Page 38 of Trapped By the Maharaja
Dr. Rao’s anger grew. “Don’t think you will be protected forever. The Devara Trust will appoint a new board member to oversee the hospital’s expansion on its behalf. That person will see you for who you truly are and not tolerate insubordination. So, enjoy your time here while it lasts, Dr. Shetty. I assure you it’s temporary.”
He walked away in fury.
Sanjana ignored his outburst, which was driven by his hurt ego for not getting her arrested like he had wanted.
“Sanjana.”
She turned to see Dr. Kolli approaching.
“What happened?” he asked, looking toward where Dr. Rao was storming away.
Sanjana smiled. “The usual.”
His mouth twitched in sympathy, then he sighed. “I’m sorry, Sanjana. About what happened last week. About the arrest. I should have done more. Fought harder. Maybe if I had pushed the board—”
“You did everything you could, Dr. Kolli,” she interrupted gently.
He shook his head. “It wasn’t enough. You were almost taken away in handcuffs for saving a child’s life. And the rest of us just… stood there.”
“There wasn’t much you could do at that time,” she said softly. “But you have always helped me with difficult situations at the hospital, for which I’m truly grateful.”
His eyes warmed, creasing behind his glasses. “You’re one of the best surgeons we have, Sanjana. Don’t let anyone make you believe otherwise.”
“Thank you, Dr. Kolli,” she said with a small smile.
As soon as Dr. Kolli left, she picked up the patient file, her mind was already on her job.
Two new cases were already waiting, a burn victim from an industrial accident and a toddler with severe respiratory distress.
Soon, she was quickly pulled into her steady routine. The familiarity made her feel like she had returned to her old life, where she was still in control.
But during her break, much later in the afternoon, Rajesh joined her in the staff room, holding two paper cups of chai.
“I figured you could use this,” he said, stepping in with a shy smile.
Sanjana offered a smile and took the cup. “Thanks, Rajesh.”
He sat in the chair opposite her. “Have you heard?”
“Heard what?” she asked lightly, knowing what he was going to discuss. She had heard excited murmurs throughout the day among the staff.
“About the Devara Trust.” He hesitated, then added, “They are making changes.”
Sanjana didn’t say anything.
“My father told me this morning there’s going to be a board meeting this week. They’re pushing a lot of proposals.” He leaned closer. “One of the new policies started today. Twenty-five percent of admissions will be free for lower-income families.”
Sanjana took a slow sip of chai.
Rajesh kept talking, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “There’s also talk of a new pediatric wing. Equipment, specialists, and even training grants. My father said Sonia Kolli will be working on it with the Devara Trust.”
Sanjana remained quiet.
“You don’t sound surprised,” Rajesh said, studying her.
She shook her head, keeping her voice steady. “I’m just… glad it’s happening.”
His smile broke wide. “Everyone’s thrilled. The Devara Trust buying the hospital is the best thing that’s happened to us.”
