Sangeetha Kamath

  I was excited for my first international trip!  Finally I was deemed worthy of this assignment. But I could sense the inside gossip that I was chosen because the best candidate backed out. My resolve didn't sway, instead it swelled by notches when my boss handed me a bulky package and escorted me to his chartered flight. The pilot sneered at me and the cabin crew smirked to see a greenhorn assigned for this role. Everyone was trying their best to exclude me from a clique!  But the ambience inside canceled their condescending behaviour. Leather couches, spaced out recliners…the regalia was out of this world! There was one other passenger besides me. The snooty vibes didn't stop. I was left out of all conversations. As the aircraft soared, I played out my next move, sipping on the best quality wine. The knots in my stomach started to relax.  “We're about to make our descent…” a voice announced. Beads of perspiration trickled as I reached for my package.  Moving...

  I was excited for my first international trip.  But the cab I booked turned out to be a jalopy sputtering and halting at intervals.  Finally! Upon arriving at the port, the majestic sight of the Star Cruiseliner held me in awe! Craning my neck to capture it for my Instagram, I stumbled backwards and my knees came crashing on the ground, bruising them badly! A steward, slightly resembling DiCaprio rushed towards me with a wheelchair. But a sense of foreboding took over me instead…was this ship destined to be a Titanic? Suddenly, a strong wind blew away his wig, revealing his bald pate. ‘DiCaprio’ looked like Shakaal ! I exhaled in relief! But my happiness was short-lived! I had booked myself on the Star Pisces, but due to a glitch, I was rescheduled on the Superstar Aquarius! A rival at my workplace was an Aquarian! Arggggh! Cursing my luck, I hobbled into my cabin to be greeted by chilled champagne, warm breakfast platter, also a Hermes scarf as an apology for the go...