Meant to be yours

Payal's weird behaviour

The house was unusually calm that evening.
" Jazz, I am taking  off for a while. Please handle everything. If it is really important and unavoidable , then call me." Anamika ended the call as she looks at Ishi sleeping peacefully in her lap after worn out by Payal. Payal took Ishi to swim after she came back from college.
Payal is being  very affectionate to Ishi these days. She's literally not leaving Ishika alone. Even while  leaving for college, Payal insisted on dropping her and picking her up. Payal even cancelled her events and shoots. Anamika thought of Payal's weird behaviour. She decided to talk with her if Riya is causing problems.

Payal walked into the living room humming.
Actually humming a song.

With a bounce in her step.
A sparkle that was just a little too sharp.
A smile stretched a little too wide.

Riya brightened immediately. “Oho! Someone’s happy today!”

Payal winked.
“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s a beautiful track! The song of yours is out! The vibe is perfect! It's fresh!”

Riya blinked, confused but amused.
" But Payal, you don’t even hear it yesterday”

“I did TODAY!” Payal announced, throwing her hands up dramatically.

Ishika laughed as she woke up from her nap.
“Wow, she’s in a good mood!”

Anamika joined her.
“I think  She finally decided or something—”

Payal’s smile twitched.
Just for a second.

Only one second.

But Anamika saw it.

Saw the way Payal’s eyes didn’t match the grin.
Saw the way her hands fidgeted behind her back.
Saw the way her shoulders were too stiff for someone “cheerful.” she's definitely hiding something.

While the others joked, Anamika watched quietly.

Payal twirled her hair.
“So! Who wants icecream? I’ll make it! I’ll make snacks! Actually, I’ll make a whole platter—”

Riya blinked.
“You… cooking voluntarily? Did you hit your head?”

“I love cooking!” Payal insisted.

“You burn water,” Ishika replied.

Riya laughed again.
Anamika didn’t.

She stepped closer, her voice now  calm and low.
“Payal.”

Payal paused.
Just half a second.
Just long enough.

“Yes, Ani?” she replied with a brightness that sounded hollow.

“You okay?” Anamika asked simply.

Riya and Ishika kept giggling in the background, oblivious to their conversation.

Payal held her stare.
Too steadily.
Too carefully.

“Of course I’m fine!” she said, cheerful again.
“Why wouldn’t I be? Everything is fantastic!”

Anamika raised a brow.
“That’s exactly why I’m asking.”

Payal froze.

This time, the smile didn’t slip—
it shattered.

Only for Anamika to see.
Only for a heartbeat.

Then Payal plastered on the cheer again.
“Really, Ani, I’m—”

Anamika gently touched her arm.

Payal inhaled sharply.

Riya finally looked up.
“Payal? What happened?”