At thirteen, Khwahish lived in two distinct worlds, yet neither belonged to her.

The first was Shanti Sadan Orphanage, where her existence was measured in heavy chores, bruised knuckles, and the cold, unyielding hierarchy of the dormitories. The second was Government Girls' Secondary School, a sprawling, dusty two-story building three blocks away with peeling green paint, rusted iron window bars, and overcrowded classrooms that smelled of damp chalk, cheap ink, and sweat.