‘Then you tell her there’s nothing to worry about and collect your pay cheque for eight months.’ Rhea shrugged. ‘But you don’t know that yet. So, for now ... report what you saw. Facts only.’
I nodded and typed out the day’s events: meetings, the packaging vendor incident, bridal line updates and the workshop drama.
I read it again. Then hit send.
It was all going to work out. Probably. Hopefully.
4
The Masala Box
Ananya
I’m going to be late.
I could hear Kavita complain in my head.You’re late, Ananya. Second warning, Ananya. Blah, blah, blah, Ananya.
The elevator doors were halfway shut when I sprinted to the lobby. ‘Wait!’
They reopened, revealing a tall guy with longish hair.Cute.
‘Thank you,’ I breathed, stepping in and offering him a grateful smile.
‘Rough morning?’ he asked.
‘Just running behind,’ I said, still a little breathless. ‘Not yet used to the schedule here.’
‘Ah, you’re new.’ He said it like it explained everything. ‘Don’t worry, it gets easier. I’m Rishi, by the way. PR department.’
‘Ananya. Assistant.’ I hesitated. ‘To the COO.’
‘Jai Advani?’ His eyebrows rose slightly. ‘How’s that going?’
The careful way he asked made me wonder what he’d heard. Office gossip? Reputation?
‘It’s ... a lot to learn,’ I said diplomatically.
‘I bet.’ He smiled, but didn’t push further.
The elevator dinged for the second floor. ‘This is me.’ He stepped out, holding the door. ‘If you ever need a break or just a friendly face, find me.
I know all the good spots around here.’
‘I might take you up on that.’
‘Please do.’ He gave me an encouraging nod. ‘Good luck out there.’
The doors closed.
I smiled despite myself. Maybe this job wouldn’t be completely terrible.
Kavita stood with her feet tapping the floor and eyes on her watch.
‘I’m here,’ I said, dropping my bag in its usual spot.
She pursed her lips and handed me a paper. ‘He wants the quarterly fabric procurement report updated before the morning meeting at nine.’
I blinked. ‘That’s in forty-five minutes.’
