Her parents were not cruel people.
They were frightened people.
Frightened parents often make impossible decisions.
One evening, after returning home from the hospital, Alankrita heard their conversation through a partially open door.
Marriage.
Quickly.
Quietly.
Before anyone discovered the truth.
If she married soon, everyone would assume the child belonged to her husband.
The timeline would be questioned.
But eventually forgotten.
No scandal.
No shame.
No whispers.
Her mother cried while speaking.
Her father remained silent for a long time before agreeing.
Neither of them were monsters.
They simply feared society more than they trusted truth.
Alankrita sat in darkness listening.
And understood.
No one was coming to save her.