India, June 22 -- Grief hung heavy in the air as family, friends, and neighbours bid a tearful farewell to Deepak Pathak, a 34-year-old Air India cabin crew member who lost his life in the plane crash in Ahmedabad ten days ago. His last rites were performed on Saturday afternoon at the Manjarli crematorium.

At the heart of the mourning stood his devastated family-his mother, two elder sisters, and young niece-shattered by the sudden and irreparable loss. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over Rawal Complex, the residential society where Deepak spent most of his life.

"He was always smiling, helpful, and well-behaved," recalled a neighbour, struggling to contain their emotions. Another long-time resident, Sunil Sawant, added, "Such a sw...