Maya looked around nervously before stepping closer to Arjun.
"If he finds out…" she whispered, her voice shaking.
"He won't," Arjun said firmly, though he knew the risk was real. "We'll be careful."
They stood under an old tree near the edge of the market, hidden from the crowd. For the first time, Maya wasn't completely alone.
"Tell me everything," Arjun said gently.
At first, Maya hesitated. Years of fear had taught her to stay silent. But something about Arjun's voice felt different—safe.
So, slowly… she began.
She spoke about the long nights without food.
The harsh punishments for small mistakes.
The way her stepfather locked her inside the house whenever he left.
"I tried to run away once," she admitted, her eyes filling with tears. "He found me… and it got worse."
Arjun felt anger rising inside him, but he controlled it.
"You're not alone anymore," he said quietly.
Maya looked at him, searching his face for doubt.
But there was none.
"Tonight," Arjun continued, lowering his voice, "when he leaves… you come out. I'll be waiting near the old bridge."
Maya's heart started racing.
"What if he comes back?" she asked.
"Then I'll protect you," Arjun replied without hesitation.
There was a long silence.
This was it.
Fear… or freedom.
Maya closed her eyes for a moment.
Then she nodded.
"Okay…"