The Secret Wife of the CEO

Sanjana Rao

In the tranquil village of Ramapura, the first rays of the morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden hue. The Shri Ram temple stood in the centre, its ancient walls echoing with a melodious voice singing "Shri Rama Chandra Kripalu Bhajamana." Sanjana, a young girl stood within the temple, her voice intertwining with the spiritual atmosphere.

As the divine melody's last note hung in the air, Sanjana emerged from the temple, her eyes revealing a tranquil depth that suggested a connection with her favorite God, Shri Ram. Draped in a traditional half saree that bore the marks of time yet resonated with vibrant colors, Sanjana carried a bundle of hand me down art supplies, making her way to the village's scenic spot—a source of inspiration for her artistic endeavors.

Seating herself on the river bank's edge, her feet immersed in the cool, refreshing flow of water, Sanjana retrieved her art book. Over the next half-hour, she skillfully captured the picturesque scene before her with strokes of paint, infusing her canvas with the essence of the serene village landscape. Satisfied with her creation, she gathered her belongings and returned home.Upon reaching home, she found her grandfather preparing for the day. Undeterred by the routine, Sanjana took on the role of a caregiver, crafting a simple breakfast of rice porridge. With a side of tangy mango pickle, she served the comforting meal to both her grandfather and herself. The home resonated with the warmth of familial bonds, and the aroma of breakfast marked the beginning of another day in the life of Sanjana and her beloved grandfather.

Sanjana embarked on her day's labor, serving as a maid in the residence of a doctor. Her tasks encompassed the meticulous chores of sweeping, mopping, laundering, and washing utensils. After completing her duties, she got the temple prasad that the priest offered her back home to share it with her grandfather for lunch. She left to the village chief's house to learn some basic book keeping from the accountant, Mr Shridhar. As she was busy completing the work that Mr Shridhar had given her, Shruthi, Sanjana's dearest friend and the daughter of the village head, came running towards her with a sense of urgency etched across her face. She conveyed the unsettling news – Sanjana's grandfather, Ashok Rao, was not well.

Concern draped itself over Sanjana's features as she hastily ran back home with Shruthi. At home Sanjana's grandfather, her everything, sat quietly with his eyes closed and his head resting on the wall behind him, with his breathing labored and his hand massaging his chest. Worried and determined, Sanjana took her grandfather to the government hospital nearby. The doctor, at whose house Sanjana works, examined Ashok Rao and recommended further tests, suspecting the possibility of a heart attack. The gravity of the diagnosis hung in the air, and a heavy silence settled in the room.

As the reality sank in, Sanjana felt a profound sense of fear for her grandfather's well-being. The doctor advised that specialized scans, crucial for an accurate diagnosis, could only be conducted in a city hospital in Bengaluru. The implications of this revelation weighed heavily on Sanjana. The prospect of traveling to a city, navigating through landscape, and facing the complexities of medical procedures in an unfamiliar setting felt like an overwhelming journey into the unknown. This would be her first time travelling outside the village in her life. 

The decision was made – Ashok Rao, with his granddaughter and Shruthi by his side, left to Bengaluru. To help ease the financial burden, The village chief Gopi, spoke to his relative, Mrs Parimala who worked as a caretaker in Abhaya Hasta orphanage in Bengaluru where Sanjana and her grandfather could stay. Shruthi was all set to start her BE degree in Bengaluru. So she got Sanju and her grandfather settled in the orphanage and she left to her college hostel.

The next morning, their destination, a renowned hospital, Krishna Hrudayalaya in the heart of Bengaluru, awaited them. The glass façade of the hospital towered above, a symbol of both hope and uncertainty. As they entered the bustling lobby, the air hummed with the humdrum of city life – a symphony of footsteps, ringing phones, and hurried conversations.

The medical procedures that followed were a whirlwind of tests, consultations, and anxious moments in the waiting room. Sanjana, navigating the labyrinth of hospital corridors, stood as a pillar of support for her grandfather. The city, with its fast-paced rhythm, tested the mettle of the young girl who had always known the comforting embrace of her village.

Finally, the moment arrived when the doctor, bearing the weight of both knowledge and compassion, delivered the verdict. Ashok Rao did indeed have a heart block, and further medical intervention was necessary soon. The news, though anticipated, sent ripples of concern through Sanjana's heart. The doctor outlined the treatment plan, emphasizing the need for surgery to address the block. Sanjana, scared with the enormity of the situation, absorbed every detail with a determination to ensure the best possible care for her grandfather. The surgery, a critical juncture in their journey, loomed ahead, casting a shadow of anxiety yet holding the promise of potential healing.

Sanjana, now needed to stay in Bengaluru for a while with her grandfather, sought help from Mrs. Parimala to find a job and requested a few days support to live there while she would help take care of cooking, cleaning and helping around the orphanage. Being a relative of Gopi, Mrs Parimala promised to help out as much as she can. She was really impressed with Sanjana's art depicting the village's river bank. It was a week since Sanju moved to Bengaluru and her routine was simple. Every morning she would visit Shri Ram temple near the orphanage, sing a bhajan praying for good health of her grandfather. Help with the orphanage. Spend time with the kids in the orphanage teaching them art, craft and dance. In the evenings, she would help the kids with whatever subjects she could. Assist with dinner cooking and then go to bed praying for the good health and happiness of everyone around her.

One day when Sanju was singing a new song on Shri Ram that she composed music for in the temple, Mrs. Lakshmi, Bhargav's grandmother, overheard the beautiful voice, captivated by the girl's devotion she stopped in delight looking happily at Sanju from the side. She was so mesmerized with her voice and the tune of the song. Once Sanjana finished singing, she returned to the orphanage, feeling calm and hopeful amidst the challenging times. However, by the time Mrs. Lakshmi could get down from her parked car, she found no trace of the mysterious singer. Perplexed, she returned home, her heart still resonating with the enchanting bhajan.