Page 6 of Yes Boss
“At least.”
They passed a sleek kitchen stocked with spotless counters and expensive machines.
“Boss prefers black coffee, one sugar, served at eight-fifteen and again at three if he’s in the office.” Ansh’s tone suggested this information was a critical national security protocol.
“Not two-fifteen?” Ishani asked, her expression perfectly serious.
Ansh’s eyes narrowed slightly before he caught the subtle humor. “No. Three. Unless there’s a board meeting, then it’sbrought in at the forty-five minute mark.” He continued after a beat, “The kitchen staff handles lunch orders. You’ll coordinate timing with his schedule.”
As they passed the center of the floor, Ishani noticed the assistants who had arrived. They paused just long enough to look at her—openly curious, barely discreet.
“They’ve been through four of you in eighteen months,” Ansh said quietly, following her gaze. “They’re placing bets on how long you’ll last.”
“What’s the current record?” Ishani asked.
“Five months, two weeks, three days.”
She nodded. “Noted.”
Ansh turned down the last corridor. Raghav Khanna’s office dominated the end of it. And directly outside the glass wall, set apart from the rest, was a single desk.
Hers.
It stood just far enough from the others to mark separation, close enough to the office to be unmistakably connected. From where she stood, she could already tell—he’d be able to see her clearly through the glass. Always.
“This is your workstation,” Ansh said, gesturing to the desk. “All his calls come through you.”
Ishani set her folder down, taking it in. Dual monitors. Clean surface. A space meant to be occupied, not settled into.
“The system’s already configured,” Ansh continued, handing her a sealed envelope. “Passwords. Change them immediately.”
“Of course.”
“You’ll manage his calendar, correspondence, and meeting materials. Your job is to make sure his day runs without interruption.” A pause. “The manual’s been sent to your system. It’s thorough.”
“I’ll go through it today.”
Ansh studied her for a moment.
“The most important thing,” he said, “is that Boss values efficiency above everything else. He doesn’t repeat instructions. He doesn’t tolerate delays. And he expects problems to be resolved before they reach him.”
“Understood.”
“This role is visible,” Ansh continued. “You’ll be treated as the gateway to him. People will test you. Push for access. Fish for information.” His gaze sharpened slightly. “Mishandle it, and it won’t stay contained.”
Ishani met his eyes. “I don’t involve myself in office politics, Mr. Bhasin.”
Something in her tone must have settled the matter. Ansh nodded once.
“One last thing.” He checked his watch. “Be at your desk by seven-thirty every morning. Mr. Khanna arrives at eight.”
“Seven-thirty,” she repeated.
Another pause. Longer this time.
“Good,” Ansh said finally. “I’ll leave you to settle in. He’ll have tasks for you when he arrives.”
He turned and walked away.
