Rayan's POV

The village camp is set up under the Shade of a Big Tree and volunteers have gathered a sizable group of local females. Maryam stands in the center,to start her speech.She looks at me, her eyes locking onto mine as she begins her speech. I offer a reassuring smile, and she takes a deep breath.

"Hello, everyone," Maryam starts, her voice slightly shaking. "Today, we're here to discuss the importance of educating women. You might think, 'What do these city folks know about our struggles?' So I wanna make clear that I'm from a small village in UP, just like you. We tought that women should stay at home, raise kids, and get married. Education isn't for us.

Maryam's confidence grows with each word. "But that's a lie. It's a way to deprive us of our rightful place. We have the right to education, to a dignified life, to be human."

" Why these people make us deprived of Education.Have you had this thought in your mind ever?" She ask her voice confident.
" Because they know that education is power,Power to change the world,to make it a better place,power to get freedom."

Just then a group of boys approaches.
"What are you doing, madam?" A boy demands he is wearing a white scarf.He's flanked by four to five others, their faces stern.

Maryam stands firm. "We're hosting this camp to empower village women through education and awareness."

The boy snatches the admission cards from Maryam's hand and tosses them into the air.

"Go home," he orders the village women.

The women hastily gather their belongings and begin to leave. Volunteers attempt to stop them, but they disappear into the distance.

I swiftly move beside Maryam, standing protectively in front of her.

"What do you want? " I ask

"Take everything from here," he demands. "We don't want this. You want to make our ladies like you - who don't obey their men."He says while looking at Maryam.

I stand firm, my voice steady. "Excuse me, we're conducting a peaceful village camp. What's wrong with you?"

The boy's face twists in arrogance. "You don't know me. I'm the son of the village mukhiya."

"I don't care who you are," I respond firmly. "Leave us alone. You don't know what you're getting yourself into."

The boy sneers, kicking a nearby chair to the ground. The sound echoes through the camp, sending a chill through the crowd.

The boy's gaze lingers on me before shifting to Maryam. "You're disturbing our village's peace."

Maryam's voice remains steady. "Its you who is distrupting the peace."

" Dont you think ,your girlfriend talks a lot.She need to shut up." He says and my blood boils i punch him and in one punch he is on the ground.

Ms. Khurana( Head of this village camp) rushes in, her voice firm. "That's enough! We're shutting down the camp immediately."

Ms. Khurana turns to me, concern etched on her face. "What are you doing Rayan? Violence only escalates things."

I shake my head, still fuming. "He was out of line."

"We can't afford to lose control," Ms. Khurana says firmly. "Our mission is to educate and empower, not incite violence."

The campsite empties, leaving only volunteers amd they starts gathering the stuff to the bus .

Maryam collapses onto the makeshift table beneath the tree, her body shaking with sobs. I can feel the weight of her despair.

I sit on the ground before her, my eyes locked onto hers, filled with empathy.I know how much this meant to her.

Tears stream down her face, and she buries her hands into eyes, as if trying to hold herself together.

"Nothing will change,Rayan" she chokes out between sobs. "I wonder why its so difficult for them to acknowledge women lives.why?."

I feel I dont have any answer to her questions.

Maryam's eyes well up with tears as she shares her story.

"My mother... ," Maryam says, her voice trembling. "When I told her I wouldn't marry someone who expects dowry, she said I'm not like normal girls."

"Can you imagine? She thinks something is wrong with me.But the reality is, this society is wrong.Its wrong about many things.They just dont admit it."She says.

" I am a failure,Rayan.I wish i was capable to bring a change.I try ,I try really hard but I am a failure." Tears streaming down her face.

I just look into her eyes.Unable to process any answer.

" If I don't get selection this time, my mother will marry me off to some man who only wants money. She's already looking for suitable matches."

Her voice cracks.Maryam's eyes lock onto mine.

"That's why this camp, this work, means everything to me. It's my escape, my chance to prove myself. But today... today felt like all that progress was undone."

I nod, understanding.

"You're not alone, Maryam. I believe in you, and your dreams.The way you think about these injustice No think like that.You are an amazing person."

Maryam's gaze holds mine, filled with tears.

" You are not a failure.You will fulfill all your dreams.Believe me." I say

.....................

As I drive to Maryam's house, my phone buzzes with her text.

Maryam: Can you buy dark chocolate for me on the way?I am baking cake for roshni's birthday..

Me: Yes, ma'am. Any other orders?

Maryam: No, sir. Thank you so much.

I smile, thinking about our growing connection. This week has been amazing. We've bonded over tutoring NGO kids and having fun together. The village camp incident brought us closer.

I decide to reveal the truth about fake chatting her as Alia soon.

I knock on the door, and Anaya answers with a bright smile.

"Hi!" I say.

"Hey, How are you Mr. Charming," Anaya replies.

"I'm great, thanks," I respond.

Maryam rushes towards me, flour covering her face, apron wrapped around her waist. Her cream-colored hijab gracefully frames her shoulders.

"Have you bought what I asked for?" she inquires, excitement in her voice.

"Of course," I reply, holding up the bag.

Maryam's eyes widen. "I only asked for dark chocolate. Why so many?"

I grin. "They're for you. I know how much you love chocolate."

"Why you bother?" she asks.

"Because we're friends," I reply.

Anaya smiles knowingly.

Maryam's face softens. "Didn't I tell you, I don't befriend boys?"

Anaya chuckles. "Then make him your husband."

Maryam says, "Anaya, stop kidding all the time."

I blush, feeling like Anaya sees right through my feelings.

Maryam expertly melts the chocolate, crafting a rich ganache. I sit on the kitchen counter, watching her work.

"We're late," Maryam says, her voice tinged with urgency.

I tease her, "It's your fault. You should have baked this cake earlier."

" I was busy studying.My exam is only a month away."

" Its alright.Dont worry ,we will reach on time." I say smiling.

Maryam rolls her eyes, a hint of amusement. "Instead of talking, you should help me."

I smile, "Okay, tell me what to do."

"Help me layer the cake," Maryam instructs, handing me a spatula.

"Anaya come and help us" Maryam calls out

"Five more minutes!" Anaya replies.

Maryam shouts, frustrated, "Anaya, it's Roshni's birthday, not yours!"

Maryam tells me, "She's been getting ready for an hour now."

The doorbell rings, and Anaya answers it, revealing a delivery boy struggling with an enormous rose bouquet.

"Please don't bring another order to this address; it must be for the previous resident." Anaya informs him.

Maryam's eyes widen in awe. "Beautiful!"

I smile, intrigued. "You like it?"

"I love roses," Maryam replies, her gaze still fixed on the bouquet.

"I picked those flowers from the NGO garden yesterday."She gestures to the vase on the kitchen table.

Anaya approaches, examining the bouquet. "We just shifted here three months ago. It must be for the previous resident, as there's no name."

Maryam's excitement grows. "So, are we keeping it?"

Anaya nods. "Of course!"

Maryam jumps in delight, rushing to the bouquet to inhale its fragrance.

"It has a note, Anaya," Maryam says, her voice filled with curiosity.

Anaya leans in, and Maryam reads aloud, "To Love."

Maryam's gaze shifts to us, confusion etched on her face. "It just says 'To Love'."

"Our previous resident must have a interesting life,I am jealous." Anaya says in a low voice and me and Maryam burst into laughter.

Thank you so much for reading.

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