[QUOTE=beantown;9067106]I booked the ticket about 18 hours before the flight, while the Air India offices were closed,[QUOTE]
There you go!!!! Air India and ALL the other Airlines (check out ANY airlines website including Jet, Singapore, Emirates etc..), Each one of them need a minimum of 24 hours for any special meals to be registered.
You booked your flight tickets with Orbitz 18 hours before the flight, and the ticketing was probably done later (12 to 15 hours before the flight). So Air India did not fail you. It needed like all the other airlines 24 hours before a special meal can be requested.
Airline employees need not offer help with lugging bags. If you needed help, hire a licensed porter.
Hope your hands feel better!