Echoes of MaAn: Love beyond Separation

||24|| Abu Dhabi.. Here We come ( pt 1)

The following morning, the house was abuzz with activity once again, but this time, it was a more focused energy. Everyone was finishing last-minute packing, grabbing snacks, and making sure nothing was forgotten. The cab—a big, spacious SUV—was already parked outside, waiting to take them to the airport.

"Come on, everyone, the cab is here!" Anuj called out, carrying a sleepy yet curious Aadhymaan in his arms. The little one, dressed in his adorable travel onesie, seemed fascinated by all the hustle.

Aadhya, bouncing with excitement, skipped toward the cab, her colorful backpack in hand. "I've got my headphones, my snacks, and my camera! Let's go, let's go!" she chirped, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Malvika was right behind her, carefully balancing her own bag and a small suitcase. "I'm ready too! Abu Dhabi, here we come!" she declared with a dramatic flair, earning a chuckle from the group.

Anupama was making one final check of the house, ensuring all the bags were accounted for and that nothing essential had been left behind. She called out from the doorway, "Alright, let's do a quick headcount. Aadhya, Malvika, Anuj, Aadhymaan... where are the grandparents?"

Sushma and Rajesh emerged from the living room, laughing at something Rajesh had said. "We're right here, don't worry!" Sushma assured, adjusting her sunglasses. Rajesh, ever the joker, was lugging another suitcase and muttering, "I still think we packed like we're moving!"

The family piled into the cab, which seemed just big enough to accommodate all of them and their luggage. Aadhya claimed the back seat with Malvika, while Anuj and Anupama settled in the middle, with Aadhymaan securely fastened in his baby seat between them.

As the cab began its journey toward the airport, the mood shifted from busy to relaxed, and the fun truly began.

"Look at us, on our way to Abu Dhabi! This is going to be epic!" Aadhya said, her excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait to see the city, and maybe we'll get to swim in a fancy pool!" She turned to Malvika, who had her camera out. "We have to take so many pictures!"

"Don't worry, I'm already planning the perfect photo ops. Wait until we get to the desert! Sand dunes at sunset? It's going to be magical," Malvika replied, holding up her camera like a prized possession.

Anuj leaned over to Anupama, who was gently rocking Aadhymaan. "I think the girls are more excited than we are," he whispered with a grin.

Anupama smiled back, looking down at their little boy, who was wide-eyed, gazing out the window as the city streets passed by. "I think he's taking it all in. His first real adventure, and he doesn't even know it."

A sudden giggle erupted from Aadhya in the back. "Aadhymaan is probably thinking, 'Why are all these people acting so crazy? I'm just here for the ride!'"

The cab was filled with laughter as Anuj joined in. "That's exactly what he's thinking! We're over here making grand plans, and he's just enjoying the view."

Rajesh, who was sitting up front next to the driver, turned around with a mischievous look. "Well, I don't know about you all, but I'm planning on finding the best food in Abu Dhabi. Anyone else on board with a food tour?"

Anupama raised her hand eagerly. "Count me in! I've heard the food there is incredible. We'll have to try everything!"

Sushma chimed in from the front, smiling warmly. "It'll be fun to explore the city together. But let's not forget to take some time to relax too."

Malvika waved her camera again, "I'll document it all! Relaxing moments included. Maybe we can even make a little vlog for Aadhymaan's half birthday."

Anuj chuckled, looking at his son, who was now babbling softly. "He'll be the star of the show, that's for sure."