Meena was born in the early hours. I remember holding her. So tiny, so beautiful.
She grew up fast. Bright, happy, always greeting me with a lovely smile.
But when she was twelve everything changed for us. We had the worst drought I ever remember. My crops were destroyed, my cows starved to death. I was struggling to feed my family.
We were desperate.
About this time, my wife and I became friends with Sumia, a woman from a neighbouring village. She would often visit and bring treats for Meena. One evening, Sumia suggested that I give Meena away to marry a friend of hers; a rich businessman in Mumbai. She said he would take great care of Meena. My daughter would live very well, have many meals and could send money back to the family.
I wasn’t sure. On the one hand, I adored my beautiful Meena and couldn’t bear to give her away. On the other, I was ashamed I could not provide for her. She deserved a better life. Sumia was very persuasive. Finally, I agreed. Sumia made all the arrangements. We said goodbye. It broke my heart but I expected to see Meena again very soon. Healthy and happily married.
Weeks passed. No word from Meena or Sumia. Weeks turned into months. I was wracked first with guilt, then with terror. Why hadn’t we heard from Meena? What had happened to her?
Then one day, a lady came to the village. She asked if we’d seen someone called Mahirishi – a known broker for a sex trafficking gang in Mumbai. She showed us a picture. It was Sumia.
But Sumia was our friend.
Or so we thought.
How could I have been so foolish? Somehow, I had to find my daughter and rescue her.
If she was still alive.
