Meant to be yours

Proposal plan

The living room of Melanie's house was unusually lively.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows.
Fresh coffee sat on the table.
Baby Aarav was happily occupying himself by chewing on a rubber giraffe that he had declared his greatest enemy.
Jazz sat on the sofa with him on her lap.
Melanie stood near the fireplace, pretending to be calm.
Pretending.
Because she had spent the last twenty-four hours wondering about one question.
Would Ishika choose Rose Corporation?
The doorbell rang.
Jazz opened it.
"There they are."
Inside walked Ishika.
Followed by Anamika Modi.
Both carrying breakfast.
Melanie folded her arms.
"You two are smiling."
Anamika simply nodded.
"I am."
Melanie looked at Ishika.
"And you."
"Me too."
"...I don't like this."
Jazz laughed.
"Mel, you're scared."
"I am cautious."
"You're scared."
"I'm preparing for disappointment."
Just then-
another knock.
Riya walked in without waiting.
"Good morning, boring people!"
Behind her came Payal carrying dessert.
"You invited yourself again?"
Riya nodded proudly.
"I sensed drama."
"You have a sixth sense."
"I do."
Everyone settled down.
Coffee was poured.
Breakfast plates were passed around.
Melanie couldn't wait anymore.
She looked directly at Ishika.
"So?"
Silence.
Everyone looked at Ishika.
She smiled.
Took a deep breath.
Then spoke.
"I've made my decision."
Melanie unconsciously held her breath.
Anamika simply watched her wife with a small smile.
"I want to work..."
A pause.
"...at Rose Corporation."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Melanie blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then a third time.
As if making sure she had heard correctly.
"You..."
She pointed at herself.
"...chose me?"
Ishika nodded.
"Yes."
Melanie stared.
For several seconds.
Then-
a tiny laugh escaped her.
Followed by a watery smile.
She quickly looked away.
Adjusting her glasses.
Pretending to wipe them.
Except-
there was nothing on the lenses.
Jazz noticed first.
"So..."
She smiled softly.
"You're crying."
"I'm not."
"A little."
"I'm absolutely not."
A single tear escaped anyway.
Melanie immediately wiped it away.
Embarrassed.
"I said I'm not crying."
Riya gasped dramatically.
"The Iron Professor has emotions!"
Payal elbowed her.
"Gently."
Melanie looked back at Ishika.
Her smile was genuine now.
Warm.
Almost relieved.
"You have no idea..."
She laughed quietly.
"...how much I missed arguing with you."
Ishika grinned.
"I argue with everyone."
"I know."
Melanie shook her head.
"But you're the only student who argued with me using citations."
Everyone laughed.
Melanie continued.
"The classes have been too peaceful."
"I made them peaceful."
"You made them noisy."
"You loved it."
"...I did."
Another tiny laugh escaped.
Then Melanie admitted quietly-
"I missed annoying you."
Ishika's smile softened.
"I missed it too."
Anamika looked between them.
"...Should I be concerned?"
"Yes," Riya answered immediately.
"No," Ishika said at the same time.
Melanie smirked.
"I've got my favorite headache back."
"I feel so appreciated."
"You shouldn't."
The room laughed again.
Jazz smiled.
"This is adorable."
Then-
Anamika calmly placed her coffee cup down.
Everyone recognized that movement.
Business mode.
Melanie recognized it too.
"Oh no."
Anamika folded her hands.
"Now..."
She smiled politely.
"Melanie."
Melanie narrowed her eyes.
"Yes?"
"You need to promise me a few things."
Silence.
Jazz slowly leaned back.
"Oh, here we go."
Riya whispered to Payal-
"I've been waiting."
Payal nodded.
"Same."
Melanie sighed.
"...Proceed."
Anamika took out a neatly folded paper.
Everyone stared.
"You made a list?"
"I came prepared."
Riya whispered-
"She actually printed it."
Melanie rubbed her forehead.
"I already hate this meeting."
Anamika unfolded the paper.
"There are only a few conditions."
Melanie laughed.
"I don't believe you."
Anamika ignored her.
"Condition number one."
She looked directly at Melanie.
"No employee is allowed to have unnecessary personal conversations with Ishika."
Melanie blinked.
"...What?"
"No unnecessary personal conversations."
"So..."
Melanie looked around.
"...she works in complete silence?"
"Professional conversations are acceptable."
Riya snorted.
Payal covered her mouth.
Anamika continued.
"Condition number two."
"No touching."
Melanie frowned.
"...Excuse me?"
"No touching."
"No handshakes."
"No hugs."
"No unnecessary physical contact."
Jazz nearly dropped her coffee.
Riya was already laughing.
Melanie looked genuinely confused.
"She's joining an office."
"Correct."
"Not witness protection."
Anamika continued reading.
"Condition number three."
"No flirting."
The room exploded.
Riya almost fell off the sofa.
Payal buried her face in her hands.
Jazz laughed uncontrollably.
Melanie looked personally offended.
"I wasn't planning to flirt with your wife!"
"I know."
"Then why is it on the list?"
"For safety."
"What safety?!"
Anamika calmly continued.
"No compliments."
Melanie blinked.
"...No compliments?"
"No calling her pretty."
"No calling her beautiful."
"No calling her adorable."
"No commenting on her smile."
"No commenting on-"
Melanie interrupted.
"I GET IT!"
Silence.
She looked at Anamika.
Then at the paper.
Then back.
"You are sending your wife to work..."
A dramatic pause.
"...and asking her boss to become her personal bodyguard."
The room burst into laughter again.
Melanie threw both hands into the air.
"The audacity!"
Anamika remained completely serious.
"It's my term."
Another sip of coffee.
"Take it or leave it."
Melanie stared.
Long.
Hard.
Then pointed toward Ishika.
"Do you hear this?"
Ishika nodded helplessly.
"Every day."
Melanie sighed dramatically.
"I've negotiated billion-dollar mergers."
"I've handled hostile acquisitions."
"I've dealt with governments."
She pointed at Anamika.
"And somehow..."
"You are my hardest negotiation."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I'll still take it."
Riya was laughing so hard tears rolled down her face.
"I can't."
Payal patted her shoulder.
"You'll survive."
"I don't think I will."
Jazz finally spoke.
She pointed at both Anamika and Melanie.
Then looked at Ishika.
"Ishu..."
"Yes?"
"I think it's better if you continue your studies for another two years."
Ishika blinked.
"What?"
Jazz nodded very seriously.
"Instead of getting trapped between these two freaks."
She pointed first at Anamika.
"The possessive wife."
Then at Melanie.
"The sarcastic boss."
"I object," Melanie said.
"So do I," Anamika added.
Jazz ignored both.
"You still have time."
"You can escape."
Riya immediately stood up dramatically.
"I support this proposal."
Payal nodded.
"I second it."
Ishika looked around the room.
Then sighed.
"You all realize..."
She pointed at the two women.
"...they're actually getting along just to gang up on me."
Melanie and Anamika exchanged a glance.
Then-
without a word-
both nodded in perfect synchronization.
Riya gasped.
"They synchronized."
Jazz clutched Aarav dramatically.
"Baby..."
She whispered.
"Never grow up to be like them."
Aarav looked around at the laughing adults.
Then suddenly reached both tiny hands toward Ishika.
"See?" Riya declared. "Even he thinks you need rescuing."
Ishika picked him up with a grin.
"At least someone is on my side."
Aarav happily patted her cheek.
Melanie folded her arms with exaggerated jealousy.
"Wonderful. I lose my favorite student to my company..."
She looked at Aarav.
"...and I still can't compete with her for the baby's attention."
Anamika smirked.
"You'll have to accept second place."
Melanie sighed dramatically.
"I agreed to hire Ishika."
She looked at everyone around the room.
"I did not realize I was also inheriting this entire circus."
Riya raised her coffee mug.
"Too late."
Payal clinked her mug against Riya's.
"Welcome to the family."
Melanie looked around at the laughter filling the room-Jazz smiling with Aarav in her arms, Ishika laughing at Riya's latest joke, Anamika pretending not to smile while quietly watching her wife.
Despite all the chaos...
Despite the impossible conditions...
Despite the endless teasing...
She found herself smiling too.
Perhaps hiring Ishika wasn't just gaining an employee.
It was another reason for this wonderfully ridiculous family to keep finding their way back to one another.
Melanie feels included.
**
One Week Later.
The headquarters of Rose Corporation had never been this nervous.
Not because of a merger.
Not because of a board meeting.
But because everyone knew one thing.
The CEO's favorite former student was joining the company.
Unfortunately...
Everyone also knew one more thing.
That former student happened to be Anamika Modi's wife.
Which meant-
One wrong move...
...and nobody wanted to imagine the consequences.
First Day
Melanie stood at the entrance with a visitor badge.
"Ishika."
"Professor."
Melanie raised an eyebrow.
"Office."
Ishika immediately corrected herself.
"Good morning, ma'am."
"Better."
She handed over the employee ID.
"Welcome to Rose Corporation."
Ishika looked around.
The building was elegant.
Modern.
Open.
Unlike Modi Group's intimidating marble-and-glass image-
Rose Corporation felt creative.
People talked.
Ideas were scribbled across glass boards.
Design teams argued over coffee.
Someone was presenting with socks that had ducks on them.
Ishika smiled.
"I like it."
"I know you would."
Melanie started walking.
"And before you ask..."
"I already assigned your mentor."
"You?"
Melanie looked offended.
"I have a company to run."
"Oh."
"You'll report to me."
"...That's worse."
"It is."
Training
Within three days-
Ishika learned something.
Melanie Rose was terrifying.
Not because she shouted.
She rarely did.
But because she expected excellence.
"Ishika."
"Yes?"
"This report."
"Yes?"
"It's good."
Ishika smiled.
Melanie continued.
"But good isn't enough."
Smile gone.
"Again."
"Again?"
"Again."
"I worked six hours-"
"I know."
"..."
"..."
"You'll thank me later."
"I doubt it."
"You will."
She did.
Every correction made her stronger.
Every presentation improved.
Every mistake became a lesson.
And despite complaining every evening-
Ishika secretly loved it.
The Promise
Melanie had made one promise.
To Anamika.
She intended to keep it.
Painfully.
One afternoon-
A young marketing executive approached Ishika.
"Good afternoon, ma'am."
"Good afternoon."
"I was wondering if-"
Before he finished-
Melanie appeared.
Silently.
Like corporate Batman.
"Rajat."
The employee jumped.
"Ma'am!"
"Weren't you supposed to be reviewing Campaign Four?"
"I..."
"I'll wait."
"...Yes, ma'am."
He fled.
Ishika stared.
"...Mel."
"Hm?"
"You scared him."
"I redirected him."
"You terrified him."
"He'll recover."
Five minutes later-
Another employee.
"Ma'am, your presentation was amazing-"
Melanie.
Appeared again.
"Nisha."
"...Yes, ma'am?"
"Presentation room."
"I was just complimenting-"
"I know."
"Go."
"...Yes, ma'am."
She disappeared.
Ishika folded her arms.
"Really?"
"I promised."
"You've become my security guard."
"I prefer 'CEO.'"
Employee Gossip
By the second week-
The office had theories.
Theory One
The CEO hated everyone.
False.
Theory Two
The new employee was secretly royalty.
Possible.
Theory Three
Talking to Ishika shortened your career.
Very possible.
Two interns whispered near the pantry.
"I smiled at her yesterday."
"And?"
"The CEO appeared."
"...From where?"
"I don't know."
"It was terrifying."
"I think she teleports."
Neither noticed-
Melanie walking behind them.
Both froze.
"Good morning."
"GOOD MORNING, MA'AM!"
They vanished.
Melanie nodded.
"Efficient."
Meanwhile...
At Modi Group-
Someone was unhappy.
Very unhappy.
Anamika looked at her phone.
8:15 PM.
No wife.
She called.
Ishika answered immediately.
"Hi, Mika."
"Where are you?"
"Office."
Silence.
"It's eight fifteen."
"I know."
"Why?"
" Mel gave me revisions."
Silence.
Another dangerous silence.
"I'll pick you up."
"Mika-"
Too late.
Call disconnected.
Ishika looked toward Melanie.
"...She's coming."
Melanie didn't even look up from the file.
"I know."
"How?"
"I received three missed calls."
Twenty Minutes Later
The office doors opened.
Employees looked up.
Then immediately looked down.
Anamika Modi.
Walked in.
Calm.
Elegant.
Terrifying.
She reached Melanie's office.
Didn't knock.
Opened the door.
Melanie looked up.
"You're late."
"I'm exactly on time."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
Ishika quietly continued typing.
Pretending not to exist.
Melanie leaned back.
"Your wife is improving."
"I know."
"She needs more responsibility."
"No."
"She does."
"No."
Melanie pointed toward Ishika.
"She stayed voluntarily."
Anamika looked at Ishika.
True.
"...Still no."
Melanie sighed.
"You are impossible."
"You overwork my wife."
"I train your wife."
"You make her stay late."
"She chose to stay."
"You gave her extra reports."
"They're educational."
"They're torture."
"They're opportunities."
"They're suffering."
"They're growth."
"They're my wife."
The room fell silent.
Ishika slowly raised her hand.
"...Can I say something?"
Both women looked at her.
"No."
She lowered her hand.
"...Okay."
Melanie stood.
Walked toward Anamika.
"I promised to protect her."
"You did."
"I've kept that promise."
"You have."
"I also promised I'd make her better."
Anamika looked toward Ishika.
Who was quietly finishing her report.
Focused.
Confident.
Far more capable than when she'd started.
She noticed it.
Of course she noticed it.
Melanie softened.
"I won't break her."
"I know."
"I'll push her."
"I know."
"I'll make her earn every success."
Silence.
Then Anamika sighed.
"...I know."
Melanie smiled.
"But."
Anamika pointed at the clock.
"She comes home before dinner."
Melanie laughed.
"You're negotiating office timings now?"
"I'm negotiating my marriage."
Ishika finally laughed.
Melanie shook her head.
"You know what your biggest weakness is?"
"My wife."
"Exactly."
Anamika didn't even deny it.
"I know."
Melanie looked at Ishika.
"See?"
"I see."
"Hopeless."
"Very."
Anamika walked over.
Picked up Ishika's laptop.
Closed it.
"Work's over."
"Mika, I'm almost done."
"You'll finish tomorrow."
"Five more minutes."
"No."
"Three?"
"No."
"One?"
"No."
Melanie watched the exchange with amusement.
Then waved a hand.
"Go."
Ishika blinked.
"Really?"
"Yes."
She smiled faintly.
"The report can wait."
Anamika looked suspicious.
"You're letting her leave?"
Melanie shrugged.
"She's worked enough today."
Ishika smiled gratefully.
"Thank you,Mel."
Melanie immediately corrected her.
"Office."
Ishika laughed.
"Thank you, ma'am."
As Ishika packed her bag, Melanie called after them.
"Oh, Anamika."
Anamika turned.
Melanie smirked.
"I kept every promise."
She gestured toward the office outside.
"Nobody hugged her."
"No unnecessary compliments."
"No flirting."
"I even scared away two interns."
Anamika nodded approvingly.
"Good."
Melanie sighed dramatically.
"I've never worked this hard to keep employees away from another employee."
Ishika couldn't help laughing.
Anamika reached for her hand.
"Ready to go home?"
Ishika intertwined their fingers.
"Ready."
As they walked out together, employees discreetly peeked from their desks.
One intern whispered, "They're holding hands."
Another whispered back, "After today, I'm convinced the CEO's toughest client isn't a multinational company."
"It's Mrs. Modi."
From inside her office, Melanie overheard just enough to smile to herself.
She looked at the stack of work Ishika had completed.
Neat.
Thoughtful.
Improved.
Exactly as she'd hoped.
Then she muttered with a fond shake of her head,
"You're going to be exceptional, Ishika."
And for the first time since graduation, she no longer missed having her favorite student around.
Now she had her favorite employee too.
**
Sunday afternoon at Melanie's house should have been peaceful.
It wasn't.
Because gathered in the living room were three people who collectively possessed excellent intentions...
...and absolutely no ability to behave normally.
Jazz sat on the floor with a notebook.
Ishika sat beside baby Aarav, who was enthusiastically chewing on a stuffed elephant.
Riya had somehow acquired a whiteboard.
No one asked where it came from.
Jazz looked horrified.
"...Do we really need the board?"
"Absolutely."
Riya uncapped a marker dramatically.
"This is a military operation."
"It's a proposal."
"Exactly."
She underlined Proposal of the Year three times.
Jazz laughed.
"I want it to be perfect."
"It will be," Ishika assured her.
Riya nodded solemnly.
"Our Professor deserves nothing less."
Jazz smiled softly.
"She really does."
There was a brief silence.
Then Riya clapped.
"Brainstorm!"
Jazz looked at Ishika.
"I honestly don't know where to begin."
Ishika thought for a moment.
Then snapped her fingers.
"I've got it."
Both women immediately leaned toward her.
"You tell Melanie that you've been called away on an urgent work trip."
Jazz nodded slowly.
"Okay..."
"Call her while she's at work."
"Tell her not to wait up."
Jazz was listening carefully.
"Then?"
"You secretly go home."
Riya's eyes widened.
"Oh."
Ishika was getting excited now.
"You decorate the whole house."
"Candles."
"Flowers."
"Photos."
"The works."
Jazz's smile kept growing.
"And?"
"When Melanie gets home around midnight..."
Ishika grinned.
"...you'll already be there."
She pointed dramatically.
"And then you propose."
Silence.
Then-
Jazz gasped.
"I LOVE IT."
Riya slammed both hands on the table.
"YES!"
She circled something random on the whiteboard.
"This."
She pointed.
"This is cinema."
Jazz laughed.
"I'm actually doing this."
"You are."
"And..."
Ishika reached over.
"I'll babysit Aarav."
Jazz blinked.
"You will?"
"As many days as you need."
Jazz looked genuinely touched.
"Ishu..."
"No problem."
She smiled.
"You focus on Melanie."
"I'll focus on this little menace."
She tickled Aarav's tummy.
The baby giggled loudly.
Jazz hugged Ishika.
"Thank you."
Riya watched them.
Then slowly smirked.
"I know exactly why you volunteered."
Ishika frowned.
"What?"
Riya folded her arms.
"Given your current situation..."
She looked directly at Ishika.
"...you'll do absolutely anything to stay away from Anamika."
Silence.
Ishika froze.
Jazz burst into laughter.
"I knew it!"
"I DID NOT SAY THAT."
"You didn't have to."
Riya pointed triumphantly.
"Evidence!"
"There is no evidence."
"You've been walking like a seventy-year-old grandmother."
Jazz laughed harder.
"Ishu..."
"Stop laughing."
"You literally sat down with sound effects."
"I was tired!"
"You made old people noises."
"I DID NOT."
"You absolutely did."
Ishika groaned.
"Oh my God."
She threw a cushion at Riya.
"Stick to the proposal."
Riya dodged it effortlessly.
"Fine."
She looked at Jazz.
"But."
She raised a finger.
"Please."
"Tell Melanie tonight."
Jazz blinked.
"I was planning to."
Riya nodded seriously.
"Good."
Then leaned closer.
"Don't stretch it until Aarav turns five."
The room exploded into laughter.
Jazz covered her face.
"Riya!"
"What?"
"You know exactly what."
"I do."
She pointed accusingly.
"You delayed telling Rebecca about your pregnancy forever."
"I was scared."
"I know."
"So no delaying."
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Riya nodded in satisfaction.
"Excellent."
Then-
she suddenly narrowed her eyes.
Looking at Jazz suspiciously.
"Question."
Jazz blinked.
"What?"
"Have you two kissed?"
Silence.
Jazz suddenly found the carpet fascinating.
"..."
Riya gasped.
"No."
Jazz whispered-
"...No."
The room became deathly silent.
Even Aarav stopped chewing.
Riya slowly looked at Ishika.
Then back at Jazz.
Then dramatically placed both hands on her head.
"Oh."
"My."
"God."
Jazz looked embarrassed.
"What?"
"Poor Mel!"
Jazz hid behind a cushion.
"Don't."
"That woman has been STARVING."
"RIYA!"
Ishika started laughing so hard she nearly fell off the sofa.
Riya wasn't finished.
"You've been living together."
Jazz nodded weakly.
"You love each other."
"...Yes."
"You're basically raising a child together."
"...Yes."
"And YOU HAVEN'T KISSED?"
Jazz looked ready to disappear.
"No..."
Riya stood dramatically.
"I refuse."
She pointed at Jazz.
"You are definitely kissing her tonight."
Jazz covered her face.
"Our Mel deserves the best."
Ishika nodded with complete seriousness.
"I agree."
Jazz looked betrayed.
"You too?"
"Absolutely."
Riya walked over to Ishika.
Wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Then looked at Jazz.
"Look."
She pointed at Ishika.
"One side..."
She pointed dramatically.
"Mel isn't getting anything."
Then poked Ishika.
"On the other side..."
She smirked wickedly.
"This one is having an overdose."
She threw a cushion directly at Ishika.
It hit perfectly.
Ishika caught it.
Looked offended.
"Not my fault."
She crossed her arms.
"When your sister is a beast."
Jazz burst into laughter.
Riya wheezed.
Silence.
Then-
she continued ranting.
"She doesn't understand moderation."
Jazz laughed.
"None whatsoever."
"I mean honestly..."
Ishika shook her head.
"I just want one peaceful night."
"Impossible."
"Exactly!"
"I wake up tired."
Jazz covered her face.
"Ishu..."
"I don't even get enough time to recover."
Riya bit her lip.
Trying not to laugh.
"I mean..."
Ishika continued dramatically.
"...does she have unlimited energy?"
Riya looked past Ishika.
Toward the doorway.
Then smiled.
A dangerous smile.
Jazz noticed immediately.
Her eyes widened.
She tried signaling.
Ishika misunderstood.
"What?"
Jazz frantically moved her eyes toward the door.
Ishika looked confused.
"Why are you blinking like that?"
Riya finally couldn't hold it anymore.
She burst into laughter.
Ishika frowned.
"What?"
Then-
a familiar voice.
Very calm.
Very soft.
"Really?"
Silence.
Every head turned.
Standing behind Ishika-
arms folded-
was Anamika Modi.
She had apparently heard...
Everything.
Ishika closed her eyes.
Very slowly.
"...Why me?"
Ishika stared.
"...Mika."
Anamika raised one eyebrow.
As if asking,
Go on.
I'm listening.
Jazz immediately looked away.
She was not getting involved.
Riya looked positively delighted.
"Oh, this is better than television."
Ishika pointed accusingly.
"You knew!"
Riya nodded happily.
"I did."
"You traitor."
"Always."
Ishika sighed dramatically.
Then looked at Anamika.
"Mika..."
"Hm?"
"I know I'm done."
"You do."
Silence.
Then Ishika held up five fingers.
"Can you please spare me five minutes?"
Anamika blinked.
"...Why?"
Ishika slowly pointed toward Riya.
"The root cause."
Riya immediately backed away.
"I don't like where this is going."
Ishika stood up.
Still looking at Anamika.
"I'm ending the root cause of all my miseries today."
Riya gasped.
"You wouldn't."
"I absolutely would."
Then Ishika looked toward the hallway.
And shouted-
"Also!"
She pointed dramatically at Riya.
"Tell Payu to find a new wife!"
Riya screamed.
Then ran.
Ishika immediately chased after her.
"COME BACK HERE!"
"I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!"
The living room descended into complete chaos.
Cushions flew.
A blanket somehow became a weapon.
One decorative pillow narrowly missed a lamp.
Jazz sat frozen.
Watching the destruction.
Aarav clapped excitedly.
Apparently believing this was a game.
At that exact moment-
the front door opened.
Payal walked in carrying shopping bags.
She stopped.
Looked at the living room.
Then watched Riya sprint past her.
With Ishika chasing behind holding a sofa cushion like a sword.
"I'M GOING TO END THIS FRIENDSHIP!"
"YOU SAID THAT LAST WEEK!"
"I MEANT IT THIS TIME!"
Payal slowly turned toward Anamika.
Who stood calmly sipping tea.
Completely unbothered.
"...Should I ask?"
Anamika took another sip.
"No."
Payal nodded.
"Fair."
Ishika grabbed the nearest cushion.
And launched it.
Direct hit.
Riya shrieked.
Then ran.
Around the sofa.
Ishika chased her.
"COME BACK HERE!"
"I CHOOSE LIFE!"
Another cushion flew.
Missed.
Hit the curtains.
A stuffed teddy bear followed.
Then a throw blanket.
Then somehow-
a decorative pillow.
Jazz was laughing too hard to intervene.
Aarav was giggling, convinced this was a new game.
Riya darted behind the dining table.
"I was helping!"
"You were instigating!"
"Constructive instigation!"
"There is no such thing!"
"You started this!"
Payal sighed.
Looked at Anamika.
"Should we stop them?"
Anamika watched as Ishika threw another cushion.
This one hit Riya square in the face.
She smiled.
A slow, amused smile.
"...No."
Payal raised an eyebrow.
"No?"
"They're getting their exercise."
As if on cue-
Riya yelped.
"I SURRENDER!"
Ishika pointed a finger.
"You'll surrender after you admit you're the reason I get into trouble!"
"I AM THE REASON!"
"Louder!"
"I AM THE REASON!"
"Again!"
"I AM THE REASON FOR ALL YOUR MISERIES!"
The room erupted into laughter.
Even Anamika couldn't hold it in anymore.
Watching her wife stand triumphantly with a cushion in hand like a victorious warrior-
she shook her head fondly.
"...My adorable menace."
Ishika looked over.
Immediately forgetting about Riya.
"...Did you just call me adorable?"
Anamika smiled.
"Yes."
Riya took the opportunity.
Slipped behind Payal.
"And that's my cue to survive another day."
Everyone laughed.
She watched Ishika chase Riya around the furniture, trying-and repeatedly failing-to catch her.
Jazz leaned back, wiping tears from laughing so hard.
She looked at Aarav.
"Sweetheart..."
Aarav squealed happily.
Jazz smiled.
"This..."
She gestured toward the chaos.
"...is your family."
Aarav giggled louder.
As if completely agreeing.
Operation "Marry Mel" had somehow turned into Operation "Save Riya."
And somehow...
that felt perfectly normal for this family.
**
By six in the evening, Operation: Marry Mel had officially begun.
At Melanie Rose's house-
there wasn't a single trace of the ordinary living room anymore.
Flowers covered every corner.
Fairy lights stretched across the walls.
Candles remained unlit, waiting for the perfect moment.
Framed photographs of Jazz, Melanie, and baby Aarav had been carefully arranged on a table.
In the center of the room stood one simple wooden box.
Inside-
the engagement ring.
Jazz stood outside the house with her phone.
She looked at Riya.
"I still feel guilty."
Riya sighed dramatically.
"You're going to lie exactly once."
"I know."
"And it's for a proposal."
"I know."
"So call."
Jazz nodded.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed Melanie's contact.
The call connected almost immediately.
"Hey."
Melanie sounded busy.
"You okay?"
Jazz smiled despite herself.
"Yeah."
"I just wanted to tell you something."
"What happened?"
Jazz took another breath.
"I got assigned to a last-minute project."
Silence.
"Oh?"
"I'll have to travel."
"When?"
"...Now."
A small pause.
"I'll probably be back tomorrow."
Melanie sounded disappointed.
"Oh."
"I'm sorry."
"No."
Melanie's voice immediately softened.
"Don't apologize."
"Work is work."
"I'll probably stay late at the office too."
Jazz smiled sadly.
"I figured."
"You'll eat properly?"
"I will."
"You'll sleep?"
"I'll try."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
A comfortable silence settled.
Then Melanie spoke quietly.
"I'll miss you tonight."
Jazz closed her eyes for a second.
"...I'll miss you too."
She almost told her everything.
Almost.
Instead-
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"You will."
"Drive safely."
"I will."
The call ended.
Jazz stared at the phone.
"...I hate lying."
Riya hugged her shoulder.
"Tonight it'll be worth it."
Payal nodded.
"Come on."
"We have a house to transform."
Phase Two: Decorating
Within minutes-
absolute chaos began.
Riya somehow tangled herself in fairy lights.
"Help!"
Payal sighed.
"How did you even do that?"
"I don't know."
Jazz laughed while arranging candles.
Payal untangled Riya like she was rescuing someone from vines.
"There."
"I'm free!"
"You were trapped for forty-three seconds."
"It felt like years."
Meanwhile-
Jazz carefully placed photographs on the shelf.
One from the hospital.
One from Aarav's first smile.
One from their first family picnic.
One candid picture of Melanie asleep with Aarav lying on her chest.
Jazz smiled warmly.
"She's going to cry."
Riya looked over.
"Oh."
"Definitely."
Meanwhile...
At Modi Mansion-
Anamika had accepted babysitting duty.
Mostly because she had no choice.
Baby Aarav sat happily on the enormous bed.
Surrounded by plush toys.
And-
naturally-
Ishika.
Who had completely forgotten her wife existed.
"Who's my handsome little prince?"
Aarav squealed happily.
"You are!"
Another giggle.
"Who's the cutest?"
More giggles.
"You are!"
Anamika stood beside the bed.
Watching.
Waiting.
Patiently.
Surely-
eventually-
her wife would acknowledge her.
Surely.
She reached toward Ishika's shoulder.
Before she could touch-
Tiny hand.
Smack.
Aarav slapped Anamika's hand away.
Not hard.
Just enough.
Anamika blinked.
"...Did he?"
Ishika stared.
Then burst into laughter.
"Oh my God!"
Aarav giggled proudly.
Ishika immediately picked him up.
"Aww."
She kissed his forehead.
"My tiny bodyguard!"
Aarav squealed.
As if accepting the promotion.
Anamika looked offended.
"I've been rejected."
Ishika laughed harder.
"He protected me."
"From your own wife."
"Exactly."
"I don't think he understands marriage."
Aarav looked at Anamika.
Then immediately hid against Ishika's shoulder.
Everyone laughed.
Well-
Ishika laughed.
Anamika sighed dramatically.
"I've lost my wife to a six-month-old."
Ishika grinned.
"Apparently."
Anamika folded her arms.
"I don't like this alliance."
Aarav looked back.
Smiled.
Then...
Reached for Ishika's hair.
Victory.
Ishika melted immediately.
"You're perfect."
Anamika looked horrified.
"You've replaced me."
"I have not."
"You called him your bodyguard."
"He earned it."
Anamika shook her head.
Anamika sat beside Ishika.
Carefully.
Very carefully.
She wrapped one arm around her wife's waist.
Success.
For approximately-
Three seconds.
Tiny hand.
Pat.
Aarav pushed Anamika's arm away.
Ishika couldn't breathe from laughing.
"HE DID IT AGAIN!"
Aarav laughed too.
Clearly pleased with himself.
Anamika looked directly at him.
"We need to talk."
The baby blinked innocently.
"I knew becoming an aunt would change her."
Ishika wiped tears of laughter.
"I'm sorry."
"No, you're not."
"I'm really not."
Then-
without warning-
Aarav looked at Anamika.
Held out both tiny arms.
Silence.
Everyone froze.
Ishika blinked.
"...You traitor."
Aarav made a tiny impatient sound.
Anamika smiled victoriously.
"Oh?"
She picked him up.
Instantly-
he rested comfortably against her shoulder.
Calm.
Happy.
Satisfied.
Anamika looked at Ishika.
"What happened to your bodyguard?"
Ishika gasped dramatically.
"He switched sides!"
Aarav reached up.
Touched Anamika's cheek.
She softened immediately.
"There we go."
Ishika pointed accusingly.
"You bribed him."
"I did no such thing."
"You definitely promised him snacks."
"I don't negotiate with babies."
Aarav patted Anamika's face again.
She smiled without even realizing it.
Ishika folded her arms.
"I've been abandoned."
Anamika smirked.
"My turn."
She gently bounced Aarav.
Who immediately giggled.
Then-
quite deliberately-
the baby looked at Ishika.
Smiled.
And snuggled closer into Anamika's shoulder.
Ishika stared in disbelief.
"He looked at me while doing that."
Anamika laughed.
"I think he's making a point."
"He's six months old!"
"Apparently he's strategic."
Ishika sighed dramatically and flopped backward onto the bed.
"I've been betrayed by my own bodyguard."
Anamika sat beside her with Aarav still happily in her arms.
She leaned over and kissed Ishika's forehead.
"There."
"Feeling better?"
Ishika pretended to pout.
"Only a little."
Anamika smiled.
Then quietly slipped her free hand into Ishika's.
This time-
Aarav watched carefully.
Everyone waited.
The tiny "bodyguard" looked from their joined hands...
to Ishika...
to Anamika.
He considered it with the seriousness only babies could somehow manage.
Then he yawned.
Curled one tiny hand around Anamika's finger.
Reached his other little hand toward Ishika's sleeve.
And promptly fell asleep holding on to both of them.
Ishika's expression softened instantly.
"Oh..."
She whispered.
"Looks like our little bodyguard has decided."
Anamika smiled.
"He wasn't choosing sides."
"He just wanted both of us."
The room fell quiet.
Outside, the last rays of sunlight disappeared.
Across the city, Jazz was putting the finishing touches on a proposal that she hoped would change the rest of their lives.
**