Haunted pajamas!
The boss asked me to come around 8 at night. Actually, he was not my boss, but one of my good friends. Once, when I visited my friend in his office, it happened that the boss approached him for a consultation, and since I was sitting in his cubicle, he introduced me to the boss, a painter by profession, that is. At first the boss seemed to like me when he asked me to come to his room for a cup of tea. Lively discussions followed on the creative arts, painting, the artists’ market, etc. I found him open-minded and devoid of any air or ego. So, in a way, I liked it too, at first, that is.
I later learned from my friend that the boss was, in fact, a very influential person in society and had tremendous contacts. Considering my not-too-healthy artistic pursuits of late, my friend planted an idea in me: why not approach him for some referrals? He resides in a posh housing society, just a 10-minute walk from my residence. To tell the truth, he needed some connections and references to be able to put on a solo show at the best art gallery in town and also to take things further in selling my paintings. Naturally then, I clung to the idea like the proverbial straw.
I visited the chief again in his room on the pretense of meeting my friend, and with much wandering finally brought up the subject of seeking a favor from him. To reassure me he was very encouraging and he told me that a famous cultural figure lives in one of the apartments of this society; He promised to take me with him. He asked me to call him before coming, preferably on weekends.
I called him several times in the last few weeks, but he always found an excuse not to be able to do it that day. Even though I was a little discouraged and frustrated and even though I wasn’t used to seeking or getting favors in my existential struggles, I didn’t give up. And finally, today he’s calling me home, and he’s taking me to the big personality. That was a comfort to my sense of self-dignity; I was looking forward to the promised meeting.
I rang the bell of his apartment on the first floor and a maid ushered me in. After about ten minutes, she appeared smiling at me and dropped onto the sofa from a considerable height. He was dressed in traditional home-sewn white pajamas with a white vest tucked into it. Well, I reflect, it must be the humid heat. However, I continue with my thoughts, I hear a faint humming noise from an air conditioner running inside: when I look around, I see an air conditioner in this living room too, but it doesn’t work, and the ceiling fan spins too weakly . Well, I’m still going, maybe the boss avoids costly ways to treat guests, particularly a non-profit guest like me. But, in any case, I was a bit disappointed not to find it ready.
As he continued to smile at me in a worryingly relaxed way, I managed a polite question, “Sir, how’s everything… Shall we check it out now?”
“Oh yes, definitely. But there is no rush as such, he is as nocturnal as I am. Ha! Ha!” she yelled in the same nonchalant manner. And she began to chat about a variety of topics, often without waiting for my response.
After almost an hour of stupid talking and my growing impatience, he suddenly exclaims, “Ah! It’s so hot and humid! I really need a bath! Do you mind if I do it?”
“You’re welcome, sir! Please do it!” I responded with my inner self that did not support my answer at all.
Half an hour later, around 9:30 at night now, he came back and occupied the sofa in the same way. She confused me to find him in the same pajama dress, and the vest tucked in. And there began another session of banter, my impatience slowly giving way to seething anger. Another half hour passed when she exclaimed again, “Oh, damn it! I’m really hungry now. We’ll go to him for sure, but let him have his dinner too. Please bear with me… I must do it!” He retired to the inner dining room. For a fleeting moment I considered storming out. But I controlled myself by finally waiting for the action. I kept sitting there, and they didn’t even greet me with a glass of water.
Shortly before 11:00 p.m., he entered the room again, affectionately caressing her belly; again, he was dressed the same way with the drawstring of his pajamas dangling dangerously; again, he slammed into the velvety sofa, overwhelmingly relaxed, and again began one more session of aimless chatter. I couldn’t take it anymore.
Maybe a ton of anger had been building up like phlegm in the middle of my stomach; now it surged with great fury and it was thanks to my best efforts that I was able to allow it to just scratch my throat and stop there. The exertions caused my face to distort quite a bit as I felt my lips curl around both jaws and my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Somehow I managed, “Forget it for today…it’s pretty late. Good night!” I walked up to the front door without waiting for her response.
“No… no… dear friend! We can still do it… but if you insist, let’s do it next time. Please call me…!” The boss’s voice trailed off as I left.
Although I was exhaling and inhaling only fury and a temper of the highest order, I couldn’t help but laugh like crazy on the way home. I pitied myself in horror at my seeming helplessness and surrender and wondered why. Well, I decide, one should never do things against one’s wishes; one must be alone at all times, odd or even… and keeping the exchange of favors at bay.