Yet many couldn’t help but glance toward seat 12C, where a man with a menacing aura sat.

He was Rakesh “Croc,” an infamous underworld figure from Mumbai’s illegal trade circuits. A striking tattoo of a crocodile clamping a dagger stretched along his muscular forearm. His loud voice and cocky presence made others around him visibly uncomfortable.

Just across the aisle was Ananya Mehra, a poised and graceful flight attendant. Dressed immaculately, with a calm confidence and a warm smile honed through years of training, she moved gracefully through the rows, reminding passengers to fasten their seat belts before takeoff.