I began my career with an agency, in a time before flying was the norm. This agency, had a famous doyenne heading its media department, known for her short fuse as much as she was admired for her incisiveness.
This fierce dragon had a mouse of a man for her secretary. Poor Larry would quake and shiver as he scurried around office trying to manage both, her impossible demands and fiery outbursts. One such incident remains etched in my mind.
At 7:30 pm one Friday, Larry was seen bolting from Madame's chambers at the speed of the Mangalyaan rushing unerringly towards the travel desk. Madame had to urgently travel to Delhi the next day. She needed a seat, any time, any class.
Unfortunately all seats were booked all flights running full!
We felt sorry for poor Larry as he rushed back towards Madame's door wringing his hands and beating his chest. His courage failed him at her doorstep, but was replaced with an extraordinary idea that blended his innocent ignorance of air-travel with his middle-class Indian upbringing.
Time stood still as Larry rushed back towards the hapless travel desk, his words cut across the office and is remembered even today with great mirth, "If all airline seats are booked, can't you send her standing?"
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