Arjun couldn't sleep that night.
The image of Maya being grabbed so harshly kept replaying in his mind. He knew one thing for certain—he could not ignore this anymore.
"This isn't right…" he whispered to himself.
The next morning, Arjun waited near the path Maya usually took to the market. His heart beat fast—not out of fear, but determination.
After some time, Maya appeared.
She walked slowly, her eyes tired, her face pale.
"Please… wait," Arjun said softly.
This time, Maya stopped.
She didn't look at him at first.
"I'm not here to hurt you," Arjun continued. "I just want to help."
Maya's fingers tightened around the basket.
"No one can help me," she said quietly.
Arjun took a careful step closer.
"I can try," he replied. "But you have to trust me."
For a long moment, there was silence between them.
Then, slowly, Maya looked up.
Her eyes were filled with tears—but for the first time, there was something else there too.
A small, fragile spark of hope.
"Why would you help me?" she asked.
Arjun didn't hesitate.
"Because no one deserves to live in chains."