Day 6 - Aswin, the terror epidemic spreads.

Day 6

Aswin – the terror epidemic spreads

It was the last day for me in New Jersey. Today we have a visit to Dunkin Donuts ( a very large and famous fast food chains) Warehouse, but this time as customers!

We got up late as the visit was planned at 1.30 PM. After I woke up, I booked my taxi to the airport and also asked the Sterling office in Lowell to rent me a self driven car for the next week.

We were invited for a lunch at a nearby Thai cuisine by the Voxware Director which we gladly accepted. By 1200,we were ready but we are never on time. We had one parcel to be shipped to Lowell office for which we had to go to the nearest UPS office (USA Postal Service). By the time we reached the place, it was 12.30. Alas, we were in middle of a huge mall and we didn’t know where exactly PENANG (restaurant) is! We searched and found it but by the time we met the director, it was 1.20 PM. We didn’t want to get late for the Warehouse visit, so half heartedly, we proceeded to Dunkin Donuts. It was for the first time, I’m visiting a warehouse. 300,000 Sq. Feet, a medium sized one, while we entered, I was in for a shock. I was expecting muffins, cakes, bagels and coffees, but this is the place where they store the raw material to be shipped. Withstanding yet another disappointment, we had a visit of the complete warehouse. After that, the aroma of the place was having a cruel, hungry impact on us. We decided to find a nearest Dunkin Donuts store to fill our stomachs.

It was just 4 miles away. I had a ICED Coffee (French Vanilla flavor) and a chocolate chip muffin. It was so tasty that I had a Honey dew muffin for take away. It was time for my taxi to arrive to go to the airport. My flight was at 8.30 PM.

It was a nice black limousine and by 5.15 PM, I was at the airport. I went directly for the check in where I was surprised not to find my name. The attendant told me that I was on wait list.

“What the heck? I booked this flight 1 month and you say I’m on waitlist!” I nearly yelled.

“Sorry Sir, two flights to Boston were cancelled and they were moved to the next two flights.” She said.

“Do I have any other options, any other flight, any other airline?” – This was a pleading.

“No sir. You need to be in the waitlist or accept monetary benefit if you wish to take the flight tomorrow” Her voice was stern.

“Please check again, there will be some.” I pleaded.

“Wait a minute, there is one seat available in 5.45 PM flight and I can put you into that!” She sounded confident.

“But the time is already 5.40 PM. Security check and boarding , I wont be able to make it! Also, my baggage wont get into the flight!” My sound was almost breaking.

“Ok, you better wait. There are great chances of people coming from Atlanta missing the Boston flight as their flight is already late. You are just 3rd in the list” She sounded more orderish.

Left with no other option, I took the pass and proceeded to the security check. There was a lady at the entrance who was checking our tickets and marked it. I wont forget her. You’ll come to know why!

I proceeded into the lane. Bah! Removed my shoes, belt, literally everything except my attire. I proceeded through the passage where one gentleman glanced at my ticked and told “Special Screening!” What? Everyone else went through, I was moved aside.

Another guy came and took me to his cabin and told me to cooperate for the screening.
I was shocked. Almost felt I was eating Chappati and chutney in US Jail! (Dunno reason why I dreamt chappati and chutney, but it was natural) Treatment was professional. As if I had done something great wrong or maybe NOT!

“Why me?” I asked.

“Chances are that you are going one way or traveling for the first time or any other reason” He replied.

They checked me and took everything, literally everything from my cabin baggage to check. Then after intriguing 25 minutes, I was allowed to proceed with sincere apologies from them. Oh! A sigh of relief. It was 6.15 PM and I reached my terminal.

There was one lady attendant standing there. I asked her whether there are any chances for me to get my ticket confirmed.

She told me “I still have one ticket with me for 5.45 PM flight, which apparently has not left. You leave the checked in baggage and it will be delivered to you if it is late and take the flight” I agreed and got into the flight. After an hour I was there.

“Welcome to Boston Logan Airport” I went to the baggage place to check my baggage, but as she promised it had not arrived. I stood for an hour in the queue for Baggage claim where I gave my address to which I wanted my baggage to be delivered.

I came to know that the 8.30 PM flight had got delayed by 4 hours and will reach by only 3.00 AM. Lucky fellow! I thought.

As I was early, there was no chances for my taxi to come at that time. I took a taxi driven by a handsom American whom I suppose didn’t know the place. He took me through very deserted streets which were very lonely and at 10.00 PM at night. Imagine me! I was scared out of wits. I was even ready to give him all the money if he tries to loot me. But wanted him to drop me at the hotel after the loot!

But everything went fine and I reached the hotel by 11.00 PM in one piece. I checked into the hotel and was given a neat room with kitchen. After a small check of mails, I was ready for my sleep after yet another eventful evening. Next day! I was despo to get my rented car!


Watch out for Day 6 – “Aswin's Own Mercury Limousine!!!!”