Page 77 of Trapped By the Maharaja
He must have commanded his staff to ensure she didn’t speak with Suchitra Devi.
Sanjana was pissed at his arrogance.
She decided to confront him.
She asked the staff where he was and was directed towards the family wing. The bodyguards standing at the entrance recognized her and bowed their heads in greeting. She returned their greeting with a nod.
She walked along the corridor, fully prepared to unleash her anger. But as she neared the carved double doors, the low rumble of male voices made her stop. She moved closer, hesitantly.
“…I was supposed to meet with Global Fortune’s CEO today in London,” a voice said with the barest hint of annoyance. It almost sounded like Ram’s voice, but she knew it wasn’t. It was Bharat, who was cold and commanding like his older brother.
Sanjana realized they were talking about business. She was about to knock on the door, but she paused when she heard Suchitra Devi’s reference.
“Ma’s summons can’t be ignored for sure,” a voice said, dry amusement threading through the tone. Sanjana recognized Samar, Ram’s second brother. “Especially since you are next in line for the bride selection.”
Bride selection?
Sanjana frowned, wondering what that meant.
“Meijisn’t planning to spare the two of us either.” It was Viraj’s voice, and he sounded exasperated and amused. “There are more names on the guest list tonight than when this gathering was first planned three months ago.”
Sanjana frowned, not understanding how the event to announce her as Ram’s wife could have been planned three months ago, when the marriage took place just a month ago.
“A lot of royals are going to be shocked after tonight’s announcement,” Viraj continued in amusement. “After receiving invitations, many of them were spreading rumors about almost bagging the Devara Maharaja as their son-in-law.”
Ram’s replied in a cool and clipped tone. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, I think it does,” Samar added with a hint of teasing. “All the royal princesses who had been dreaming of being the Devara Maharani will be disappointed that the position is already filled by a beautiful doctor.”
Sanjana’s breath caught.
Her pulse thundered as she began slowly understanding.
Heart hammering, Sanjana stepped back before she could be caught. She turned and hurried down the corridor.
As soon as she stepped into the master suite, she shut the door with trembling hands, leaning against it as the truth crashed down around her.
The event that night was pre-planned to find Ram a royal bride. But before it could happen, Ram found her and had trapped her. He bound her to a contract and married her in secret, which had shattered whatever plans Suchitra Devi had carefully arranged.
My God.
Before she could think further, there was a knock.
She knew it couldn’t be Ram because he never knocked. Hoping it was the palace staff with a summons from Suchitra Devi, Sanjana pulled open the door.
A stream of people swept into the suite.
Along with Lalita and Kumari, several other women flooded the room, their chatter and efficient movements filling the air. A woman with a clipboard smiled with a bow. “Your Highness, we’re here to prepare you for tonight’s event.”
Before Sanjana could protest, the suite was already overtaken. It felt like a repeat of the morning of her wedding.
Trays of ornaments were placed on the bed, while a makeup artist spread out palettes of shimmering powders, gold-dusted oils, and jewel-toned lip colors on the dressing nook near the walk-in closet.
The half-saree chosen for her was breathtaking. It was a deep crimson silk with a gold border. The blouse hugged her frame, embroidered with threads that glimmered with every shift of the light.
She was guided to the dressing table, where her hair was swept away from her face and elaborately styled into a thick plait. Jasmine and rose scented the air as fresh flowers were woven into the glossy strands. The makeup was kept simple, but it effectively highlighted her large eyes and high cheekbones. A pale pink blush covered her lips.
Midway through, lunch was wheeled in on a polished cart, but she barely managed a few bites as bangles slid onto her wrists and anklets chimed softly against her skin.
