Arjun was twenty-five years old and had spent most of his life trying to build a future without a dependable family behind him. He had no permanent home, few savings, and nobody he could confidently call when life became difficult.
His long, dark hair reached well past his shoulders. He usually wore loose shirts and dark trousers, preferring to keep his appearance simple.
One evening, after losing his temporary accommodation, Arjun arrived in Kolkata with a small bag and a phone that was almost out of battery.
He called his cousin Maya.
"Please help me," he said. "I need somewhere to stay while I search for a job."
Maya discussed the problem with her cousin Tara. The two women lived in a paying guest hostel, but it was intended exclusively for women.
"We might have an idea," Maya told him. "Come and meet us tomorrow. We will figure something out."
Arjun felt relieved, but he had no idea that their suggestion would change the direction of his life.
For the first time in months, he had a place to begin. What he did not have was a clear idea of what he might be expected to sacrifice to remain there.
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