Business class?

The following is something I jotted down during a layover in Chennai, when I was flying back to the US one year ago. I found it today and thought it was worth sharing.


"Another first. Thanks to a benevolent uncle, I am flying business class from Chennai to New York. I am actually still waiting in the business lounge, yet to board. Already, I feel like I have sprouted a halo. I checked in to smiles and deference. There is a tempting spread of food, but perhaps the most interesting spread is the variety of people in the lounge. Obsequious attendants who seem to have the "Soooper" Chennai attitude hidden behind the grooming. Rajnikanth lookalike (or wannabe lookalike) lounge occupant, complete with shades at 9 45 PM, pink shiny shirt with multicoloured stripes, and a blazer, sits champing "chickan sandwich". He is accompanied by a multiply ringed, pot-bellied gentleman. they seem to be making full use of the eats, and I will be astonished if there is any alcohol left in the place after they are done with it.

In spite of the name, there seem to be very few businessmen types. There is a distinguished gentleman opposite me with a vaio and a small tika on his forehead, which strangely adds to his looks of distinction. There is also a lady who seems to have the entire flora of Chennai on her head. Blackberries abound, so do golden wristwatches with wide straps. Quiet conversation in one corner, burps in another. All this vouchering must be leading to this odd mixture of sophisticated rich guys, other not-so-sophisticated rich guys with dink-chik ring tones, foreigners who have a touch of self-importance about them, and people who got plain lucky, like me.

When I came into the lounge, I was conscious of a need to appear more genteel than I really am. Looking around at this mishmash of types, I suddenly feel at home."

Written later, when I was seated in the plane-

"Cool! I've just been promoted to Goddess status. My seat has a back massager, it becomes a recliner, cradle or a bed. I get a free night-dress to wear during the flight. I wonder if they will also dance for me?"