I'm Not My Boss' Storage
Become Allied

“NI, I'm again way to Bandung.”

“Instant bulbs, I'm not taking care of the room.”

“Gue not nginep at home Uak Puput, have booked the hotel because.”

Agni whistled nosily. Rarely does Shia spend the night at the hotel when stopping by Bandung. Even when her workplace gave vouchers, Shia chose Uak Puput house to take a break. “Lo want to take me staycation?”

“Not so...” There was worry in the voice of his friend. “Gue to Bandung make someone's name. He didn't tell me if I could tell you or if I should be kept for a surprise. I just picked a story first, deh.”

“Gelagat lo kayak again bring important people aja.”

“Emang essential, Agni!” sahut Shia fast. “Gue go with Ishaan. He wants to stop by lo.”'s house

Thankfully, Agni was not drinking or washing dishes when she heard the news. After the incident at the office, Agni has yet to meet Ishaan again. Even the man did not send messages or call after they exchanged numbers. Now, he was traveling with Shia instead!

Not yet recovered from the shock, Agni found Shia cut off the conversation because she had to continue the journey. In about an hour or two they arrived in Bandung. Shia may not bother about the generous welcome, but Ishaan? After all, Agni had worked with him, even Ishaan did not hesitate to give help when he was in trouble.

“Uak,” Agni approached Uak Puput in the kitchen, “Shia want to come here the same... it works.”.

“Aduh, kumaha oruh*?” Uak Puput immediately opened the refrigerator to check food supplies. “Uak not yet monthly shopping. You go to the minimarket first, buy bread or chips, let there be something to eat.”

Agni then glided to the nearest minimarket. The basket is immediately filled with bags of chips of various flavors to chocolate bars. Then, when about to pay at the cashier, Agni's eyes were fixed on the row of eggs that were being discounted. Instantly, her memory is thrown off on a night in Paris, when she teaches Ishaan how to cook egg drop soup.

“Please, Ma'am, the discount is only today,” said an employee who is arranging nuggets. “If buy the same seasoning kitchen, there is a special price. More saving than normal total price.”

In the next second, Agni returned the snack to the shelf, replacing it with a kilo of eggs, various kitchen spices, and cornstarch. He hoped there would still be a bunch of leeks at home to perfect his soup. So that both guests will feel a satisfying banquet.

*

Uak Puput, who is not familiar with egg drop soup, only looked at Agni who focused on processing the food. The stew in the pot that was originally yellowish orange began to foam to produce white flakes like clouds when Agni stirred it. The savory aroma of spices attracted the attention of Uak Puput, so he asked Agni to try it.

“If sold in a stall, about ”?<TAG1> The question slides from Uak Puput after tasting the delicious soup made by Agni. “Tried later in the rainy season, just enough so that Uak does not sell chicken soup continue.”

“We try the test if sempet.” Both of them looked up when they heard the door knock. Agni was about to check, but Uak Puput held back and asked her to finish egg drop soup.

Agni's focus was almost immediate once she heard the voice of Shia who was acted by the speech of Uak Puput. When Ishaan introduced himself, his hands immediately stopped stirring. Uak Puput knew Agni had worked three months in Europe, but did not mention the details that she traveled only with Ishaan.

“Only bring the soup. You meet them first.” The Fogger Uak took out the bowl from the shelf. “Say there is something important they want to discuss with you.”

Agni then washed her hands, then tidied her hair and clothes before meeting Ishaan and Shia in the living room. He deliberately slowed down, not yet fully ready to face Ishaan. Agni believes her arrival is related to the case of Dareen and Tanisha, not to reminisce.

If Ishaan offers a deal, should Agni accept it? Does that also mean he will choose one side?

**

The trip to Agni's house reminds Ishaan of the beauty of Bandung that is almost lost from his memory.

Although denser and jammed, Bandung still exudes its charm through large shady trees on several roads. The series of beautiful hotels and cafes in Braga make Ishaan understand why Dareen is eyeing this city to develop business. He is also tempted to buy snacks on the side of the road until Shia tells him that Agni is preparing lunch at home.

The house Agni lived in with her late father's brother was in a complex near the city center. The classic touch is seen from the wooden-dominated window and door frames. The fence is split in two with the selot as a key. But what Ishaan favorites is the mango tree in front of the house that makes the atmosphere more shady and beautiful.

Shia knocked on the door while saying her regards. It didn't take long until someone opened it. A middle-aged female figure greeted them, then hugged Shia like her own child.

“Sorry suddenly, yes, the grandfather. Business affairs,” said Shia relaxed. “Omong-by the way, this is Shia's manager in Jakarta. His name is Ishaan.”

“Ishaan, Aunt.” The man reached out his hand which was warmly welcomed by the woman. “Happy to meet.”

“Call Uak Puput aja, do not Aunt,” always.

Uak Puput invited them Ishaan and Shia, then brought two cups of warm jasmine tea. They talked for a while, discussing the trip and the purpose of stopping by Bandung. Through the tail of her eyes, Ishaan hints at Shia to ask Agni for her whereabouts.

“Agni in the kitchen, again cook what soup is it, use the same eggs flour.” The explanation of Uak Puput was equally shocking to Ishaan and Shia. They know the dish in question. “Bent a minute, Uak call Agni here.”

Not long after, the figure that Ishaan was waiting for came. Wearing a t-shirt and jogging pants, Agni smiled clumsyly and occupied an empty seat beside Shia. However, that position also made Ishaan and the girl sit opposite.

“Lo cook egg drop soup?” todong Shia's. “Buset, it's been a long time since I've eaten our favorite versatile soup.”

“Wicked lo, not inget the same food that has helped us survive fitting the contents of the wallet as thin as a tissue.” Without Shia knowing, Ishaan also likes the food. “We have lunch first, huh? Not good soup left behind for a long time.”

“Tuan—”

“Ishaan,” quick response. “I'm not your boss—for now.”

Shia's forehead frowned. “Means?”

“As you said, we eat first.” Ishaan got up from the chair, almost reaching out his hand before remembering Agni was the host. “I also missed your homemade egg drop soup.”

*

Uak Puput can not linger because they have to deliver catering customer orders to Rancaekek. Understanding the purpose of Ishaan's arrival, Shia leaves for Agni's room to take a nap.

“There is a business Tuan—umh, You—”

“Forget formality, Agni. I'm at your house.” In Ishaan's eyes, Agni remains adorable when misbehaving. “You call you or I-lo like to Shia, no problem for me.”

Agni scratched her ears. “So, what is your purpose for coming to Bandung? Right for business travel?”

“Yes, there are business matters I need to review. Shia will accompany me until Monday.” Then, Ishaan leaned on his body. “The rest, as you know, to investigate my sister-in-law.”

Immediately, Agni distanced herself from Ishaan. “Once again, it is not me who is an affair Mr. Dareen.”

“Means, there's someone else, right?” Ishaan draws conclusions. “Because you keep saying it's not me.”

Agni gave her lips, as if she wanted to refrain from revealing further information. That action even strengthened Ishaan's suspicions. What did Dareen do to Agni until she shut up?

“How much money did Dareen give you to shut up?”

Agni's eyes grew. “I don't accept a dime bribe from Mr. Dareen!”

“Means, from the woman who became her dark boyfriend?”

“Master!” Agni shut her mouth. His voice was high when he called out earlier. “Sorry, but I don't want to be involved in this case. I just want to clear my name that is tarnished because of... slander.”.

“Fitnah. See? That must be someone else.” Ishaan needs to issue a deal to get Agni to side with him. “Agni, if you want to clear your name, be my ally. Our position is in the middle, not in favor of my brother or my brother-in-law, let alone his infidelity. We move under the radar to gather evidence and reveal the truth.”

“If I become your ally, what guarantee do you give?” Agni demanded back. Something Ishaan probably didn't get on that girl seven years ago. “Most likely Mr. Dareen fired me once knowing this plan.”

Ishaan cursed in his heart. How could he forget this important point? According to Shia's story, Agni had worked for five years with Dareen. During that time, Agni worked hard to become one of her sister-in-law's confidants.

Unfortunately, it was even Dareen use for personal interests. He even made Agni as the cover for his affair.

“I will maintain your position in the company.” That was all Ishaan could promise now. “Your salary will I raise.”

“What if my reputation doesn't improve?”

“I'll ask Dareen to apologize to you. Directly. In front of the employees who saw you being slandered until slapped.”

The doubt emanating from Agni's eyes slowly eroded. “I hope this agreement will restore my relationship with Rano.”

Rano's? Later, Ishaan remembered Agni's status. Sure, that must be her boyfriend's name.

“How, you agree?”

The figure before him pensively for a moment before nodding steadily. “Yes, I agree to help you.”

Ishaan was relieved to hear Agni's decision. “Then for starters, what information can you tell me?”

“I will share something. Please check your phone.”

Agni typed something on her phone. A second later, a new notification came into Ishaan's phone. A contact named Ingrid was embedded in the message sent.

“She...he's the woman you're looking for,” Agni explained. “But before taking action, I would like to advise to be careful. Ms. Inggrid is not a bad woman. Like Ms. Tanisha, she did not know that Mr. Dareen had been playing with their relationship.”

***