Pre paid card recharge amount lost

Prior to coming back to Mumbai from abroad, I had a friend of mine recharge his airtel prepaid card and give it to me so that I could be in touch as soon as I land. My friend e recharged Rs 555 into his card and gave it to me.

To my dismay I found on arrival at Mumabi that the card wasnt working.

The Airtel customer service people informed me that the card was not valid so the phone wasnt working...fair enough I said so pls validate the card and give me credit ....No they said, the money charged in Rs 555 is LOST and I would have to recharge again after validating !!!

My contention is that ,fine I have recharged wrongly but why is the money LOST? Pls validate and use the balance towards talk time.

I am aghast at the pathetic response of the Airtel office Rahul who spoke to me !!!