Echoes of MaAn: Love beyond Separation

||33|| Abu Dhabi.. Here We come ( Pt 10)

The day had finally arrived for the family to leave Abu Dhabi and head to the glamorous city of Dubai. The excitement was palpable as the group packed their belongings and prepared to check out of the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. The plan was to spend the next few days at Atlantis The Palm, an iconic resort known for its opulence, incredible attractions, and breathtaking views. The journey ahead promised to be filled with new adventures, but there was one small issue: Aadhymaan was not in the best of moods.

He had woken up cranky that morning, his usual bright smile nowhere to be seen. His little face scrunched up in discomfort, his body wriggling restlessly in Anupama's arms as she tried everything to calm him down. Aadhymaan, barely six months old, had already developed a reputation for being a happy baby, always giggling at the slightest provocation. But today, something was off. Perhaps the excitement of the previous day's beach adventure had worn him out, or maybe it was the long day of travel that lay ahead. Either way, he was certainly not making things easy for his parents.

Anupama, ever the patient mother, gently rocked him in her arms as she walked around the hotel suite. She tried to soothe him by humming softly, but Aadhymaan was determined not to be comforted. His little fists clenched, and his eyes welled up with tears. "Why is he so cranky today?" Anupama wondered aloud, glancing at Anuj, who was carefully packing the last of their things.

Anuj, though concerned, couldn't help but smile at the sight of his son's adorable pout. "Maybe he just wants a little more attention from his grandparents," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Anupama nodded, knowing full well that Aadhymaan adored both sets of grandparents. It was true that he was always cheered up when they were around. She adjusted the little boy in her arms and walked toward the door, ready to check out. "Well, we better hurry. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can settle into Atlantis."

As they made their way out of the hotel and into the waiting car, the family piled in, with Aadhya and Malvika quickly taking their seats in the back. The two girls had their heads buried in Aadhya's iPad, watching a Bollywood movie they had picked out from Netflix. They were completely engrossed in the bright colors and dramatic twists of the story, laughing and commenting on the characters as though they were the stars themselves.

On the other hand, Aadhymaan was far from entertained. He sat on his grandmother Sushma's lap, his face scrunched up in displeasure. He squirmed and wiggled, his tiny legs kicking in frustration, his little fists reaching for nothing in particular. "Oh, my dear Aadhymaan, what is it that's bothering you today?" Sushma cooed, trying her best to comfort him with soft words.

Madhav, ever the optimist, leaned over and made a funny face at his grandson, trying to coax a smile out of him. "Come on, little guy, don't be so grumpy. You've got a whole day of fun ahead!" he said, winking at Aadhymaan.

But Aadhymaan wasn't buying it. He narrowed his eyes in that classic cranky baby way, his lips quivering as if he was about to burst into tears.

"Maybe he just needs a little distraction," Rajesh said with a chuckle. He turned around to face the backseat, where Aadhya and Malvika were sitting. "Girls, are you busy with your movie? How about you help cheer up Aadhymaan a little?"

Aadhya, who had been completely absorbed in her film, looked up from her iPad and glanced at Aadhymaan. "Oh no, he's upset," she said sympathetically. "Don't worry, little buddy! Aadhya is here to help!" She slid over to her brother's side, her iPad momentarily forgotten, and began making faces at him.

Malvika followed suit, giggling as she started making silly noises and faces, trying to get Aadhymaan's attention. "Look at me, Aadhymaan! Look at me!" she called in an exaggerated tone, sticking out her tongue.