Arjun stood still, the single word echoing in his mind.
Help.
It wasn't just a word—it was a cry, soft but heavy with pain.
Before he could say anything more, Maya quickly turned and walked away. Her steps were fast, almost fearful, as if she had already said too much.
"Wait!" Arjun called out.
But she didn't stop.
He watched her disappear into the narrow road that led to the edge of town. Something inside him refused to let this go.
That evening, Arjun couldn't focus on anything. Maya's eyes haunted him—the fear, the silence, the hidden pain.
The next day, he made a decision.
He followed her.
From a distance, he watched as Maya reached the broken house at the edge of Ashwood. The door opened suddenly.
A tall, rough-looking man stood there—her stepfather.
"Why are you late?" he shouted.
Maya lowered her head. "I'm sorry…"
Before she could finish, he grabbed her arm tightly.
Arjun clenched his fists.
The truth was no longer hidden.
Maya wasn't just living a hard life.
She was trapped.