Rain soaked the ground beneath us, splashing up through the cracks in our worn shoes until every step squished against our feet. Cold and damp, we hurried forward, hand in hand. “I can’t wait to get to the mall,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “Somewhere warm and dry.” She squeezed my hand tighter. We were best friends—everything felt easier when we were together.
Inside, the mall felt like another world. Warm air, bright lights, and the sweet smell of food lifted our spirits. As we walked across the smooth floor, I wished we had more than a few rupees—just enough to feel, for once, like we belonged here. That’s when he appeared. His smile was kind. His voice smooth. His words felt like honey as he offered us something rare: a free facial, our makeup done, a chance to feel special. We couldn’t believe it. On such a gloomy day, it felt like hope had found us.
But as he led us down the hall, unease crept in. Our hands tightened. “You must separate,” he said gently. “We treat one beautiful lady at a time.” Reluctantly, we let go. The door closed behind me, and everything changed.
What followed shattered my world in ways I cannot fully describe. The hope I carried dissolved into fear, pain, and silence. When it was over, they fled—leaving me broken, alone, and trembling in the dark.
I cried until my father burst through the doors, frantic and desperate. He lifted me as if I were still his little girl and whispered into my hair, “I will get you justice, my love.”
And he did. The men were found. Others like me were rescued. I learned I was not alone—and that, even after the darkest night, hope can still rise. Healing came slowly, but it came. And with it, a quiet resolve: no more girls should ever walk through doors like that again.
CALL TO ACTION
Stories like this are not rare—but they are preventable.
Your support helps us rescue girls from exploitation, walk with them through healing, and restore hope where it has been stolen.
Even more, we are working to stop these tragedies before they happen. We are currently developing a powerful film designed to educate and protect entire communities—exposing tactics like these and equipping families, parents, and young girls with the knowledge to recognize danger and stay safe.
By partnering with us, you are not only helping rescue survivors—you are helping inoculate communities, shining light into dark places so these doors never close behind another child again.