Meant to be yours

I am pregnant!

Melanie Rose’s office was exactly what one would expect.
Minimalistic.
Elegant.
Intimidating.
And currently—
Occupied by two women who refused to back down.
Ishika stood near the desk, trying very hard to look composed.
Trying.
Because the slight limp in her step was not exactly helping her case.
Melanie, seated comfortably in her chair, noticed it instantly.
Of course she did.
She leaned back, fingers steepled, eyes sharp with amusement.
“I noticed that you’re slightly limping,” she said smoothly.
“Are you fine?”
Ishika didn’t miss the smirk.
She straightened, lifting her chin.
“You provoked my wife,” she replied calmly.
“This was inevitable.”
Melanie’s smile widened just a fraction.
“Ah,” she murmured. “So I’m responsible for your… condition?”
Ishika gave her a flat look.
“You enjoy this, don’t you?”
“Immensely.”
A brief silence passed between them.
Tense.
Charged.
Then Melanie shifted the topic like it meant nothing.
“So,” she said casually,
“my fiancée Rebecca… and your friend—still together?”
Ishika’s brows furrowed.
“Your fiancée?”
Melanie tilted her head.
“Why? I don’t recall breaking the engagement.”
Her tone was light.
Too light.
“So technically,” she continued, tapping her desk lazily,
“she is still my fiancée.”
Ishika let out a soft, humorless chuckle.
“Well then,” she said, folding her arms,
“congratulations.”
Melanie’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“But your fiancée,” Ishika continued, a small smirk forming,
“is definitely going to marry Jazz.”
A pause.
Melanie’s gaze sharpened.
“Oh really?”
Ishika didn’t hesitate.
“Yes.”
Melanie leaned forward now, interest piqued.
“That’s a bold claim.”
Ishika met her eyes without flinching.
“I believe in my wife.”
That made Melanie smile.
Not her usual cold, calculated smile—
A genuine one.
Amused.
Intrigued.
“Anamika Modi,” Melanie mused softly.
“You speak of her like she bends reality.”
Ishika shrugged.
“She doesn’t bend it.”
A beat.
“She breaks it.”
Melanie let out a quiet laugh.
“I like your confidence.”
“I learned from the best.”
Melanie stood up slowly, walking around the desk.
Each step deliberate.
Measured.
She stopped right in front of Ishika.
Close enough to be intimidating.
But Ishika didn’t move.
Didn’t step back.
Didn’t even blink.
Melanie studied her for a long moment.
“You’re interesting,” she said finally.
Ishika smirked.
“I get that a lot.”
Melanie’s eyes flickered with something unreadable.
“Do you know why I chose you as my assistant?”
Ishika raised a brow.
“Because you enjoy torturing me?”
“That too,” Melanie admitted.
Then her voice dropped slightly.
“But also because you don’t break under pressure.”
Ishika held her gaze.
“And you keep testing that.”
Melanie smiled again.
“Of course.”
A pause.
Then—
“Let’s see how strong that belief of yours is.”
Ishika’s expression didn’t change.
“It’s not belief,” she corrected.
“It’s certainty.”
Melanie stepped back slightly, amused once again.
“Careful, Ishika.”
Her voice turned softer.
Dangerously so.
“Certainty makes the fall harder.”
Ishika tilted her head.
“Only if you fall.”
Their eyes locked.
A silent war.
No weapons.
Just words.
And will.
Then Ishika turned to leave.
But paused at the door.
Without looking back, she added,
“By the way, Professor…”
Melanie raised a brow.
“Yes?”
Ishika smirked slightly.
“You might want to prepare yourself.”
Melanie’s eyes gleamed.
“For what?”
Ishika finally glanced over her shoulder.
“For losing both your fiancée…”
A beat.
“And the battle.”
And with that—
She walked out.
Leaving behind a very amused—
And very challenged—
Melanie Rose.

**
Jazz had rehearsed it.
At least… she thought she had.
She stood outside Rebecca’s apartment, pacing back and forth like she was about to negotiate a billion-dollar deal.
“This is easy,” she muttered to herself.
“Just say it.”
She straightened.
Knocked.
The door opened.
Rebecca stood there, calm as ever.
“Jazz.”
Jazz forgot everything.
“…Rebecca.”
Brilliant start.
Rebecca stepped aside. “Come in.”
Jazz walked in stiffly, like her limbs had stopped cooperating.
Rebecca closed the door and turned toward her.
“You look pale. Are you okay?”
Jazz nodded too fast.
“Yes. Perfect. Extremely healthy. Never been healthier.”
Rebecca frowned slightly.
“…That doesn’t sound convincing.”
Jazz waved her hand.
“No no, I’m great. Fantastic. Amazing. Alive.”
Rebecca blinked.
“…Alive?”
Jazz winced.
“Why did I say that?”
Rebecca crossed her arms, studying her.
“Jazz. What’s wrong?”
Jazz inhaled deeply.
This was it.
Say it.
“I… I need to tell you something.”
Rebecca softened slightly.
“Okay.”
Jazz pointed randomly at the couch.
“Sit.”
Rebecca raised a brow but sat anyway.
Jazz remained standing.
Pacing.
Turning.
Stopping.
Turning again.
Rebecca watched her like she was watching a very confusing performance.
“Jazz…”
“Do you like kids?” Jazz blurted out.
Rebecca froze.
“…What?”
Jazz nodded rapidly.
“Kids. Children. Babies. Tiny humans.”
Rebecca stared at her.
“…Where is this coming from?”
Jazz panicked.
“Just asking casually!”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes.
“You hate children.”
“I DO NOT—” Jazz stopped.
“…Okay, I tolerate them.”
Rebecca sighed.
“Jazz.”
“Hypothetically,” Jazz continued, ignoring her,
“If someone had a baby… would you… like it?”
Rebecca blinked slowly.
“Are you asking me to adopt a child with you?”
Jazz choked.
“WHAT? NO!”
Rebecca stood up now.
“Then what are you trying to say?”
Jazz opened her mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
“I—”
Nothing came out.
Her brain shut down.
Completely.
Rebecca’s expression softened again.
“Hey,” she said gently. “You can tell me.”
Jazz looked at her.
At her calm face.
At the trust in her eyes.
And suddenly—
Fear.
What if she reacted badly?
What if she walked away?
What if—
“I have a meeting,” Jazz blurted out suddenly.
Rebecca blinked.
“…You came here to tell me you have a meeting?”
“Yes.”
Rebecca stared at her.
Jazz grabbed her keys.
“Important meeting. Very important. Urgent.”
Rebecca sighed, disappointed but hiding it.
“Okay…”
Jazz paused at the door.
For one second—
She almost said it.
Almost.
But then—
“Bye.”
And she left.
Rebecca stood there, confused.
“…What just happened?”
Later – Modi Mansion
Jazz was pacing again.
This time in the living room.
Riya, Ishika, and Payal sat watching her like it was live entertainment.
“I am pregnant,” Riya said dramatically, standing up and acting it out.
“Two words! JUST TWO WORDS, JAZZ!”
Ishika burst out laughing.
“Honestly! You fought kidnappers but can’t say this?”
Jazz groaned.
“It’s not that simple!”
Riya pointed at her.
“It IS that simple!”
She grabbed a cushion like it was a mic.
“Hello Rebecca, breaking news—I am pregnant. Done.”
Ishika clapped.
“Beautiful delivery.”
Jazz glared at both of them.
“You’re not helping.”
Payal, sitting calmly, sipped her juice.
“You panicked.”
Jazz pointed at her.
“YOU’RE supposed to be on my side!”
“I am,” Payal said. “I told you to tell her.”
“I TRIED!”
Riya gasped dramatically.
“Attempt failed. Mission aborted.”
Ishika leaned back, laughing.
“Jazz, what did you even say?”
Jazz hesitated.
“…I asked if she likes kids.”
Riya froze.
Then slowly turned to Ishika.
“She’s hopeless.”
Ishika nodded.
“Completely.”
Riya held her head.
“Oh my god. Rebecca probably thinks you’re planning adoption.”
Jazz groaned and collapsed onto the couch.
“I hate all of you.”
Riya smirked.
“We love you too.”
Then suddenly—
A calm voice cut through the chaos.
“You’re pregnant.”
Silence.
All three of them froze.
Jazz sat up straight.
Riya’s mouth dropped open.
Ishika blinked.
Slowly.
Very slowly—
They turned toward the staircase.
Anamika stood there.
Arms crossed.
Expression unreadable.
Jazz stared at her.
“…How long have you been standing there?”
Anamika walked down casually.
“Long enough.”
Riya whispered dramatically,
“We’re all dead.”
Payal smirked slightly.
Ishika covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Anamika stopped in front of Jazz.
Her gaze sharp.
But not angry.
Assessing.
“Is it true?”
Jazz swallowed.
“…Yes.”
A pause.
Anamika nodded once.
Then—
“Does Rebecca know?”
Jazz shook her head slowly.
Anamika closed her eyes briefly.
Then opened them.
“You fought goons.”
Jazz nodded weakly.
“You faced kidnappers.”
“…Yes.”
“You argue with CEOs.”
“…Sometimes.”
Anamika leaned slightly closer.
“And yet you can’t say two words?”
Riya whispered,
“Exactly my point.”
Payal elbowed her.
Jazz looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her.
Anamika straightened.
“Tell her.”
Jazz sighed.
“I will.”
Anamika raised a brow.
“When?”
Jazz hesitated.
“…Soon.”
Anamika stared at her.
Riya leaned toward Ishika and whispered,
“Countdown starts now.”
Ishika nodded seriously.
“Three… two…”
Jazz threw a cushion at them.
“SHUT UP.”
But despite the chaos—
Her hand slowly moved to her stomach again.
And this time—
Even with Anamika there—
She smiled.
Jazz sat on the couch, knees bouncing, while the others formed what looked suspiciously like a judgment panel.
Anamika stood in front of her, arms crossed, expression calm but firm.
“You need to tell Rebecca,” she said.
Jazz groaned.
“I know…”
“No,” Anamika cut in. “Before she misunderstands the situation.”
That made Jazz pause.
Her expression shifted.
Because that—
That was exactly what she feared.
“What if she thinks I hid it on purpose?” Jazz muttered.
“Then that’s exactly what will happen if you delay,” Anamika replied.
Silence.
Ishika scooted closer to Jazz and nudged her shoulder.
“You’ll be fine,” she said softly. “Rebecca cares about you.”
Riya nodded enthusiastically.
“And if she doesn’t react properly, I will personally give her a lecture.”
Payal smirked.
“You’ll scare her away before Jazz even confesses.”
Riya gasped.
“I am supportive!”
“You’re dramatic,” Payal corrected.
Jazz sighed, looking between them.
“Why does this feel harder than getting kidnapped?”
Riya raised a finger.
“Because emotions are scarier than goons with guns.”
Ishika clapped slowly.
“That was surprisingly deep.”
Riya flipped her hair.
“I have layers.”
Anamika shook her head slightly.
“Focus.”
Jazz groaned again.
“I will tell her. Tomorrow.”
“Tonight,” Anamika corrected.
Jazz blinked.
“…Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“No time to overthink,” Payal added casually.
Jazz looked betrayed.
“You all are ganging up on me.”
“Correct,” Riya said proudly.
Ishika smiled.
“Because we care.”
Jazz sighed, defeated.
“Fine.”
Then suddenly—
Ishika turned toward Anamika with a mischievous glint.
“You’re advising her…”
Anamika raised a brow.
“Yes?”
“…when you yourself took months to confess.”
Silence.
Riya’s eyes widened.
Payal immediately leaned toward her and whispered,
“Your bhabhi never learns.”
Riya snorted.
Anamika slowly turned her head toward Ishika.
A slow—
Dangerous—
Smirk spreading across her face.
Ishika immediately regretted everything.
“I was joking,” she said quickly.
“Were you?” Anamika asked calmly.
Ishika laughed nervously.
“Yes.”
Anamika stepped closer.
“We’ll discuss this later.”
Riya whispered,
“She’s dead.”
Payal nodded.
“Completely.”
Ishika gulped.
Later That Night
The door to their room closed.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
Ishika turned slowly.
Anamika was already walking toward her.
That same smirk still on her face.
“Mika…” Ishika started carefully.
Anamika didn’t respond.
She simply reached out and pulled Ishika closer.
Effortless.
Certain.
Ishika let out a soft breath as Anamika’s lips brushed against her shoulder.
“Mika, please…” she murmured.
“Don’t be rough. I’m already limping.”
Anamika hummed softly against her skin.
“Is that so?”
“Yes! Your frenemy Melanie is already teasing me a lot.”
That made Anamika pause for half a second.
Then—
Her grip tightened slightly.
“Then you shouldn’t provoke me in front of others.”
Ishika huffed weakly.
“You started it—”
Her words dissolved into a soft gasp as Anamika pressed a lingering kiss along her neck.
“Excuses,” Anamika murmured.
Ishika’s hands instinctively clutched her shoulders.
“Anu…”
“Hmm?”
“I regret teasing you.”
“Too late.”
Next Morning
Sunlight filtered into the room.
Ishika stepped out slowly—
Very slowly.
Anamika, already dressed, leaned against the wall watching her.
Amused.
“At this rate,” Anamika said casually,
“I don’t think you’ll make it to today’s class.”
Ishika glared at her.
Anamika raised a brow.
“You’re glaring at me?”
A step closer.
“Don’t you think it might backfire on you?”
Ishika immediately straightened.
“Oh. Sorry.”
“Not accepted,” Anamika replied instantly.
Ishika frowned.
“Why?”
Anamika stepped right in front of her.
Close.
Calm.
Dangerously soft.
“Simply because you’re my wife.”
Ishika blinked.
Anamika’s lips curved slightly.
“Don’t apologise.”
A pause.
“Just accept the consequences bravely, biwi.”
Ishika narrowed her eyes.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“Very much.”
Anamika turned toward the door, picking up her keys.
“Oh, and one more thing—”
Ishika sighed.
“What now?”
Anamika glanced over her shoulder.
“It’s going to be a long weekend.”
Ishika froze.
“…That sounds like a threat.”
Anamika smiled.
“It is.”
And just like that—
Ishika knew—
She wasn’t surviving the weekend either.
**
The moment Ishika walked into the living room—
Payal and Riya looked up.
And froze.
Then—
They burst out laughing.
Loud.
Unapologetic.
Uncontrollable.
“DON’T,” Ishika muttered immediately, limping slightly as she walked past them.
Too late.
Riya was already clutching her stomach.
“Oh my god—LOOK at you—”
Payal tried to control herself but failed miserably.
“Ishi… what happened to your confidence?” she teased.
Ishika shot them a glare and deliberately went to sit next to Payal.
Riya stopped laughing mid-way.
Her face shifted into pure offense.
“Excuse me?”
Ishika didn’t even look at her.
“Payu is better than you at the moment.”
Riya gasped like she’d been personally betrayed.
“BETTER?!”
Payal smirked, instantly wrapping an arm around Ishika.
“Of course I am.”
Riya pointed at her dramatically.
“You stay out of this!”
“I’m already in it,” Payal replied lazily.
Riya turned back to Ishika.
“You chose her over me?”
Ishika sighed dramatically.
“At least she’s not laughing like a hyena.”
Riya clutched her chest.
“That hurt.”
“Good,” Ishika muttered.
Payal leaned closer, whispering teasingly,
“Rough night?”
Ishika closed her eyes.
“I hate all of you.”
Riya leaned forward again, eyes sparkling.
“No no, we need details.”
“No.”
“Just a little.”
“NO.”
Payal chuckled.
“She’s clearly not in a talking mood.”
Riya narrowed her eyes.
“Oh, she will be.”
Ishika groaned and dropped her head onto Payal’s shoulder.
“I have classes,” she whined.
Riya immediately lit up again.
“Oh this is even better.”
Ishika peeked at her suspiciously.
“Why?”
Riya grinned wickedly.
“Your professor.”
Ishika’s face fell.
“Oh god.”
Payal chuckled.
“Melanie?”
Ishika nodded miserably.
“She’s going to have a field day.”
Riya clapped her hands once.
“I want updates. Live updates.”
“I’m not giving you anything.”
“You WILL.”
Payal smirked.
“Imagine her calling you to answer questions while you can’t even stand properly.”
Riya burst out laughing again.
“I’d pay to watch that.”
Ishika glared at both of them.
“You’re terrible people.”
Riya grinned.
“And yet you love us.”
Ishika sighed.
“Unfortunately.”
Payal patted her head.
“Go survive your class.”
Riya added sweetly,
“And your professor.”
Ishika stood up slowly—
Very slowly—
Muttering under her breath,
“If I survive today, I’m disowning all of you.”
Riya called out from behind,
“Love you too, bhabhiji!”
Ishika didn’t turn back.
But the slight smile on her face gave her away.
**
Rebecca’s apartment felt… calmer than usual.
Soft light. Quiet air. A sense of normalcy.
Which made Jazz even more nervous.
Rebecca sat across from her, flipping through some notes.
“My final exams are next week,” she was saying, completely unaware of the storm sitting right in front of her.
“I think I’ll manage theory, but practicals might be—”
Jazz wasn’t listening.
Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure Rebecca could hear it.
Say it.
Just say it.
Don’t mess this up again.
Rebecca looked up.
“Jazz? Are you even listening?”
Jazz shut her eyes tightly.
And blurted—
“Becca, I am pregnant!”
Silence.
No reaction.
No gasp.
No movement.
Too quiet.
Jazz frowned.
That wasn’t right.
She slowly opened her eyes—
And froze.
Standing right in front of her—
Was Melanie Rose.
Arms crossed.
Expression unreadable.
Jazz stared.
“…Of course.”
She dropped her head back in frustration.
“Of course this happens to me.”
Melanie raised a brow slightly.
“Interesting timing.”
Jazz groaned.
“Do you just… appear everywhere?”
Melanie didn’t answer.
Instead, her gaze lingered on Jazz for a moment longer—
Sharp.
Calculating.
Then—
Footsteps.
Rebecca came down the stairs.
“What did I miss?” she asked innocently, unaware of the tension.
Melanie glanced at her.
Then at Jazz.
Then—
Without a word—
She turned and walked out.
Just like that.
Rebecca blinked, confused.
“…That was weird.”
Jazz sighed, dragging a hand down her face.
“Very.”
Rebecca walked closer, sitting beside her.
“So… what were you saying?”
Jazz didn’t hesitate this time.
She turned toward her.
“Becca, I am pregnant.”
Rebecca blinked.
“…What?”
Jazz took a breath.
“I’m pregnant.”
Her voice softened, but her nerves were still obvious.
“You know… that night… I was drunk… and you and I—we danced… we kissed—”
She started rambling again, words tumbling over each other.
“I mean I don’t even remember everything properly but clearly something happened and I—”
Rebecca suddenly leaned forward—
And kissed her.
Soft.
Firm.
Enough to shut her up.
Jazz went completely still.
Her brain short-circuited.
When Rebecca pulled back—
Her eyes were filled with tears.
Jazz’s heart dropped.
“Becca…”
Rebecca let out a shaky breath, her hand still lightly gripping Jazz’s.
“You idiot,” she whispered.
Jazz blinked.
“…What?”
Rebecca laughed softly through her tears.
“You’ve been carrying this alone?”
Jazz swallowed.
“I didn’t know how to tell you.”
Rebecca shook her head, stepping closer.
“You could’ve just said it.”
Jazz gave a weak smile.
“I tried.”
Rebecca smiled faintly.
“Clearly.”
A pause.
Then her gaze softened completely.
“Is it true?”
Jazz nodded slowly.
Rebecca’s hand moved instinctively—
Resting gently over Jazz’s.
Over her stomach.
Her expression changed.
Something warm.
Something protective.
Something… hopeful.
Jazz watched her carefully.
“Say something,” she whispered.
Rebecca looked up at her.
Then smiled through her tears.
“We’ll figure it out.”
Jazz exhaled shakily.
Relief flooding through her.
“You’re not… upset?”
Rebecca shook her head.
“No.”
A small pause.
Then, softer—
“I’m scared.”
Jazz nodded.
“Me too.”
Rebecca squeezed her hand.
“But I’m also…” she hesitated, searching for the word.
Then smiled.
“…happy.”
Jazz’s eyes softened.
And for the first time since she found out—
Everything felt a little less overwhelming.
**
Ishika was already regretting every life decision she had ever made.
“Walk properly,” Riya said, holding her arm as they entered the college gate.
“I am walking properly,” Ishika muttered.
“You look like you fought a war,” Riya replied.
“I kind of did.”
Riya grinned. “With my sister.”
Ishika glared.
“Not helping.”
Before Riya could reply—
A group of students suddenly surrounded them.
“Ma’am! Ma’am! Are you Riya?”
“Can we get a picture?”
“Autograph please!”
Riya blinked once—
Then immediately switched modes.
“Of course,” she said smoothly, flipping her hair like she was born for this.
Ishika stared.
“…Wow.”
Riya winked at her.
“Celebrity privileges.”
Within seconds, she was posing, smiling, signing notebooks like a pro.
Ishika stood there, abandoned.
“Traitor,” she muttered.
Just then—
A familiar voice cut through.
“Ah… the famous sister-in-law.”
Ishika closed her eyes.
Of course.
Melanie Rose.
Riya turned, smiling brightly.
“I am,” she said confidently.
“Today, her emotional and physical support, Professor.”
Melanie’s lips curved slightly.
“Clearly she needs both.”
Ishika glared at both of them.
“I’m standing right here.”
Melanie glanced at her.
“Yes. Barely.”
Riya choked on her laugh.
“Professor, please,” Ishika muttered.
Melanie walked past them toward the classroom.
“Come in, Mrs. Modi. Let’s see if you survive today.”
During the Lecture
Ishika sat, bracing herself.
Waiting.
For the inevitable.
The questions.
The teasing.
The torture.
But—
Nothing happened.
Melanie continued the lecture.
Calm.
Professional.
Sharp as ever.
But she didn’t call Ishika even once.
Not a single time.
Ishika frowned.
That was… unusual.
Riya leaned over and whispered,
“Why is she being nice?”
“I don’t know,” Ishika whispered back.
“I don’t trust it.”
After Class
Students left one by one.
Riya stretched.
“I’ll be outside,” she said. “Don’t get bullied.”
Ishika rolled her eyes.
“Go.”
Once the room emptied—
Melanie’s voice came.
“Mrs. Modi.”
Ishika turned.
Something in her tone was different.
Softer.
“Did you know?” Melanie asked.
Ishika frowned.
“Know what?”
Melanie looked at her directly.
“About Jazz’s pregnancy.”
Ishika froze.
Her silence said everything.
Melanie let out a quiet breath.
“So you did.”
“I—” Ishika started, then stopped.
Guilt crept in.
“I didn’t know how to tell you.”
Melanie let out a small, humorless laugh.
“Of course you didn’t.”
She turned away slightly, her composure slipping—
Just a little.
“I always knew it was a business arrangement,” she said quietly.
“But I still…”
Her voice wavered.
Ishika’s expression softened.
Melanie continued, barely above a whisper,
“I feel stupid… for thinking it could be real.”
That hit harder than anything.
“I thought…” Melanie swallowed, her eyes glistening now.
“I thought I would finally have someone to come home to.”
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Raw.
Ishika didn’t think.
She stepped forward—
And hugged her.
Melanie stiffened at first.
Then—
Slowly—
She relaxed.
Just for a moment.
Just enough.
Then—
The door burst open.
“ISHU—”
Riya walked in mid-sentence—
Phone in hand.
“…you won’t believe—”
She stopped.
Looked at the scene.
Looked at Ishika hugging Melanie.
Then slowly turned the phone toward them.
“Anu… you seeing this?”
On the screen—
Anamika.
Her expression?
Deadly calm.
Which was worse than anger.
Very slowly—
Her eyes narrowed.
“Riya,” she said.
Dangerously quiet.
“Riya, Bring your bhabhi to my office.”
The call ended.
Immediately.
Silence.
Riya looked at Ishika.
Then at Melanie.
Then back at Ishika.
“…You’re dead.”
Melanie pulled back, wiping her tears quickly—
Composure snapping back in place.
But the faint smirk returned.
“Well,” she said lightly,
“this should be interesting.”
Riya grinned.
“Oh, I’m not missing this.”
Ishika groaned.
“I hate both of you.”
Melanie tilted her head.
“You hugged me. That’s on you.”
Riya added helpfully,
“And you did it on video call. Bold move.”
Ishika buried her face in her hands.
“I’m not surviving today.”
Melanie smiled.
“No, Mrs. Modi.”
A pause.
“Today… you won’t.”