Page 16 of Trapped By the Maharaja

The moment Sanjana stepped through the side entrance of the hospital, a wave of familiarity rushed through her.

It was like she had never left. And yet, everything had changed.

The helicopter had dropped her off at the helipad on top of the Devara Trust headquarters.

From there, a sleek black car with tinted windows had been waiting to drive her to her apartment.

She had insisted on collecting her own car, a compact, slightly dented red car.

But even as she drove to the hospital, she had spotted two black SUVs discreetly following her.

Annoyance had burned hot in her chest, even though she knew this was going to be her new reality.

But no one here knew she was now Sanjana Devara.

And she had no intention of telling them.

Not until she absolutely had to. Her new surname wasn’t on the hospital records, and her badge still read Dr. Sanjana Shetty.

The sacred thread and wedding ring announcing her marriage to Ram Devara lay locked away in jewelry boxes at the palace.

Here, she was just a doctor again.

She was in the changing room putting on her scrubs when voices drifted in.

“Did you hear? The Devara Trust is planning a new hospital wing.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“Sania Kolli is here today, meeting with the senior staff. She’s gathering details for the project.”

“Sania Kolli? Dr. Kolli’s daughter? She barely shows her face here. Why now?”

A laugh followed. “Isn’t it obvious? Sania Kolli wants to get close to the Devara Trust. She is vying for Ram Devara. She probably thinks she can become the next Devara maharani.”

“What? Everyone knows a non-royal can’t marry into that family.”

Sanjana stepped out, determined to ignore the gossip and begin her shift.

But on her way, she caught sight of a familiar woman standing near the administration wing.

The woman was in a chic designer suit, her glossy hair perfectly styled, diamonds glinting at her ears.

She spoke in an authoritative tone to the staff.

The woman’s eyes swept over Sanjana briefly, only to look past in a cool dismissal as someone unimportant.

Sanjana recognized Sania Kolli. She had been dismissive of Sanjana a few months ago as well when Dr. Kolli had introduced them at an annual hospital event.

Sanjana hadn’t cared at that time or now that Sania found her unimportant.

Sanjana walked to the nurses’ station to check on the patients’ list.

“Look who is back.”

The familiar voice was cutting.

Sanjana turned to see Dr. Rao.

“Freed from arrest, reinstated, and already roaming the hospital halls like nothing ever happened,” he said in anger.

Sanjana said nothing, keeping her expression carefully neutral.

“Do you know why your arrest was stopped? Not because of your talent. Not because you were right. The Devara Trust couldn’t afford the scandal of a doctor in their new hospital being dragged off in handcuffs for malpractice. That’s the only reason you’re still standing here.”

Sanjana stayed silent.

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.”

Sanjana forced a nod, but said nothing.

Inside, her chest burned with conflicting emotions. She was happy that the changes she wanted were taking place without delay. But they came with a heavy cost to her freedom and her heart.