Page 127 of Trapped By the Maharaja
EPILOGUE
Three months later…
The sky above glowed in shades of red and orange as the helicopter landed in front of the Devara Palace. Sanjana leaned back against the seat, still smiling at the day’s events. The inauguration of the new pediatric wing had been a success, the hospital buzzing with excitement. It had been her dream for so long, and now it stood as a reality with the Devara crest etched at its entrance.
As she stepped out of the helicopter, Ram extended a helping hand, and in the other, he held her shoes that she had taken off inside the helicopter earlier because her feet were aching from standing all day.
“The Devara Maharaja can’t be seen carrying women’s shoes,” she teased.
Ram smiled. “They aren’t just any woman’s shoes. They are the Devara maharani’s shoes.”
She laughed.
As soon as they stepped into the palace, the staff was waiting as always. They exchanged knowing smiles, seeing their maharaja carrying his wife’s shoes. The staff had told Sanjana how their cold and distant maharaja has now transformed into a man who openly doted on his wife.
Although it was true, Sanjana also knew how arrogant and commanding the Devara Maharaja could still be with his maharani when it came to her safety.
“Mahrani,” the elderly housekeeper said with a smile. “You have received a package from the Rewa Palace. It has been kept in your room.”
Sanjana smiled. “Thank you, Rukmini-amma.”
Sanjana was excited to see what gifts Suchitra Devi had sent. Over the past three months, Sanjana had been receiving several valuable and thoughtful gifts from her mother-in-law.
Ram laughed deeply as Sanjana hurried up the grand staircase and then rushed towards the master suite.
As soon as she stepped in, she saw an antique carved chest placed on a center table inside the bedroom. Feeling curious and excited, she went to it right away.
Ram followed her, looping an arm around her waist as she opened the chest. Inside were more family heirlooms with delicate jewels and silks embroidered with gold. But there was also a letter sealed with Suchitra Devi’s crest. Sanjana reached for it and unfolded it. She read the graceful handwriting.
To the Devara Maharani,
Today marks a moment of pride for the Devara family. The new pediatric wing will stand as a testament not only to your dedication as a doctor but also to your compassion as a queen. It takes strength to heal, but it takes heart to build hope for generations of children. You have shown both.
Know that your efforts honor the Devara name, and more importantly, they bring dignity and comfort to those who need it most. I wish you continued strength in your service and joy in the life you are building here. Congratulations, my dear Sanjana.
—Suchitra Devi
Sanjana smiled as warmth spread inside her at the thoughtful note.
Ram kissed the curve of her neck. “It’s a surprise that my mother hasn’t pushed for an heir yet.”
“Disappointed?” Sanjana teased, turning in his arms.
His grin was wicked. “No, because the heir will have to wait,” Ram murmured, his lips brushing hotly her ear. “I want you all to myself. Just us for a while. No duties. No expectations. Just you and me.”
Her heart raced at his words. Passion and tenderness swirled together, making it impossible to breathe. She lifted her face, and his mouth captured hers in a kiss that was slow yet consuming.
Much later, as they lay naked on their bed, Sanjana’s head rested on Ram’s chest.
Her life felt fuller than she’d ever imagined. Being a doctor was still her passion; she loved the rush of saving children’s lives, watching fragile little bodies grow stronger, their smiles brighter. That part of her would never change, no matter what palace she lived in or what title she carried.
And yet, her world had shifted in ways she hadn’t expected. Rajesh and Dr. Rao had left the hospital quietly. She didn’t mind because their absence brought peace to her days at the hospital. Sania Kolli had been barred from entering the hospital entirely and was nearly blacklisted from attending any Devara Trust events. Sanjana hadn’t needed to ask. She knew these were Ram’s decisions, his way of protecting her from people who had tried to undermine her. It was ruthless, but it was also him being uncompromising when it came to her safety.
A smile curved her lips. He was still overbearing, arrogant, and impossible at times. But he was also the man who carried her shoes without shame, who stood against his own mother for her, who never let her forget that she was his.
Her gaze drifted back to the antique chest sitting open on the table. The jewels glimmered faintly under the lamplight, silks rich with embroidery. But her eyes settled on the perfumed letter once again, recalling the elegant script.
A strange thought nudged at the back of her mind.
