Page 50 of No Boss
“The morning aarti begins at seven. The turnout is even larger.”
Silence stretched.
“You did this on purpose.”
“What? No, Boss.” Her tone was flawless. Smooth. “Private room. Natural light. Strong Wi-Fi. Comfortable seating. You approved it.”
“You knew this room faced the temple.”
“You asked for private and quiet. This is the most private room in the Haveli.”
A beat.
“And it is perfectly quiet.”
Another stretch of silence.
“Except during prayer times. You didn’t specify that devotional music would be an issue.”
There it was. Satisfaction, neat and contained.
She had outplayed him.
“If you had specific requirements,” she added, “you should have stated them.”
Abhinav looked out again. At the devotees. At the rituals that would now soundtrack his workdays.
Fine.
“Since you’ve set up this office so thoughtfully,” he replied, his voice lower, more measured, “you will attend all my meetings.”
“What?”
“Every video call. Every meeting. You’ll take notes. Detailed records.”
“I have other duties…”
“You’re my personal assistant. This is your duty. Starting tomorrow at seven. Do not be late.”
He could almost hear her teeth grind. “Yes, Boss.”
“Good.”
He ended the call.
For a moment, he stood there, watching the courtyard, the rising voices, the rhythm of devotion. Then, despite himself, the corner of his mouth lifted.
He turned back to his laptop.
???
Meera arrived at 6:55 the next morning.
She had moved through her prayers and routine in a rush. Because, if she was being honest, she didn’t want to miss the show.
She knocked.
“Come in.”
