Page 46 of Trapped By the Maharaja
By the time Sanjana stepped into the hospital that morning, she had almost convinced herself that Ram meant nothing to her. Almost. The memory of last night’s kiss and his words lingered like an unwelcome shadow, but she forced her mind toward the familiar routine of her work.
She put on her coat and moved briskly through her rounds, checking vitals, adjusting prescriptions, and answering nurses’ quick questions.
When she stepped into the pediatric ward and approached a small bed, her chest softened. A little girl, no more than seven, lay propped up on pillows, her cheeks pink with returning health. She was recovering well after her appendectomy, and her wide, shy eyes lit up when Sanjana approached.
“Good morning, Kiara,” Sanjana said gently, checking the child’s chart before leaning down with the stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat. “How are we feeling today?”
“I feel better,” the girl whispered, smiling shyly
The innocence of her smile pierced Sanjana more deeply than it should have. And just like that, her thoughts turned against her will to the ruthless maharaja and the contract with a clause to give him an heir.
But strangely, the thought of bearing Ram’s child didn’t fill her with anger as it should have. Instead, her stomach fluttered with a strange longing. It was shocking and unsettling.
No. Don’t think about it.
She forced the thought away, smoothing the little girl’s blanket and offering her a warm smile. “You’ll be running around again soon.”
Sanjana was about to add more when a nurse approached. “Dr. Shetty… sorry for interrupting. Ms. Sania Kolli has urgently summoned you to the management wing.”
Sanjana continued to gently hold the little girl’s hand. “Tell Ms. Kolli I’ll be there shortly,” she said.
The nurse looked nervous, but nodded and hurried away.
Sanjana turned back to the girl, finishing her exam thoroughly before finally stepping away.
When she finally entered the management wing, the atmosphere shifted immediately.
Sania Kolli sat at the head of a polished table, a designer suit sculpted perfectly to her frame, diamonds glittering at her ears. Beside her was Dr. Rao, looking at Sanjana angrily.
“You were summoned urgently, Dr. Shetty,” Sania said coolly, her eyes narrowing. “I expect punctuality in my staff.”
Sanjana met her gaze evenly. “My first priority will always be my patients. You’ll have to excuse the delay.”
Sania’s lips pressed into a thin line, but before she could reply, Dr. Rao burst out in anger.
“This is exactly what I’ve been saying, Sania,” he said angrily. “Dr. Shetty has a long history of insubordination. Your father has been shielding her because he’s too kindhearted. She nearly brought disgrace to this hospital when she was almost arrested. The only reason she’s standing here today is because the Devara Trust couldn’t afford the scandal in their newly purchased hospital.”
Sanjana didn’t say anything in her defense.
Sania Kolli’s eyes narrowed. “That ends soon. At tomorrow’s board meeting, I will be appointed as the Trust’s representative. From then on, you will not get away with this behavior. No one will shield you.”
Sanjana held her silence. Not giving them the satisfaction of a reaction.
She already knew what was going to happen in the board meeting.
“You are welcome to do as you wish, Ms. Kolli,” Sanjana stated. “But I will not compromise on the safety of my patients.”
The room went still. Sania’s jaw tightened, and Dr. Rao’s face darkened, but Sanjana turned and walked out without waiting for dismissal.
Later, Sanjana finally allowed herself a short break. She slipped into the small staff lounge, sank into a chair, and wrapped her hands around a cup of chai. The familiar scent of cardamom and milk was soothing.
“Sanjana,” a familiar hesitant voice called out.
She looked up. Rajesh stood in the doorway, shifting nervously with his cup of coffee. His shoulders were slightly hunched, and his eyes flicked quickly around the room before settling on her.
“I heard about what happened earlier with Sania Kolli and my father.” His voice lowered, as if he was afraid someone might overhear. “You need to be careful, Sanjana. Sania Kolli isn’t someone to underestimate. She isn’t like her father. After the board meeting tomorrow, she’ll have real authority. If she decides to target you… she could make things very difficult.” His voice was tinged with worry.
Sanjana took a slow sip of her chai, her face calm. “Let her try. My priority will always be my patients. That won’t change, no matter who sits in those board meetings.”
