INTIMACY CLINIC - The Conversations we AVOID

WEEK FOUR: Sunday - Part 07

“What did you say?” Charlie asked. He was calm, compared to the others.

“I said nothing. I didn’t understand what to say. But, I can’t let him leak my video. He has given me 24 hours to think. If I couldn’t find a solution to this problem, by that time, then I will have no choice but to listen to him.” Komal said.

“And how do you know, he won’t record it again to blackmail you. How do you know, he would only ask once a month, every month? Or worst, how do you know, he would only stop at virtual sex. That there is no chance that he would ever come to Mumbai, and ask you to do it in real?” Charlie said.

Komal looked down.
Charlie continued, “You know, one of the reasons of molestation in India is girls like you. Who accept it. Who do not stand against it. Who prove to the guys like him, that they can harass you and get away with it. And then, they can do it with some other girl as well. Girls like you are one of the reasons, why guys like him exist. Because you don't only allow them to harrass you by keeping your mouth shut, but you also don't make them face the consequences of their actions. Giving them more courage. Girls like you are one of the most important reasons why 70% of the girls experience sexual abuse at least once in their lifetime.”

Komal started to cry. Aanchal screamed at Charlie, “CHARLIE!”

Charlie turned to Aanchal, his eyes narrowed, and jaw stiffened. “What? Do you think what I said is wrong?" His voice was not loud, but there was something in his tone that even though he spoke with the same intensity, his rage was clearly felt.

"Do you know, how many cases of molestation go unreported, in India, because either girls, or parents do not want to report them? Have you ever thought what do those guys do when they see that one is there to question them?”

Aanchal chocked. She felt like Charlie’s words were targeted at her, not at Komal. She knew what Charlie meant. And she knew he was not wrong.
She soon felt, there was an awkward silence in the room. Everyone was looking at her, waiting for her to say something. When she shouted Charlie’s name, she was determined to scold him for treating Komal like that. She was a victim, not a perpetrator. But after what Charlie said, she couldn’t scold him. But she had to think of something. “Please help her.” She said, politely.

Charlie's eyes turned to Komal, “Unlock your phone.”

Komal did the same, without questioning.

“Open his whatsapp.” Charlie said.
She followed.
“Give it to me now.” He said.

Komal didn’t have the courage to look into Charlie’s eyes. Neither could she walk to Charlie, to give him the phone. She gave the phone to Antara. Antara gave it to Charlie.

Charlie read the texts sent by the guy. All the eyes were stuck on Charlie, including Komal’s. Soon, Charlie’s fingers started to move on the keypad.

Komal felt a chill run down her spine, "What's he doing? What if he makes it worst?" Komal's eyes blurred. "Charlie. Please!" She screamed in her mind.

Anchal felt her shivers, she turned to look at her and saw silent tears welling up in her eyes. She turned her head to Charlie.

"Can you tell us what are you typing? This is a sensitive matter. Any mistake from your end can ruin Komal's life."
He stopped. He returned the phone to Antara. Antara was about to give it to Komal when Aanchal snatched it.
“Aanchal.” Charlie said.

Aanchal paused to look at him. Charlie shook his head. Aanchal narrowed her eyes. She turned to Komal, “May I read what Charlie wrote?”

Komal was still in shock thinking about the adverse effects of Charlie’s text. She looked at Charlie. He was calm. She felt a glimpse of hope. “Maybe, his text would work in my favour.” She thought. She turned her head to Aanchal, “Read it.” She added, “Read it aloud.”