Airtel — deactivation of my number without intimation

I have been using a tata docomo no. From 2011 and with little or no issues with either network or the service provider until the last yeae when airtel took over the tata docomo service and started deactivating the existing customers, i was not even aware that my no. Got deactivated and when i came to know about the same i visited the airtel store requested them to give me the same number either with a new connection or the old.. They refused.. Deactivating the number without intimation wud be bearing u no cost but a huge loss to the customers as the phone numbers these days are being used/connected to several other documents and forums.

Regards,
Shampy jain