criminal - What drives him? We discussed what crimes we might perpetrate against Mr. P and still stay above law. Suggestions ranged from Letting The Air Out Of His Car Tyres to Setting a Bigger Dog Free On His Pet Pomerian. Such questions as " How does one get a firearm license?" and "Who takes Supari in Bangalore?" popped up yesterday and today.

Then I was thinking of writing an open letter (in a newspaper or something...) to S M Krishna ( Karnataka CM) about Landlord harassment in the Hi-Tech City. Or making a funny movie featuring the Shady Landlord, and releasing it nation-wide. Or at least writing a short story to the same effect.

Then again, I wondered what tone to adopt in negotiations with him, if they were required. Would a Moral Plank work against a Thick Skinned MF as this Mr. P? Should we sign off with a threat of getting back at him at an opportune time. How would it be if we photo-copied the first few pages of 'The Godfather' and mailed it to him? Would the fellow get the hint? Or would it have to be iron-willed haggling as with the vegetable-vendor? Perhaps if we collected all his present tenants (he has quite a few) told them our tale of woe and convinced them to threaten to leave if he didn't return all our money?

It is in times such as these that an uncle or two in the police force comes in handy.

It is in times such as these that one hopes there is a life after death, that there is a God and that one has to answer for one's sins.