Page 53 of Trapped By the Maharaja
Sanjana forced herself to look away and took the seat assigned to her, which was two places down from the hospital board chairman. Her heart raced, but she kept her face composed.
Across the table, Sania Kolli sat next to her father and the other senior staff and board members. Sania’s eyes fell on Sanjana with barely veiled disdain, red lips curving in a cool, dismissive smile.
Soon, the doors closed with a soft click, and silence fell, indicating the meeting was about to begin.
The Devara Trust’s senior executive, a dignified man in his sixties with round glasses and a sharp posture, rose from his seat. His gaze swept the room.
“On behalf of the Devara Royal Trust, I thank Sunrise Hospital for your continued service,” he began. “We are here to align our priorities with yours. The Trust will fund the expansion of a dedicated pediatric wing, complete with international-grade training and outreach programs.”
Soft murmurs rippled through the room. Sanjana’s pulse quickened as she looked at Ram, who was watching her.
Dragging her eyes away, she looked at the executive.
The executive continued. “Additionally, the program to have twenty-five percent of admissions free for underprivileged families, will continue with regular audits for transparency.”
Whispers spread in approval.
Then the executive’s gaze fell on Sanjana
“And for these efforts, the Trust has unanimously selected a liaison to oversee hospital execution. Someone with both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to patient care. Dr. Sanjana Shetty will serve as the hospital’s representative and strategic lead for the pediatric wing expansion.”
The room went still.
Shock rippled outward like a wave. A few gasps. Then murmurs. Heads turned toward her.
Across the table, Sania Kolli’s eyes widened in shock. Her bouquet of notes crumpled slightly in her grip before shesmoothed her features, eyes narrowing at Sanjana with barely veiled outrage.
Sanjana sat frozen for a moment, her mind racing. Then she managed a nod, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.
Dr. Kolli broke the silence first, his tone warm. “That’s an excellent choice. Dr. Shetty’s dedication to patients is unmatched.”
Other board members chimed in, offering congratulations.
But Sanjana barely heard them. Across the table, Ram was watching her with unwavering gaze.
Her heart thudded.
“As per His Highness’s direction, work begins immediately. Progress will be reviewed within the quarter.” The executive concluded.
Ram’s voice cut through the room.
“I will be personally overseeing the milestones,” he stated in a low, commanding tone.
Shock rippled through.
Ram continued to speak. “I want to ensure the vision is executed as intended. I’ll be conducting site visits and reviews myself.”
The chairman nodded, recovering from shock quickly. “We are honored, Your Highness.”
Even though others murmured similar agreements, everyone knew the Devara maharaja’s personal involvement was unexpected.
Ram rose, and immediately, his assistants rose too. He gave the room one last glance, his eyes brushed over Sanjana in a way that made her stomach flutter before he strode out.
Sanjana sat, surrounded by congratulations from the hospital board and senior staff. Sania Kolli remained silent looking coldly furious and humiliated.
Sanjana thanked everyone, even though her heart raced at the implications.
Ram had fulfilled all her terms in the contract. All that was remaining was for her to fulfill his terms.
