INTIMACY CLINIC - The Conversations we AVOID

WEEK ONE: Saturday - Part 02

"Why do we need a code? We can simply say, NO." Aanchal said.

"You can. If you wish." He smiled.

She was unphased by his smile.

He looked at her expressions and continued, "Let us all introduce each other." His eyes were still on her. "I'll start. I am Charlie. It's not my real name. But I prefer using this name for the sessions. I work as a freelancer in the IT field. I work from home. And I conduct these sessions to talk about relationships and sex. Sex is a taboo subject. One that people typically shy away from. Talking about it in large groups is still seen as an act of shamelessness. But. . ." He moved his eyes away from Aanchal. Looked at everyone. And continued, "I'm here, talking about it anyway. And that's because I have a problem with how we currently think about sex. There are many reasons why I think so. We will talk about them, one by one. And have a logical and fruitful discussion over it."

Everyone nodded.

Charlie was serious when he spoke about something important. His voice was clear, and his tone gave the impression that he wouldn't like it if someone didn't listen to him.

He continued, "Unfortunately, Meet is not the only girl who tries to avoid any conversation that could be related to sexuality. The harsh reality behind it is that men and women today believe that sex is for men's pleasure, and women are just a source to get it. Men dominate the act of sex. And women accept that dominance. Both men and women have sex with the expectation of men's orgasm. But what about the women's orgasm?"

He paused. The room turned silent. Even Aanchal started to think about what he said. "He has a point."

He turned to Mayank, "Mayank, let the guys know about you and why you are here?"

Mayank nodded. Then his eyes gazed around, "I am Mayank. I am 24. I am an entrepreneur. I run a digital advertising company in partnership with my friend. I am here because my partner thinks I don't know how to talk to girls." He saw some judgy faces looking at him. He clarified, "I swear. I never say anything with any bad intentions. Or I don't have anything in my heart. I say things normally. But my partner thinks I should still introspect." He sighed and added, "That's why I am here."

***

Charlie turned his eyes to the guy sitting beside Mayank.

"I am Vinay." He said, as soon as Charlie looked at him, and continued, "I am 23 and a student of Master of Science in University Campus." He felt nervous as he continued, "I am here because I think I don't like sex. I feel nervous whenever I have sex with my girlfriend. Like I am under some kinda pressure to perform. So, I try to avoid it." He turned his head to Charlie, "My girlfriend found out about you and suggested visiting your clinic."

"Hmm. The first lesson to you." Charlie said and added, "Don't be nervous. No one here will judge you. And if anyone does, I will throw them out. There is no shame in accepting your weakness. It takes a lot of courage to accept it. Accepting is the first step towards overcoming it. So now, change those stupid expressions and smile."

He smiled.

***

Charlie looked at the third guy.

"I am Darsh. I am 25. I run a retail shop in Bandra. I am shy. Not in general. But when it comes to talking to girls, I choke. I don't know how to start a conversation. Or how to continue if she starts it. My parents wish for me to get married. They are expecting me to start visiting girls for an arranged marriage. But I don't want to." He said.

"What is wrong with an arranged marriage?" Meet gave him a stern look.

"No. I am not against arranged marriages." Darsh waved his hands, jumping off his seat in fear. It made a few people smile, including Charlie.