Page 52 of Trapped By the Maharaja
“Can you believe it? Ram Devara himself has come to pick the representative from the hospital! Sania Kolli must be thrilled!”
Drawing a deep breath, she returned inside the hospital. Then, bracing herself, she went towards the elevators.
The board meeting was to start soon.
???
Sanjana stepped out of the elevator, holding notes in one hand. She hurried down the corridor. The conference room was just ahead, and through the heavy doors, muffled voices drifted, the senior board members preparing for the announcement.
She took a steadying breath and picked up her pace.
“Dr. Shetty.”
The familiar voice sliced through the hall sharply.
Sanjana stopped.
Dr. Rao stepped directly into her path, arms folded, his expression angry. Beside him stood Rajesh, shifting uncomfortably, his eyes shifting between his father and Sanjana.
“I assume you’re lost,” Rao said. “Because you have no right to be near this meeting, much less step inside it.”
Sanjana’s fingers on her notes tightened, but her voice stayed even. “I was invited to attend, Dr. Rao.”
“By whom?”
“The Devara Royal Trust.”
Rajesh took a hesitant step forward. “Papa, Sanjana must be here—”
“She doesn’t need to be here at all,” Dr. Rao snapped. “You may be fooled, but I’m not.”
His eyes narrowed on Sanjana. “We both know why you’re trying to get into that room. You think that if you can force your way inside and sweet-talk for a few minutes in front of Ram Devara, your insubordination, recklessness, and disciplinary reports I filed will be overlooked.”
Sanjana’s jaw tightened at his words. “I don’t need to sweet-talk in front of anyone. My work speaks for itself.”
“You’re not on the agenda,” Rao pressed, his voice low and cutting. “And someone impulsive and insubordinate like youdoes not belong in the hospital, much less in a meeting to discuss the important changes.”
His lips firmed. “Now leave. Immediately.”
Sanjana drew a slow breath, about to reply—
“Dr. Shetty, you are expected inside,” a man’s voice said.
All three turned as Ram’s assistant, Armaan approached, tablet in hand. His gaze dismissed Rao entirely, and landed on Sanjana.
“You must be mistaken,” Dr. Rao argued. “The hospital board hasn’t included her in the meeting.”
Arman stood next to Sanjana. “Dr. Shetty’s presence was specifically requested by the Devara Trust,” he said, his tone calm but precise. “I’m here to escort her myself.”
Rao’s face darkened. “But the board wasn’t informed—”
“They weren’t required to be,” Armaan cut in. “The Trust decides who attends. Dr. Shetty has clearance.” He turned smoothly to Sanjana. “If you’re ready, Doctor?”
She nodded and then walked past Rao, who looked outraged and humiliated. Rajesh gave her a small, apologetic glance but stayed silent.
Armaan opened the double doors of the conference room. She stepped inside. A long mahogany table gleamed, surrounded by board members, senior surgeons, and administrative heads. Briefing folders and glasses of water were laid at each spot.
At the far end of the table sat Ram, looking regal and imposing even in a business suit. His dark, commanding eyes locked on hers the moment she entered. He didn’t smile. Didn’t speak. But something in his gaze flickered, dangerous and unreadable.
