Telephones have always fascinated me. Especially the one with older model dial pad. I used to love even the dial tone. We had our own landline very late compared to my friends and neighbors. Whenever I got a chance to be alone with a telephone I used to play with the dial pad. I used to dial random numbers and cut them without answering. I used to get such opportunities whenever I visited my Dad's office during Saturdays or when I visited some of my rich friends.
Those days the telephones used to smell differently. There used to be a scent which was used over the telephones which gave that scent. Sometimes I remember it was even used as an alternate to body perfume.
Before we received our own we used to receive calls at our neighbors and they will give us a shout that we have a call. We will feel sorry that we are causing trouble to them but we had no other choice. Also we should be conscious of the time we speak.
When my parents applied for one I was elated. The process was to apply with the telephones department by paying a deposit and you had to wait till they provide you with one. We received it in 1999 and I was already an year out of college.
By the time we received ours the dial pad had changed to modern button based one. But still I loved it. We had our own landline and was happy that I can fill the telephone column in all application forms.
Over the period Chennai Telephones had undergone so many changes. I used BSNL for my internet connection as well. The service level continued to deteriorate and sometimes can frustrate you beyond what you can take.
Today I surrendered my almost 22 year number. I didn't want to do that but the phone was out of order for 2 months and they didn't care to fix it. I was left with no other choice other than to close it. The process was pretty simple than expected. They didn't ask me anything. It was as if they were just waiting for me to come with closure request.
The memories of BSNL and our number will always remain with me.
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