![\"PAGE-FICTION-02\"](\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/PAGE-FICTION-02.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\u201cYes, Mr. Sharma, currently I see you in the economy section on flight 547 for tonight. You want to change it to business class. Right?\u201d Sara, from the travel agency asked.\u00a0\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
You\u2019re lucky. One seat is available. I need a few details and you\u2019ll be all set.\u201d<\/p>\n
I gave Sara my credit card number, seat and vegetarian meal preferences.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour card will be charged $3,000. Since you\u2019ve requested the change on such a short notice, we need to get a confirmation from the airline headquarters. I don\u2019t expect any problem. \u201d<\/p>\n
A day earlier, I had hurt my back while lifting a suitcase, the reason for my change to business class. My doctor advised me to take two Tylenol tablets and rest.<\/p>\n
My wife, Divya, applied Bengay to my back and massaged it in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere, there, a little down the spine.\u201d I pointed the spot.<\/p>\n
Divya gently rubbed the cream, her soft touch lulling me into a trance. \u201cAjay, you never took me in the business class,\u201d she said coyly. \u201cWhile you enjoy a four course dinner, I\u2019m left with leftovers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDivya, the four course dinner is for the first class travelers. We will go to Hawaii this winter in business class. I promise.\u201d I hugged her.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
At the airline counter there was a long line on the economy side but none on the business side. As this was my first trip in business class, I proudly walked on the red carpet, feeling as if it was spread just for me.<\/p>\n
The airline representative at the counter greeted me with a smile. \u201cMay I have your passport, Mr. Sharma?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know my name?\u201d I asked and gave him the passport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw it on your luggage tag.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cElementary, Ajay,\u201d Sherlock Homes whispered in my ear.<\/p>\n
The agent got busy on the computer. \u201cMr. Sharma,\u201d he said, \u201cyour name is not in the business class. It\u2019s showing up in the economy section.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you check properly? My full name is Ajay Sharma.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI already checked twice. There is no confirmation for your business class.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t you contact the headquarters?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Sharma, it is 10 PM. They are closed.\u201d<\/p>\n
My disappointment clearly showed on my face.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, sir. You have a seat in economy anyway, and I have already checked-in your luggage with priority and business labels. It will be waiting for you even before you disembark.<\/p>\n
You will not be charged for business class. Sorry for the inconvenience.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll never travel on this airline again,\u201d I whispered to myself.<\/p>\n
The flight was full. My back pain kept me awake. Somewhere over the Atlantic, the airhostesses started serving dinner. \u201cSir, do you want Kung Pao Chicken or Seared Ocean trout?\u201d A comely hostess inquired.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not these. Actually, I have requested a Hindu Vegetarian Meal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour name, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n
I told her. She pulled out a computer list from her pocket. \u201cYour name is not here for the vegetarian meal. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
My name disappeared mysteriously from business class and now from the vegetarian meal list. I was annoyed. \u201cHere we go again,\u201d I blurted.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir, I know you\u2019re upset. Did you exchange seats with any one?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWill egg noodles, bun, chips and some fruit be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I don\u2019t eat eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy now, Sir. Let me see what I can do for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Few minutes later, the airhostess appeared with my dinner, a tray with a small cup of warm cashews, a glass of wine, two small naans, hot saffron rice, gobhi, diced fruits, yogurt and ice cream.<\/p>\n
I was pleasantly surprised. \u201cThank you. If you don\u2019t mind, tell me, how did you manage this magic feat?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir, you\u2019re lucky. It seems a business class gentleman\u2019s reservation wasn\u2019t confirmed so he wasn\u2019t there, but his vegetarian meal was already onboard. I brought it for you. Enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
I smiled. \u201cInteresting. Would you believe if I say that I know this gentleman?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cYes, Mr. Sharma, currently I see you in the economy section on flight 547 for tonight. You want to change it to business class. Right?\u201d Sara, from the travel agency asked.\u00a0\u201cYes.\u201d You\u2019re lucky. One seat is available. I need a few details and you\u2019ll be all set.\u201d I gave Sara my credit card number, seat…<\/p>\n