Meant to be yours

Choosing what's next

Six Months Later
Life had settled into a beautiful kind of chaos.
Baby Aarav was now six months old.
Six months of sleepless nights.
Six months of tiny socks disappearing mysteriously.
Six months of baby giggles.
And six months of everyone in the friend group losing their minds over one tiny human.
Meanwhile-
Jazz and Aarav had officially moved into Melanie Rose's house.
Nobody had even discussed it.
It had just... happened.
One day, Jazz and the baby stayed over.
Then another day.
Then a week.
Then somehow-
there was a nursery.
Baby toys.
A high chair.
And Melanie reading books titled:
"Understanding Infant Sleep Patterns."
Which she had highlighted.
With tabs.
And notes.
According to everyone-
Melanie had become an extremely soft and terrifying mother figure.
Today, however, belonged to someone else.
Today was about-
Ishika.
Graduation Day.
She was graduating with honours.
The college auditorium buzzed with excitement.
Students in graduation robes were taking pictures.
Parents were crying.
Professors were pretending not to cry.
And somewhere in the middle-
Ishika and Riya had somehow found trouble.
Again.
Both sat together in the audience.
Their robes looked slightly crooked.
Neither cared.
Riya leaned over.
"Third row."
Ishika looked.
"Which one?"
"The guy with sunglasses."
Ishika blinked.
"We're indoors."
"Exactly."
Ishika nodded.
"Suspicious."
Riya agreed.
"Very suspicious."
A few seconds passed.
Then-
"Oh!"
Riya pointed.
"That's the actress from that movie."
Ishika looked.
"Oh!"
Both immediately straightened.
"She looks pretty."
"Very pretty."
"Her dress is amazing."
"I know."
Silence.
Then-
Ishika sighed dramatically.
"That latest song though."
Riya nodded solemnly.
"Iconic."
"That black outfit?"
"Absolutely iconic."
Ishika fanned herself.
"She looked sexy."
"Very sexy."
Both nodded like film critics.
"So much confidence."
"I aspire to that level of confidence."
"Same."
Silence.
Then-
A familiar voice.
Dangerously calm.
"Interesting."
Both froze.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
They turned.
Behind them stood-
Anamika Modi.
And beside her-
Payal.
Both carrying coffee.
Both staring.
Neither blinking.
Riya whispered-
"We're dead."
Ishika whispered back-
"We're extremely dead."
Payal smiled.
Too sweetly.
"So."
Silence.
"You two think she's sexy?"
Riya panicked.
"No."
Ishika panicked harder.
"Absolutely not."
Anamika raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
Ishika nodded rapidly.
"I don't even know who she is."
The actress was currently on the giant screen.
Anamika stared.
"She's literally right there."
Ishika looked.
"Oh."
Pause.
"Then yes."
Riya slapped a hand over her face.
Payal looked horrified.
Anamika looked betrayed.
"You said yes?!"
Ishika panicked.
"I mean professionally!"
"Professionally sexy?!"
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!"
Riya was laughing now.
Which proved she had no survival instincts.
Payal turned toward her.
"And you?"
Riya immediately straightened.
"My wife is the sexiest person alive."
Payal blinked.
"That was fast."
"I've evolved."
Anamika looked at Ishika.
Still offended.
Ishika grinned nervously.
"You know you're prettier."
"I know."
"Then why are you upset?"
"I'm not."
"You look upset."
"I'm simply observing."
"You look possessive."
"I am."
Ishika burst out laughing.
Elsewhere-
Melanie watched the entire thing.
And sighed.
Jazz grinned.
"They're entertaining."
"They're exhausting."
Jazz laughed.
Aarav, sitting in Melanie's lap, laughed too.
Neither knew why.
He just enjoyed chaos.
Melanie looked at him.
"Don't encourage them."
He smiled.
Melanie immediately melted.
Jazz watched this.
Smiling.
Because six months later-
Melanie still couldn't resist him.
Or her.
Life was... good.
Then-
Melanie looked toward Ishika.
Her expression became thoughtful.
Anamika followed her gaze.
The two women looked at each other.
A dangerous look.
Business look.
Jazz noticed immediately.
"Oh no."
"What?"
"I know that face."
Anamika smirked.
"What face?"
"The 'we're planning something' face."
Melanie looked innocent.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Liar.
Jazz looked suspicious.
"What are you two plotting?"
Anamika folded her arms.
"Nothing."
"That is absolutely not true."
Melanie looked toward the stage.
"We're simply appreciating talent."
Jazz gasped.
"No."
Both women ignored her.
Jazz looked horrified.
"You're recruiting my best friend."
Silence.
"You ARE recruiting my best friend!"
Anamika smiled.
"I refuse to answer."
Jazz looked at Melanie.
"Professor!"
Melanie smiled.
"I also refuse to answer."
Jazz sighed.
"Oh my God."
The ceremony began.
Names were called.
Students walked.
Families cheered.
Then-
"Ishika Sharma."
The auditorium erupted.
Riya screamed first.
"THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND!"
Payal clapped.
Anamika stood immediately.
Without shame.
Without dignity.
Without caring.
She was already recording.
Smiling.
Eyes shining.
As Ishika walked across the stage.
Honours.
Top of her class.
The girl who once doubted herself.
Who struggled.
Who fought.
Who grew.
She accepted her degree.
And looked toward the audience.
Straight at Anamika.
Anamika smiled.
A proud smile.
The kind that reached her eyes.
Ishika smiled back.
Then-
she blew a kiss.
The entire audience laughed.
Anamika looked personally blessed by the heavens.
After the ceremony-
Ishika's phone rang.
Video call.
She immediately answered.
The screen filled with two faces.
Karan Sharma.
And little Sid Sharma.
" HEY BIGSIS!"
Ishika laughed.
"Hi, monster."
Sid looked offended.
"I am eleven now."
"You were ten yesterday."
"I have matured."
"No."
Karan laughed softly.
He looked healthier.
Still recovering.
Still under rehabilitation in the USA.
But smiling.
Very much smiling.
"My daughter graduated with honours."
Ishika's eyes became suspiciously wet.
Karan smiled again.
"I'm proud of you."
That did it.
She cried.
Immediately.
"Dad..."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there."
"No."
She wiped her tears.
"No, don't say that."
Karan smiled softly.
"I wish I could have hugged you."
Sid immediately hugged the phone.
"There."
Everyone laughed.
Even Anamika looked emotional.
Then came the truly important event.
Baby Aarav.
Because he had opinions.
And today-
he had chosen Ishika.
Again.
The moment Ishika held out her arms-
Aarav practically launched himself.
Straight to her.
Everyone laughed.
Melanie looked offended.
"Again?"
Aarav smiled.
Melanie looked betrayed.
"I feed you."
He giggled.
"I buy your toys."
More giggling.
"I changed your diaper yesterday."
Giggles.
Ishika grinned.
"He loves me."
"He has terrible judgment."
"He recognizes greatness."
"He recognizes chaos."
Aarav touched Ishika's cheek.
Melanie gasped.
"Oh."
Ishika laughed.
"Sorry, Professor."
"I carried him for three hours last night."
"He has spoken."
"I reject his decision."
Jazz was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.
Riya stepped forward.
"My turn."
She reached.
Aarav ignored her.
Riya blinked.
"Excuse me."
Nothing.
"I am your funny aunt."
Nothing.
"I sing."
Nothing.
Riya looked offended.
"I've lost to Ishika."
Payal laughed.
"As you should."
Then-
suddenly-
Aarav looked elsewhere.
Everyone followed.
He held up both tiny arms.
Toward-
Anamika.
Silence.
Anamika blinked.
"Me?"
Tiny hands reached again.
Everyone looked shocked.
Anamika looked shocked.
Ishika looked delighted.
"Take him."
"No."
"He wants you."
"I don't know baby protocols."
"Pick him up."
"No."
"Anamika."
"No."
Aarav made a tiny unhappy noise.
Anamika surrendered immediately.
"Oh no."
She picked him up.
Aarav settled instantly.
Rested his little head on her shoulder.
And sighed.
The entire group exploded.
Ishika was dying.
Riya was filming.
Payal was laughing.
Jazz was crying from laughter.
Melanie looked vindicated.
Anamika looked horrified.
"I don't know what happened."
Aarav patted her cheek.
"Oh no."
He smiled.
"Oh no."
He yawned.
Anamika looked at Ishika.
"I've been adopted."
Ishika grinned.
"Congratulations."
"I wasn't consulted."
"He's chosen."
"I reject this." Riya said.
Aarav promptly fell asleep.
Everyone laughed even harder.
And despite herself-
Anamika looked down at him.
Then gently adjusted his tiny jacket.
Then moved a strand of hair away from his forehead.
Everyone went silent.
Ishika smiled.
Because her wife-
the terrifying, possessive, dominant Anamika Modi-
was looking at a sleeping baby as though he were made of glass.
Anamika looked up.
"What?"
Nobody answered.
Because some things-
were simply too adorable to interrupt.
**
The dining hall of Modi Mansion had never been quiet.
Tonight was no exception.
The long table was occupied by what had somehow become one giant unconventional family.
Anamika Modi.
Ishika.
Riya.
Payal.
Jazz.
Melanie Rose.
Anamika's parents.
And the undisputed ruler of the household-
six-month-old Aarav.
Dinner had started peacefully.
For approximately seven minutes.
Then chaos arrived.
Aarav discovered spoons.
Apparently, spoons were fascinating.
He kept dropping them.
Everyone kept picking them up.
Drop.
Pick up.
Drop.
Pick up.
Drop.
Pick up.
Finally-
Anamika's mother sighed.
"Aarav, sweetheart, what are we doing?"
The baby smiled.
And dropped the spoon again.
Riya laughed.
"He enjoys watching adults suffer."
Payal nodded.
"Future CEO."
Melanie looked offended.
"He's an innocent child."
Aarav chose that exact moment to throw his bib.
Riya pointed.
"The evidence speaks for itself."
Jazz laughed.
Meanwhile-
Anamika was putting food onto Ishika's plate.
More food.
And more food.
And somehow-
even more food.
Ishika looked at the mountain.
"...Mika."
"Hm?"
"I physically cannot eat all this."
"You graduated today."
"I know."
"You deserve food."
"I deserve food, not agricultural land."
Riya burst out laughing.
Anamika looked offended.
"You've barely eaten."
"I've eaten three rotis."
"You need more."
"I'll explode."
"I'll take responsibility."
Ishika looked at her.
"...How?"
Anamika blinked.
"I don't know."
Everyone laughed.
Even Anamika's father chuckled.
Across the table-
Aarav reached both hands toward Ishika.
Again.
Melanie looked betrayed.
"Seriously?"
Ishika picked him up.
The baby immediately settled.
Melanie sighed.
"I carried him all morning."
Aarav giggled.
"Traitor."
Jazz laughed so hard she nearly choked.
Payal handed her water.
"You're raising a menace."
"No," Jazz said.
She looked at Aarav.
"He's perfect."
Melanie looked at the baby.
"You're lucky you're cute."
The baby smiled.
Melanie melted immediately.
Riya gasped.
"She folded."
"I did not."
"He smiled and you surrendered."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Aarav touched her nose.
Melanie was done.
Completely done.
Everyone laughed.
Dinner somehow continued.
Eventually.
After dessert-
something changed.
Anamika looked at Melanie.
Melanie looked at Anamika.
Both women straightened.
The atmosphere shifted.
Ishika looked between them.
"...Why do I suddenly feel unsafe?"
Nobody answered.
Anamika folded her hands.
Melanie sat straighter.
Riya's eyes widened.
"Oh."
Payal grinned.
"Oh no."
Jazz looked interested.
"I forgot this was happening."
Ishika blinked.
"What is happening?"
Silence.
Then-
Anamika spoke.
"Ishika."
The use of her full name was concerning.
"Yes?"
"I have an offer."
Silence.
Then-
Melanie.
"I also have an offer."
Silence.
Ishika blinked.
"Oh."
Riya grabbed popcorn from somewhere.
Nobody knew where she got it.
Payal didn't ask.
This was entertainment.
Anamika stood first.
Naturally.
She looked entirely too professional.
"I would like you to join the Modi Group."
Riya made dramatic movie sounds.
Nobody acknowledged her.
Anamika continued.
"You are intelligent."
Ishika smiled.
"You are creative."
Another smile.
"You challenge people."
A third smile.
"And I know exactly what you're capable of."
Now Ishika was blushing.
Riya looked disgusted.
"They're flirting."
"They're always flirting," Payal whispered.
Then-
Melanie stood.
"And I would like you to join Rose Corporation."
Everyone turned.
Melanie looked calm.
Professional.
"I've taught her."
She looked at Ishika.
"I've seen how she thinks."
"She doesn't follow conventional approaches."
"She questions everything."
"She's irritating."
"Professor!"
"But she's brilliant."
Everyone laughed.
Ishika looked pleased.
Melanie smiled.
"I think she has extraordinary potential."
Anamika narrowed her eyes.
Melanie ignored her.
"I'll mentor her personally."
Anamika narrowed her eyes further.
"And she can create her own path."
Silence.
Everyone looked at Ishika.
Who looked at both women.
Then at the two folders in front of her.
One had the Modi Group logo.
The other-
Rose Corporation.
She looked terrified.
"Why do I feel like I'm choosing between kingdoms?"
"Because you are," Riya answered.
Payal nodded.
"One kingdom comes with overprotective security."
"And the other comes with sarcastic management."
Jazz added.
"Both come with emotional blackmail."
"I am not emotionally blackmailing anyone," Anamika said.
"You absolutely are," everyone replied.
Anamika looked betrayed.
Then-
she looked at Melanie.
Dangerously.
"If she chooses your concern..."
Silence.
"I will make sure personally she comes late, wobbling."
Ishika choked.
The entire table froze.
Anamika continued.
"She won't even be able to stand properly, let alone walk."
Silence.
"I will make you regret recruiting her."
Three seconds passed.
Then-
Riya dropped her spoon laughing.
Jazz nearly died.
Payal looked horrified.
Anamika's mother looked scandalized.
Anamika's father suddenly became fascinated by the ceiling.
Melanie blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then laughed.
Actually laughed.
"We all know you're not going to let her work at all if she works for you."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You're way too possessive."
"I am not."
"You absolutely are."
Melanie looked at Ishika.
"If any employee sees her..."
She paused.
"...or smiles at her..."
Then looked back at Anamika.
"Bang. Ishika is done."
Everyone lost it.
Even Anamika's parents were laughing.
Anamika looked offended.
"I don't behave like that."
The entire table stared.
"...Fine. Maybe a little."
"A little?" Ishika repeated.
"A manageable amount."
"No."
"Moderately possessive."
"No."
"Reasonably possessive."
"Definitely no."
Riya snickered.
"You're saying this as if she's not wobbling tomorrow."
The entire table exploded again.
Ishika looked horrified.
"RIYA!"
"What?"
"Don't instigate her."
"I didn't."
"You absolutely did."
Riya looked toward Anamika.
Then grinned.
"What, Ishu?"
She pointed.
"Look at your wife's predator eyes."
Everyone turned.
Anamika was indeed looking at Ishika.
Intently.
Very intently.
Riya nodded solemnly.
"You're gone irrespective of your decision."
The entire table laughed.
Ishika hid her face.
"Oh my God."
Anamika looked at her.
Then smiled.
The kind of smile that made Ishika nervous.
Very nervous.
Then-
without warning-
Anamika stood.
Walked around the table.
And picked Ishika up.
Princess style.
The room erupted.
"Mika!"
"No."
"Put me down!"
"No."
"I haven't even looked at the proposals!"
"You have time."
"I need to decide my future!"
"You have a week."
Everyone was crying from laughter.
Anamika calmly adjusted Ishika in her arms.
Then looked at everyone.
Perfectly serious.
"We all can meet next week to find out Ishika's decision."
"Mika!"
"No."
"Mika, I am joining her if you don't put me down now."
Silence.
Anamika froze.
Everyone watched.
Then-
slowly-
dangerously-
her eyes lit up.
Riya gasped.
"Oh no."
Payal covered her face.
"Oh, she's dead."
Anamika looked at Ishika.
Who immediately regretted everything.
Then-
Anamika smiled.
A very beautiful.
Very terrifying.
Smile.
"Well then..."
She held onto Ishika tighter.
"Ishi..."
The use of that tone was deeply concerning.
"You better forget the world outside our room exists for a while."
Silence.
Then absolute chaos.
Riya screamed.
Jazz was laughing uncontrollably.
Payal looked secondhand embarrassed.
Anamika's mother was trying not to laugh.
Her father gave up and simply laughed openly.
Ishika looked betrayed.
She reached desperately toward Melanie.
"Mel!"
Melanie was crying with laughter.
"Save your future employee!"
Melanie wiped tears.
"Sorry."
She grinned.
"Now you're her wife."
"PROFESSOR!"
"Good luck."
"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO HELP ME!"
"Nope."
Ishika looked at Jazz.
"You too?"
Jazz was useless.
She couldn't even speak.
She was laughing too hard.
Finally-
Anamika carried her toward the stairs.
Ishika sighed dramatically.
"I had dreams."
"You still do."
"I wanted a career."
"You still will."
"I wanted freedom."
"No."
Everyone laughed even harder.
And as Anamika disappeared upstairs carrying her protesting wife-
Riya looked at the others.
Took another handful of popcorn.
And nodded.
"This family deserves its own reality show."
**
Two days.
Forty-eight hours.
Two entire days.
And according to Riya-
her best friend had vanished from civilization.
No calls.
No visits.
No random memes.
No dramatic voice notes.
No commentary on attractive actors.
Nothing.
Which was highly suspicious.
Riya stood in the living room of Modi Mansion with both hands on her hips.
This was serious.
Very serious.
She looked toward Payal.
"I haven't seen Ishu in two days."
Payal looked up from her book.
"Hm."
"Hm? That's all you have to say?"
"She's married."
"Payal!"
"What?"
"This is concerning."
Payal raised an eyebrow.
"Is it?"
"Yes."
"No."
"She disappeared."
"No."
"She's missing."
"No."
Riya gasped.
"You don't care."
Payal sighed.
"I care."
"Then why aren't you worried?"
Payal looked at her.
Then looked upstairs.
Then back at Riya.
Then burst out laughing.
Which was rude.
Extremely rude.
"You're impossible."
"I'm serious!"
"I know."
"Then help me."
Payal was still trying not to laugh.
Finally-
she closed her book.
"Fine."
She stood.
"Go check upstairs."
Riya blinked.
"Just like that?"
"Yes."
"You're not coming?"
"No."
"Why?"
Payal's smile became suspicious.
"I already know where she is."
Silence.
Riya narrowed her eyes.
"You know something."
"I know many things."
"What things?"
Payal patted her shoulder.
"Go upstairs."
That was even more suspicious.
Three minutes later-
Riya marched toward Anamika's bedroom.
She knocked.
No answer.
She knocked again.
Nothing.
Then-
she simply walked in.
And froze.
Silence.
Then-
she started laughing.
Because there-
on the giant bed-
lay Ishika.
Blanket pulled up.
Hair messy.
Looking thoroughly exhausted.
And-
apparently unable to move.
She looked up.
Saw Riya.
And sighed.
Riya laughed harder.
"Oh my God."
Ishika glared.
"No."
"Oh my God."
"No."
Riya clutched her stomach.
"I CAN'T BREATHE."
"RIYA!"
"This is incredible."
"It's not incredible."
"It absolutely is."
Riya walked closer.
Still laughing.
Ishika looked personally offended.
"Oh, you poor thing."
"I don't need your pity."
"No."
Riya sat beside the bed.
"You definitely do."
Ishika sighed dramatically.
Riya looked at her.
"You look undone."
"I am undone."
"You look defeated."
"I am defeated."
"You look like life happened to you."
Ishika pointed weakly.
"Exactly."
Riya laughed again.
Then-
she looked around.
"No Anamika?"
"Office. Will be back anytime."
Silence.
Then-
Riya looked back at her.
And immediately started laughing again.
Ishika looked offended.
"She's a beast, Riya."
That only made it worse.
Riya laughed so hard tears appeared.
"Oh my God."
"I am serious."
"I know!"
"Stop laughing."
"I physically can't."
Ishika crossed her arms.
As much as she could.
"You're a terrible friend."
"I am an amazing friend."
"No."
"Absolutely."
"No."
Riya finally managed to calm down.
A little.
Then grinned.
"So..."
"No."
"How bad is it?"
"No."
"Come on."
"No."
"Ishu."
"No."
Riya leaned closer.
Ishika glared.
Riya's smile widened.
Then-
she noticed something.
The laptop.
On the bedside table.
Open.
She blinked.
Then blinked again.
"Wait."
Silence.
"You're working?"
Ishika looked offended.
"I have responsibilities."
"You're in bed."
"I know."
"You're wrapped in a blanket."
"I know."
"You have tea."
"I know."
"And you're working."
"I have emails."
Riya stared.
Then slowly-
very slowly-
she burst out laughing again.
"Your wife confined you to bed and you're answering emails."
"I have deadlines."
"You have priorities issues."
"No."
"Yes."
Ishika sighed.
"I'm bored."
"Aha."
"I've watched three movies."
"Mm."
"I finished a book."
"Oh."
"I even cleaned my gallery."
Riya gasped.
"The entire gallery?"
"The entire gallery."
Silence.
Riya looked horrified.
"That's serious."
"I know."
She looked genuinely miserable.
Riya patted her head.
"There, there."
Ishika swatted her hand away.
Then-
a thought occurred.
Riya grinned.
Dangerously.
"So..."
"No."
"Now that you're trapped here-"
"No."
"Would you like to discuss that actress from graduation day?"
Silence.
Ishika looked at her.
Then slowly smiled.
"Actually-"
The bedroom door opened.
Both froze.
Standing there-
was Anamika Modi.
Fresh from work.
Still in formal clothes.
Looking beautiful.
And suspicious.
She looked at Riya.
Then at Ishika.
Then back.
Silence.
"What actress?"
Dead silence.
Ishika looked horrified.
Riya looked delighted.
Because sometimes-
life simply handed you opportunities.
And as a best friend-
it was your duty to take them.
On the bed-
Ishika looked like someone had just announced an exam she hadn't studied for.
Beside her-
Riya looked delighted.
Entirely too delighted.
She looked at Ishika.
Then at Anamika.
Then grinned.
"Oh."
Silence.
"Ohhh."
Ishika narrowed her eyes.
"No."
Riya ignored her.
"You mean the actress from graduation day?"
Ishika closed her eyes.
She no longer wished to exist.
Anamika's expression remained calm.
Too calm.
"The one from the song?"
Riya nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes."
Silence.
"The one Ishu called sexy."
Silence.
Very deep silence.
Ishika slowly looked at Riya.
The betrayal.
The audacity.
The lack of survival instincts.
All astonishing.
Anamika looked at her wife.
Ishika looked at the ceiling.
Perhaps if she ignored everyone-
they would disappear.
"They had quite the discussion, actually."
"RIYA."
"What?"
"You weren't there."
"I have an excellent memory."
Anamika crossed her arms.
Ishika swallowed.
Riya looked at Anamika confidentially.
"Your wife has opinions."
"I do not."
"Oh, she absolutely does."
"I hate you."
"I know."
Riya stood up.
Stretched.
Then walked toward the door.
She stopped beside Anamika.
Looked at her.
Then looked at Ishika.
Then smiled.
A very evil smile.
"Anyway..."
She pointed dramatically toward Anamika.
"Now tame your beast, Bhabhi."
And before Ishika could protest-
she ran.
Actually ran.
Her laughter echoed from the hallway.
Silence.
Ishika stared at the door.
Then at Anamika.
Then back at the door.
"She's not my friend."
Anamika said nothing.
Ishika looked at her nervously.
Still nothing.
This was somehow worse.
"Mika?"
Silence.
"Mika..."
Nothing.
Then-
Anamika laughed.
Ishika blinked.
Anamika laughed again.
Then she was laughing properly.
The kind where her shoulders shook.
Ishika stared.
"You are laughing?"
Anamika nodded.
"You're not angry?"
Another laugh.
Ishika looked confused.
"I don't understand."
Anamika sat beside her.
Still smiling.
Then gently brushed a strand of hair from Ishika's face.
"You look terrified."
"I am."
That made Anamika laugh again.
Ishika looked offended.
"This isn't funny."
"It really is."
"No."
"Very much so."
Ishika folded her arms.
"As your wife, I deserve respect."
"As my wife, you called another woman sexy."
"Professionally sexy."
Anamika looked at her.
"What does that even mean?"
"I still don't know."
That earned another laugh.
Finally-
Anamika's laughter softened.
Until she was simply smiling.
Looking at her.
A warm smile.
An affectionate smile.
The kind reserved only for Ishika.
She reached forward.
Pulled Ishika gently closer.
And kissed her forehead.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"I was jealous."
Ishika blinked.
"You were?"
Anamika nodded.
"Ridiculously."
Ishika burst out laughing.
"Oh my God."
"It's not funny."
"It's a little funny."
Anamika glared.
Ishika laughed harder.
"You?"
"Yes."
"The woman who terrifies board members?"
"Yes."
"The woman who wins billion-dollar deals?"
"Yes."
"You got jealous of an actress who doesn't know I exist?"
Anamika looked thoughtful.
"When you put it that way..."
She sighed.
"I sound insane."
Ishika was still laughing.
Eventually-
she leaned against Anamika's shoulder.
Still smiling.
And Anamika wrapped an arm around her.
Silence settled.
Comfortable.
Easy.
Then-
Ishika spoke softly.
"Mika?"
"Hm?"
"I've been thinking."
Immediately.
Anamika became attentive.
About one thing and one thing only.
Ishika.
"What about?"
"The job."
Silence.
"I've been making lists."
Anamika smiled.
Of course she had.
Pros and cons.
Charts probably.
Maybe graphs.
"Tell me."
Ishika nodded.
"Working with you..."
She looked up.
"I know you'll protect me."
Anamika kissed her forehead again.
"I will."
"I know you'll support me."
"I will."
"I know you'll trust me."
"I do."
She smiled.
Then sighed.
"But..."
Anamika looked at her carefully.
"There are cons."
She laughed softly.
"Many cons."
Anamika looked offended.
"Excuse me?"
Ishika smiled.
"You are very possessive."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
A pause.
"Fine."
Ishika laughed.
"You worry too much."
"Because I love you."
"I know."
"You spoil me."
"I definitely do."
"You'll never say no to me."
Anamika looked thoughtful.
Then sighed.
"That is unfortunately true."
Ishika giggled.
"And honestly..."
She looked at her.
"I think I might become lazy."
Anamika blinked.
"What?"
"You'll do everything."
"No, I won't."
"You absolutely will."
"No."
"Mika."
Silence.
"...Maybe."
Ishika smiled.
Then she grew thoughtful.
"And Mel..."
Her expression softened.
"She challenges me."
Anamika listened quietly.
"She doesn't let me settle."
"She pushes me."
"She argues with me."
A small smile appeared.
"She's annoying."
Anamika snorted.
"Very."
"But..."
Ishika looked at her hands.
"I think I'll learn a lot."
Silence.
Then-
she looked up.
Straight at Anamika.
And asked softly-
"If I choose Mel's company..."
A pause.
"Will you accept it?"
Silence.
The question hung in the room.
Because it wasn't really about work.
It was about trust.
About support.
About whether her wife could let her go.
Anamika looked at her.
For a long time.
Then-
she lifted a hand.
And cupped Ishika's cheek.
Her thumb brushed softly over her skin.
"If that's what makes you happy..."
She smiled.
A soft smile.
Then nodded.
"I'll accept it."
Ishika stared.
"You will?"
"I won't like it."
That made Ishika laugh.
"I'll complain."
She laughed harder.
"I'll probably visit your office too often."
"Oh my God."
"I'll definitely be jealous of your coworkers."
"Mika!"
"But..."
She leaned forward.
Resting her forehead against Ishika's.
"I'll support you."
Silence.
Because sometimes-
love isn't holding someone close.
It's letting them fly.
Even if you'll miss them.
Ishika's eyes became suspiciously wet.
She smiled.
Then wrapped both arms around her wife.
And hugged her tightly.
Anamika immediately hugged her back.
"What was that for?"
"I love you."
Anamika melted instantly.
Completely.
"I love you too."
Silence.
Then-
"I've made my decision."
Anamika smiled.
"I know."
"You do?"
"I know you."
Ishika smiled.
And for once-
she felt completely certain.
The next morning.
The doorbell rang at Melanie's house.
Inside-
Jazz opened the door.
And blinked.
Standing there were-
Ishika.
And beside her-
Anamika.
Holding breakfast.
Jazz grinned.
"Oh."
She looked inside.
"Mel!"
A voice answered.
"What?"
"They're here."
Silence.
Then-
running footsteps.
Melanie appeared.
Took one look at them.
Then narrowed her eyes.
"Why are both of you smiling?"
Neither answered.
Melanie became suspicious.
Jazz became excited.
"Oh my God."
She looked at Ishika.
"You've decided."
Silence.
Then-
Ishika smiled.
And nodded.
Melanie blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then straightened.
Trying and failing to look calm.
Anamika watched her.
Amused.
Jazz looked between them.
Then squealed.
"Oh, this is going to be fun."