Meant to be yours

Family

The clock on Melanie Rose's office desk read 11:42 p.m.
She rubbed her tired eyes.
The quarterly review file was finally complete.
Outside her glass cabin, the entire office floor was dark.
Only the security lights remained on.
Her phone buzzed.
It was a picture from Jazz.
A blurry selfie of Aarav sleeping in Ishika's arms.
Jazz: He's behaving today.
Melanie smiled unconsciously.
She typed back.
Melanie: Tell him his Mama misses him.
She stared at the message for a moment before sending another.
Melanie: I miss you too.
No reply.
She frowned.
"Probably asleep already..."
She packed her laptop.
Locked her office.
And drove home.
At Melanie's House
Inside...
The lights were off.
The entire house was silent.
Melanie unlocked the front door.
"Jazz?"
Nothing.
She remembered.
Right.
Work trip.
She sighed.
"I already miss you..."
She stepped inside.
Click.
The door closed behind her.
She reached for the switch.
Before she could-
Tiny fairy lights suddenly illuminated the room.
Warm golden lights spread across every wall.
Melanie froze.
"What..."
Soft instrumental music began playing.
She slowly looked around.
Candles.
Flowers.
Photographs.
Hundreds of little memories.
Jazz laughing while covered in cake frosting.
Their first family picnic.
Aarav asleep on Melanie's chest.
Hospital bracelets.
Tiny baby socks framed beside Aarav's first ultrasound.
Melanie's breathing hitched.
"What is..."
She took another step.
Another photograph.
Jazz sleeping while holding Aarav.
A sticky note underneath.
"Home."
Melanie's eyes immediately watered.
She slowly continued walking.
Each photograph had a handwritten note.
"Thank you for staying."
"Thank you for choosing us."
"Thank you for every morning coffee."
"Thank you for every doctor appointment."
"Thank you for every nightmare you chased away."
Her vision blurred.
"...Jazz..."
Then-
she noticed flower petals leading toward the backyard.
Heart pounding-
she followed them.
The Garden
The backyard had transformed completely.
Fairy lights hung from every tree.
Lanterns glowed softly.
White roses surrounded a small wooden platform.
In the center-
stood Jazz.
Wearing the same deep red dress Melanie had once secretly admired while shopping.
Jazz smiled nervously.
Melanie covered her mouth.
"You..."
Jazz laughed softly.
"You thought I went on a work trip."
"You lied."
"I did."
"I hate lies."
"I know."
"...I'll forgive this one."
Both laughed quietly.
For several seconds-
neither moved.
Neither spoke.
They simply looked at each other.
Finally-
Jazz broke the silence.
"I've been practicing this."
Melanie smiled through tears.
"I haven't."
"You don't have to."
Jazz slowly walked closer.
"I spent months thinking about what to say."
"You deserve someone who never runs."
Melanie's eyes immediately became glossy.
"You deserve someone who chooses you first."
Another step.
"You deserve someone who kisses you without waiting six months."
Melanie laughed despite herself.
"I see Riya helped."
Jazz groaned.
"She bullied me."
"I know."
"She called you starved."
Melanie burst into laughter.
"That sounds like her."
Jazz smiled.
"She also threatened me."
"I believe that too."
They both laughed.
The nervousness slowly disappeared.
Jazz reached into her pocket.
Pulled out a small velvet box.
Melanie's breath caught.
"No..."
Jazz nodded.
"Yes."
She slowly knelt down.
Melanie instinctively reached toward her.
"Jazz..."
"No."
"Let me finish."
Melanie nodded, already crying.
Jazz looked up at her.
"I've loved you for a long time."
"You became home before I even realized I was looking for one."
"You loved my son before asking if he was yours."
"You loved me when I couldn't even love myself."
"You stayed."
"When I pushed..."
"You stayed."
"When I cried..."
"You stayed."
"When I doubted you..."
"You still carried me to the hospital."
Melanie wiped another tear away.
"I hurt you."
"I accused you."
"I made you cry."
"I never want to be the reason you cry again."
Her own voice trembled now.
"I can't promise we'll never fight."
"I can't promise I'll never get scared."
"But..."
She opened the ring box.
"I promise..."
"I'll choose you."
"Every single day."
"As your partner."
"As Aarav's other parent."
"As your family."
She smiled through tears.
"So..."
Her voice barely came out.
" Ice Cold CEO Melanie Louise Rose..."
Melanie laughed tearfully.
"You really used my full name?"
"I wanted to sound professional."
"You failed."
Jazz laughed too.
Then took a deep breath.
"Meli.."
"Will you marry me?"
Silence.
Only the wind.
The fairy lights.
And two women trying not to cry.
Melanie simply stared.
Speechless.
Jazz immediately became nervous.
"...Mel?"
Nothing.
"...Did I..."
Still nothing.
Then-
Melanie laughed.
One tiny laugh.
Followed immediately by uncontrollable tears.
"Oh..."
She covered her face.
"Oh, Jazz..."
She knelt too.
Ignoring the ring completely.
Instead-
she cupped Jazz's face.
"You absolute idiot."
Jazz blinked.
"...What?"
"I would've married you even if you proposed with a plastic ring."
Jazz laughed through her own tears.
"I wanted this to be perfect."
"It already is."
Melanie rested her forehead against Jazz's.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"I've been waiting so long to hear you ask."
Jazz smiled.
"So..."
She looked hopefully at the ring.
"...Is that a yes?"
Melanie laughed again.
"No."
Jazz froze.
"...What?"
Another pause.
Then Melanie smiled mischievously.
"My answer..."
She leaned closer.
"...is absolutely yes."
Jazz let out the loudest relieved laugh of her life.
Melanie slipped the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
They both admired it for a moment.
Then Melanie looked back at Jazz.
"I think..."
"Hm?"
"...there's still something we're forgetting."
Jazz frowned.
"What?"
Melanie smiled knowingly.
"The committee."
Jazz blinked.
"What committee?"
Suddenly-
from inside the house-
a loud whisper.
"FOR GOD'S SAKE, KISS HER!"
Riya.
Immediately followed by another voice.
"RIYA! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO WHISPER!"
Payal.
Jazz covered her face.
"Oh my God..."
Melanie laughed so hard she had to hold onto Jazz's shoulder.
The curtains suddenly moved.
Three suspicious heads disappeared.
One belonged to Riya.
One to Payal.
And one...
very obviously...
to Ishika.
From somewhere behind them, Anamika's exasperated voice drifted out.
"I told you three not to stand directly in front of the window."
"We wanted the best angle!" Riya protested.
Melanie looked back at Jazz with a grin.
"So..."
"The audience seems impatient."
Jazz smiled shyly.
"I guess they are."
Melanie gently brushed a strand of hair behind Jazz's ear.
Then, with all the patience, tenderness, and certainty that had defined their journey together...
She closed the remaining distance.
And kissed Jazz for the very first time.
Inside the house-
Riya threw both hands into the air.
"FINALLY!"
Payal clapped.
Ishika wiped away happy tears.
Anamika simply smiled at the sight of two people finally finding the courage to choose each other.
Outside, under the glow of fairy lights, Jazz and Melanie forgot about the cheering, the laughter, and the teasing.
For one quiet moment...
There was only the promise of forever.
The proposal had been a success.
Jazz was engaged.
Melanie hadn't stopped looking at the ring on her finger.
And for the first time in a long time-
everyone felt...
Peace.
Outside, under the glow of fairy lights, Jazz and Melanie forgot about the cheering, the laughter, and the teasing.
For one quiet moment...
There was only the promise of forever.
The excitement of the proposal slowly settled into a warm, peaceful happiness.
The fairy lights continued to glow around the backyard.
The candles flickered gently in the cool night breeze.
From inside the house came the soft hum of the baby monitor.
Ishika smiled.
"Aarav is asleep in his room."
Jazz let out a relieved sigh.
A cool breeze carried the fragrance of roses.
The proposal decorations remained untouched, making the evening feel almost magical.
The six friends gathered around a round wooden table.
Wine glasses clinked softly.
Except...
One person.
Ishika stared mournfully at her tall glass of fresh mango juice.
She sighed.
Loudly.
Very loudly.
Riya noticed immediately.
"Oh?"
She leaned forward.
"What's wrong with Her Highness?"
Ishika pointed accusingly at Anamika.
"My wife."
Everyone looked at Anamika.
She calmly sipped her wine.
"What about me?"
"She's discriminating."
"I am protecting you."
"Discrimination."
"I call it responsible decision-making."
Ishika huffed.
"I wanted wine."
Anamika looked completely unbothered.
"You got juice."
"I don't want juice."
"You need juice."
"I am an adult."
"Debatable."
Jazz snorted.
Melanie almost choked on her wine.
Payal quietly hid her smile behind her glass.
Ishika looked betrayed.
"Did... did you just call me debatable?"
Anamika nodded once.
"Yes."
"You married me."
"I did."
"So your judgment is questionable too."
That made everyone laugh.
Even Anamika smiled.
"I walked into that one."
"Absolutely."
Ishika proudly lifted her juice.
"I win."
Riya looked at the bright orange drink.
Then at Ishika.
Then grinned.
"I've made a decision."
Nobody trusted that smile.
"What decision?" Ishika asked cautiously.
Riya pointed dramatically.
"I think..."
A dramatic pause.
"...I should start calling you..."
She pretended to think.
"...Baby Bhabhi."
Silence.
Ishika blinked.
"...What?"
"Baby Bhabhi."
"...Why?"
"Because."
Riya counted on her fingers.
"No alcohol."
"Strict bedtime."
"Juice."
"Constant supervision."
She looked toward Anamika.
"Permission required for everything."
Payal burst out laughing.
Jazz nearly spilled her wine.
Melanie shook her head.
"I unfortunately agree."
Ishika gasped.
"Professor!"
"I'm your boss."
"Worse."
Riya continued mercilessly.
"You even have scheduled snacks."
Ishika looked offended.
"I like snacks."
"You also have someone checking whether you've eaten."
"..."
"You have someone carrying your bag."
"..."
"You have someone reminding you to wear a jacket."
"..."
"You have someone who personally picks you up from work."
"..."
"You."
Riya pointed dramatically.
"...are Baby Bhabhi."
Everyone laughed.
Ishika looked around the table.
"You all are enjoying this."
"Very much," Jazz admitted.
Melanie nodded.
"I've been waiting for someone to say it."
"You too?!"
"Absolutely."
Ishika dramatically placed a hand over her heart.
"Why do you all target me?"
She looked directly at Riya.
"Am I not your best friend?"
Riya immediately nodded.
"You are."
"Then why?"
"Because you're fun to bully."
"...That's not friendship."
"It absolutely is."
Payal smiled.
"She's not wrong."
Ishika looked at Payal.
"You've changed."
"I married your best friend's sister."
"So?"
"I'm obligated to support her."
"Traitor."
Payal raised her glass.
"Proudly."
Jazz quietly admired her engagement ring on Melanie's finger.
She smiled unconsciously.
Melanie noticed.
"You've looked at it seventeen times."
Jazz blinked.
"...Were you counting?"
"I lost count after seventeen."
Jazz laughed softly.
"I still can't believe it."
Melanie reached under the table.
Intertwined their fingers.
"I can."
Riya dramatically wiped imaginary tears.
"Look at them."
"So sweet."
"So romantic."
She sighed dramatically.
"They're making me emotional."
Payal looked sideways.
"You cried watching a toothpaste advertisement."
"It was emotional."
"It was about cavities."
"They defeated the cavities together."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Anamika quietly poured herself another small glass of wine.
Ishika watched.
Longingly.
Anamika noticed.
"...No."
"I didn't ask."
"You were thinking."
"I was appreciating."
"You were planning."
"I was observing."
"No."
Ishika pouted.
"I only wanted one sip."
"No."
"Half?"
"No."
"I'll smell it."
"No."
Riya couldn't resist.
"Ishu."
"What?"
"Ask nicely."
Ishika straightened dramatically.
She looked at Anamika.
Folded both hands.
"Mika."
"No."
"I haven't even asked."
"I know what's coming."
"Please?"
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"No."
"I'll massage your shoulders."
"No."
"I'll stop calling actresses sexy."
Anamika paused.
Everyone noticed.
Riya immediately whispered-
"She's negotiating."
Payal nodded seriously.
"This is historic."
Anamika looked thoughtfully at Ishika.
"...No."
Ishika slumped dramatically.
"This marriage is dictatorship."
Anamika calmly reached over.
Took Ishika's juice.
Stirred it with the straw.
Then handed it back.
"There."
"Enjoy."
Everyone laughed again.
Melanie leaned back in her chair.
"You know..."
She looked at Anamika.
"I've been keeping every promise."
"You have."
"I don't let anyone flirt with Ishika."
"I appreciate it."
"I don't let anyone hug her."
"Good."
"I practically escort her around the office."
"Excellent."
Melanie sighed dramatically.
"I've become CEO, HR manager..."
She pointed at Anamika.
"...and your wife's personal security guard."
Jazz laughed.
"I've seen it."
"You scared away two interns."
"They looked overly friendly."
"They asked where the printer was."
"They could've asked someone else."
Riya held her forehead.
"This family needs therapy."
"No," Payal corrected.
"This family needs supervision."
The conversation drifted from work...
To college memories.
To embarrassing stories.
To Riya somehow revealing that Ishika once climbed a mango tree just to prove she could.
"I got stuck," Ishika admitted quietly.
"You cried," Riya corrected.
"I requested assistance."
"You screamed."
"I projected my voice."
"You screamed 'Mika!'"
"I WAS SCARED!"
Melanie laughed so hard she had to remove her glasses.
"I wish I'd known this during college."
"I would've used it against you."
"I know."
The night grew quieter.
Jazz rested her head on Melanie's shoulder.
Payal leaned comfortably against Riya.
Anamika quietly wrapped one arm around Ishika.
This time-
Ishika didn't complain.
She simply leaned closer.
The fairy lights reflected in everyone's glasses.
Soft music played somewhere inside the house.
For a while...
Nobody spoke.
Then Riya broke the silence.
"You know..."
"Hm?" everyone answered.
"I like this."
"The six of us."
She smiled.
"No kidnappings."
"No stalkers."
"No hospitals."
"No business wars."
"No misunderstandings."
"Just..."
She looked around.
"...us."
The others nodded.
Jazz squeezed Melanie's hand.
Anamika looked at everyone around the table.
Her family.
Not by blood.
But by choice.
She raised her wine glass.
"To family."
Melanie lifted hers.
"To second chances."
Jazz smiled.
"To choosing the people who stay."
Payal added warmly,
"To laughter."
Riya grinned.
"And to Baby Bhabhi."
"I KNEW YOU'D BRING IT UP AGAIN!" Ishika protested.
The table erupted into laughter once more.
Even Anamika couldn't suppress a chuckle as she kissed Ishika lightly on the temple.
"I think it suits you."
Ishika looked up at her wife in mock disbelief.
"Not you too..."
"Oh yes," Anamika said with a teasing smile. "My Baby Biwi."
Ishika groaned, buried her face against Anamika's shoulder, and mumbled,
"I'm surrounded by bullies."
"No," Riya said proudly, raising her glass one last time.
"You're surrounded by people who love you."
This time, Ishika couldn't argue.
She simply smiled.
The backyard had settled into a comfortable rhythm.
The proposal had been celebrated.
The jokes had slowed down.
The fairy lights glowed softly overhead, and everyone was relaxed.
Everyone except Ishika.
She was still staring suspiciously at her glass of orange juice.
Anamika noticed.
"You've been looking at that juice for ten minutes."
Ishika sighed.
"It has become a symbol of oppression."
Anamika laughed.
"You'll survive."
"I don't think I will."
Anamika leaned over and kissed her temple.
"My baby biwi will."
Ishika groaned.
"Please stop calling me that."
"No."
What Anamika didn't know was that four people were about to commit the same terrible idea independently.
And none of them knew the others were doing it.
It began with Payal.
While everyone was distracted by Riya telling a ridiculous story, Payal quietly leaned toward Ishika.
"Want a tiny taste?"
Ishika's eyes widened.
"Of?"
Payal discreetly showed her glass.
Ishika glanced toward Anamika.
Anamika was talking to Melanie.
"She'll kill me."
"Then don't let her know."
Ishika hesitated.
Finally, she took the smallest sip.
Payal smiled.
"See?"
Ishika whispered.
"...That's actually good."
"Shh."
Neither noticed Riya watching from across the table.
Ten minutes later-
Riya approached Ishika.
"Baby Bhabhi."
"Don't call me that."
Riya looked around dramatically.
"Want to try something?"
Ishika narrowed her eyes.
"Why is everyone suddenly suspicious?"
Riya quietly offered her glass.
Ishika stared.
"You too?"
"Me too."
"Does Anamika know?"
Riya shook her head.
"Absolutely not."
Ishika hesitated.
Then took another small sip.
Riya grinned.
"Welcome to the dark side."
Ishika shook her head.
"You are terrible."
"Yes."
Neither knew Payal had already done it.
And neither knew Melanie was about to.
Melanie walked past Ishika and quietly placed her own glass near her.
Ishika blinked.
"Professor?"
Melanie whispered.
"One sip."
"You too?"
Melanie frowned.
"Too?"
"...Nothing."
Melanie glanced toward Anamika.
Then back.
"Just one."
Ishika took another tiny sip.
Melanie smiled.
"Don't tell your wife."
"Of course not."
She walked away.
Ishika stared at her.
"This family is corrupt."
And then-
Jazz.
She sat beside Ishika.
"You're still drinking juice?"
Ishika looked suspicious.
"...Why?"
Jazz leaned closer.
"Because you look betrayed."
Ishika whispered,
"Everyone is trying to make me drink."
Jazz laughed.
"Oh."
Then she quietly offered her glass.
Ishika stared at it.
"You're kidding."
"No."
"You too?"
Jazz shrugged.
"Just a little."
Ishika looked around.
Anamika was still distracted.
She took the tiniest sip.
Jazz smiled.
"Don't tell Mel."
Ishika nodded.
"Don't tell Anamika."
"Obviously."
Jazz returned to her seat.
Completely unaware that three other people had already done exactly the same thing.
Twenty Minutes Later
Ishika was beginning to regret every decision she had ever made.
She sat quietly on the far side of the garden.
Very far away from Anamika.
Her cheeks were warm.
Her head felt strangely light.
The fairy lights seemed slightly brighter than before.
She stared at them.
"...Why are there so many?"
Nobody answered.
She blinked.
Then blinked again.
She carefully placed her glass on the table.
"I think..."
She whispered to herself.
"...I made a mistake."
Across the garden-
Anamika noticed.
Her wife had suddenly disappeared from her side.
She looked around.
There.
Ishika was sitting alone.
Too quiet.
Too still.
And very deliberately avoiding eye contact.
Anamika's eyes narrowed.
She stood.
Walked across the garden.
Ishika noticed her approaching.
"Oh no."
She immediately looked away.
Anamika stopped in front of her.
"Ishi."
"Hm?"
"Why are you sitting all the way over here?"
"I'm..."
Ishika searched for an answer.
"...enjoying the scenery."
Anamika looked around.
"The scenery is the same."
"Maybe I like this side better."
Anamika crouched in front of her.
Ishika immediately looked anywhere except at her.
Anamika studied her face.
Her expression changed.
Concern replaced amusement.
"Ishi."
"Hm?"
"Look at me."
Ishika slowly looked up.
Anamika's eyes narrowed.
"You've been drinking."
Ishika's eyes widened.
"No."
"You're dizzy."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm perfectly fine."
Anamika gently touched her cheek.
Ishika leaned into the touch automatically.
That told Anamika enough.
She sighed.
Then asked calmly-
"Who gave you wine, Ishi?"
Silence.
Ishika looked down.
Anamika waited.
"Ishi."
"...Nobody."
"Nobody?"
Ishika nodded.
Anamika raised an eyebrow.
"Then why do you smell like wine?"
Ishika looked genuinely surprised.
"...I do?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
Another silence.
Anamika's voice remained calm.
"Who?"
Ishika looked toward the others.
Payal suddenly became fascinated by the flowers.
Riya looked at the sky.
Jazz stared very intently at her own hands.
Melanie suddenly became extremely interested in the engagement ring.
Anamika followed Ishika's gaze.
Her eyes narrowed further.
"...Interesting."
Riya whispered,
"We're dead."
Payal whispered back,
"Very."
Melanie sighed.
"I knew this was a bad idea."
Jazz looked guilty.
"I thought I was the only one."
All four froze.
Anamika slowly turned toward them.
"You?"
Silence.
Payal raised her hand.
"...Possibly."
"Riya?"
"...Maybe."
"Melanie?"
Melanie sighed.
"Yes."
"Jazz?"
Jazz looked at the ground.
"...Yes."
Anamika stared at all four.
Then looked back at Ishika.
Ishika gave her the smallest apologetic smile.
Anamika closed her eyes.
Took a long breath.
Riya whispered,
"Are we grounded?"
Anamika looked at her.
"Do you want to find out?"
"No."
"Good."
Anamika turned back to Ishika.
Her voice softened immediately.
"Come here."
Ishika slowly stood.
The moment she swayed slightly, Anamika caught her.
"I told you."
Ishika rested her forehead against Anamika's shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
Anamika sighed.
"I know."
She wrapped an arm securely around her.
"Let's get you some water."
Ishika nodded.
Then mumbled,
"You're not angry?"
"I'm angry."
A pause.
"But mostly I'm worried."
Ishika tightened her arms around her.
"I'm sorry, Mika."
Anamika kissed her forehead.
"We'll talk tomorrow."
Ishika groaned softly.
"That's worse."
Anamika laughed despite herself.
"Come on, baby biwi."
Ishika immediately protested.
"Don't call me that."
"Too late."
Behind them, Riya whispered to Payal-
"At least she survived."
Payal nodded.
Melanie sighed.
"Next time, we listen to Anamika."
Jazz nodded.
"Absolutely."
They all looked at Anamika carrying Ishika carefully toward the house.
Then Riya whispered-
"...Probably."
Payal elbowed her.
"Don't push your luck."
Getting Ishika to sleep turned out to be considerably harder than Anamika had anticipated.
Not because Ishika was energetic.
Quite the opposite.
She was sleepy, dizzy, and determined to have an argument with gravity.
"I can walk."
Anamika tightened her arm around her waist.
"I know."
"I can."
"I know."
"Then why are you carrying me?"
"Because you almost walked into the wall."
Ishika looked toward the wall.
"It moved."
Anamika stared at her.
"The wall moved?"
"Yes."
"Interesting."
Ishika nodded seriously.
"Very suspicious wall."
Anamika had to bite back a laugh.
She finally got her into their bedroom, helped her change into comfortable clothes, and tucked her into bed.
"Water."
"I don't want water."
"You need water."
"I want juice."
"You've had enough."
Ishika pouted.
"Mika."
"No."
"You're mean."
"I'll survive."
She held the glass to Ishika's lips.
"Drink."
Ishika took a few sips.
Then immediately sank back against the pillow.
"Happy?"
"Very."
"Can I sleep now?"
"Yes."
Ishika closed her eyes.
Five seconds later-
"Mika?"
"Hm?"
"Are you angry?"
Anamika's expression softened.
"No."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Love you."
"I love you too."
Ishika smiled sleepily.
Then-
finally-
fell asleep.
Anamika remained beside her for a few moments, watching her breathing settle.
Only after she was certain Ishika was comfortable did she quietly leave the room.
The Backyard
Downstairs, the others were waiting.
Payal, Melanie, Jazz, and Riya were sitting together with unusually guilty expressions.
Anamika walked toward them.
Riya immediately sat straighter.
"How is she?"
"Sleeping."
Everyone visibly relaxed.
Payal sighed.
"Anu..."
Anamika sat down.
Payal spoke gently.
"She just wanted a sip."
"She won't do it again."
Jazz nodded.
"Yeah."
"She looked so lost when you took the glass away."
Riya added quietly.
"But..."
She smiled.
"...she looked happy afterward."
Anamika looked toward the staircase.
"I know."
Her voice was quiet.
"I know she didn't mean any harm."
Melanie nodded.
"None of us did."
Anamika looked at the four women.
"I know."
She rubbed her forehead.
"But I'm scared for her."
That silenced everyone.
"She's only twenty."
Her voice cracked slightly.
"I don't want her getting used to drinking because everyone else is doing it."
Jazz's expression softened.
"Anu..."
"I know one evening isn't going to turn her into anything."
Anamika sighed.
"But she's still so young."
Payal reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
"You're just protecting her."
"I know."
"You love her."
"I know."
Riya leaned back.
"I don't think she will get addicted to anything other than you, Anu."
Anamika slowly looked at her.
Riya shrugged.
"What?"
Anamika raised an eyebrow.
Riya continued.
"You're the only addiction she has."
Melanie laughed softly.
Jazz smiled.
Payal shook her head.
Riya wasn't finished.
"You made sure of that."
Anamika stared at her.
Riya counted on her fingers.
"She limps."
Anamika's lips twitched.
"Complains."
A tiny smile appeared.
"Plots escape plans."
Anamika actually laughed.
"But then..."
Riya pointed upstairs.
"She still comes straight back to you."
Melanie nodded.
"She's completely gone for you."
Jazz smiled.
"Hopeless."
Payal added,
"Utterly."
Anamika shook her head.
"She's my wife."
Riya grinned.
"Exactly."
A comfortable silence followed.
Then Melanie spoke.
"You know what I think?"
Anamika looked at her.
"She trusted us enough to try something new."
Melanie sighed.
"And we probably got carried away."
Jazz nodded immediately.
"I did."
"Me too," Payal admitted.
Riya raised her hand.
"Definitely me."
Melanie sighed.
"I didn't realize everyone else had already given her some."
Riya looked embarrassed.
"Neither did I."
Jazz laughed softly.
"We're terrible friends."
"Yes," Payal agreed.
They all laughed.
Then Anamika's expression softened again.
"Just..."
She looked toward the stairs.
"Don't do that again."
Everyone nodded.
"Promise."
Riya suddenly grinned.
"But you have to admit..."
Anamika looked at her.
"What?"
"She was adorable."
Anamika sighed.
"She was."
"Like a lost puppy."
Anamika smiled despite herself.
"She was."
Riya leaned back.
"And the way she kept trying to negotiate with you..."
Anamika laughed.
"That was definitely my wife."
"She even threatened to exile you from your own bed and made you forgot it."
Anamika's eyebrows rose.
"Oh, she did?"
Everyone went silent.
Riya immediately realized her mistake.
"...Did I say that?"
Anamika smiled.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
"Yes."
Riya pointed toward the door.
" Sorry Ishi! I snitched you again!" Riya said to the ceiling.
"I suddenly remembered I have somewhere to be."
Payal grabbed her wrist.
"No, you don't."
"Payu!"
"Sit."
Riya sat.
Anamika laughed.
"You all are impossible."
Jazz smiled.
"That's why you keep us around."
Anamika glanced toward the stairs again.
Then smiled softly.
"Maybe."
Riya looked at her.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"She really is lucky."
Anamika looked at her.
Riya's teasing disappeared.
"She has you, Anu."
Anamika's expression softened.
"Actually..."
She looked toward the bedroom.
"I think I'm the lucky one."
The others smiled.
And upstairs-
completely unaware of the conversation-
Ishika slept peacefully.
Her worries forgotten.
Her tiny rebellion over.
And her wife downstairs, despite all the fear and frustration, was already planning how to make sure her biwi never had to feel unsafe again.
**