I never thought saving my employer’s life would cost me mine. My father, Suryanath, lost his legs protecting Kasturi Prasad. In return, I was allowed to serve in their home—until I fell in love with Neelima. That love turned fatal. During an ambush meant for me, my father was killed. I was blamed. Now, I’m locked in this youth detention center, beaten daily by the jailer who sees weakness as an invitation. But one person believes me—Superintendent Prabhavati. She looks at me not as a criminal, but as a son she never had. Today, she slipped me a letter. Neelima’s handwriting. My hands tremble. Do I read it now, risking discovery? Or wait until night, when the guards are drunk and the lights flicker?

The paper feels like fire in my pocket. Her words could heal me—or destroy what little strength I have left.