Page 25 of Trapped By the Maharaja
“As outlined in Section 1,” Reema Choudhary said smoothly, “this marriage will be recognized legally under the jurisdiction of the Devara Royal Trust. The duration of the marriage is to be a minimum of three years or until a viable heir is born and legally registered as the successor of House Devara, whichever comes first.”
Sanjana’s jaw tensed, but she said nothing.
“Section 2,” Reema continued, “stipulates that Dr. Sanjana Shetty will be compensated with a monthly stipend for the duration of the marriage. Additionally, a trust fund will be established in her name, to be transferred upon the successful birth of the heir.”
Reema stated the amounts of the monthly stipend and the trust fund, shocking Sanjana. It was a fortune. Even the monthly stipend was as much as what Sanjana earned the entire year.
“Section 3 outlines living arrangements. Dr. Shetty will be required to reside with His Highness Ram Devara at all times during the term of the contract to ensure privacy, safety, and media protection.”
“And Section 4,” Reema resumed, glancing briefly at Sanjana, “details the confidentiality clause. Breach of this clause, whether it is via interviews, written publication, social media, or unapproved communication with media outlets, will result in legal action and immediate forfeiture of all financial compensation.”
“Section 5…” the lawyer’s voice turned cautious, “states that the child, upon birth, will be registered under the House of Devara, with full inheritance and title rights. Dr. Shetty will be recognized as the mother but will have no authority to influence succession-related governance, education, or religious affiliation decisions without written consent from the Trust.”
Sanjana's nails dug into her palms.
The lawyer cleared her throat briefly. “Section 6 covers physical arrangements. His Highness has stipulated natural conception. IVF or any alternative medical methods are excluded unless recommended by a royal-appointed physician after one year of unsuccessful attempts.”
Sanjana’s face burned, but her expression didn’t change.
“And finally,” the lawyer concluded, “Dr. Shetty is permitted to continue your medical practice under agreed terms, with her working hours and hospital duties protected under clause seven. A joint Devara Trust–funded foundation will be created in Dr. Shetty’s name for pediatric services, to be publicly announced post-marriage.”
Sanjana was furious. Everything had been thought through. Every angle sealed. Even her dreams and aspirations had been put into the agreement. Ram had studied every corner of her soul and weaponized it.
Thick silence followed. The only sound was the soft tick of the designer wall clock and the buzz of blood in her ears.
“I would like to speak with Sanjana alone,” Ram stated.
Ram’s assistant got up immediately. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“We’ll prepare the final draft and have it ready for Dr. Shetty to sign in a few minutes,” the senior lawyer said.
The assistant and the legal team excused themselves and left the office. Sanjana remained seated, her heart beating furiously.
“Why are you doing this, Ram?” she asked.
Ram’s gaze remained steady. “You owe it to me,” he replied.
Anger erupted inside her. “I don’t owe you anything!” she hissed. “Just because I chose—”
He cut her off. “It’s already done,” he said. “You will sign the contract as agreed.”
She shook her head. “I agreed because you aren’t giving me a choice!”
“Everyone has a choice, Sanjana.”
“Leaving me with a choice to ruin other people’s careers along with mine isn’t a choice!” she spat.
“It is a choice, and you chose the better option that will benefit us both.”
She knew he wouldn’t change his mind. He was too determined to ruin her.
“Do you really want to bring an innocent life into this?” she asked. “A child born out of mutual animosity and hatred?”
Something flashed in his eyes. She thought she got to him until he spoke.
“You love children,” he said. “You won’t hate our child.”
She knew he was right. She would never hate a child, even if it was his.
