Oh Calcutta!

The Brothel

Things have changed stupendously with time. What started out as three villages- Kailkut, Sutanuti and Govindpur, gradually emerged as the capital of British India with a new nomenclature 'Calcutta'. Bengalis are very sensible about their culture and traditions but it took them nearly half a century to realise that Calcutta sounds too Western for Bengali Culture. As a result, in 2001, Calcutta was renamed as Kolkata and Calcutta High Court became Kolkata High Court. This was done because 'Kolkata' reflected upon the Bengali Pronounciation of the city's name.

Everything changes with time but humam nature does not. Human instincts have been same for years, decades, centuries and milleniums. One of those qualities is lust. Lust is among the most committed sin amongst the Seven Deadly Sins. People can go to animalistic levels to pacify their incarnal desires. Gratification of bodily wants is the only aim of several people. These desires and concupiscent dreams gave birth to harlotry.

Each and every city of the world has special 'designated areas' or more specifically Red Light Districts where sex business is carried out. Kolkata is no exception. Kolkata is the home to the India's oldest and largest Brothel, namely the Brothel of Begum Shona Ghazia. With Mispronounciation and frequent usage, Shona Ghazia gradually distorted to 'Shona Gachi'. This term has now become a common expression for Brothels and Homes of Sex Workers throughout India.

Emraan Ehsaan, a man of nearly fifty, stood infront of such a Brothel. It was clear from his face that he was facing a moral dillema whether to enter or not, thus making him hesitant to knock on the door.

It was five past midnight. This alley was more or less empty. The Full Moon reflected brightly on the spectacles of Emraan. His Shirt was soaked in sweat and his beard was not trimmed and his hair was embrangled.

Emraan finally gathered courage enough to enter.
As he went through the foul smelling dark corridor, he could hear his heart thumping. After crossing the corridor, he reached into a large hall. He saw more than twenty woman dressed provocatively. These women were the sex workers. Some of them sat on a big foldable bed, some were rearing children, who were of course illicit progeny and some were tempting new clients with flirtatious innuendos. Emraan was surprised to see he was not the only man who was more than fourty. Repulsed by this sight
He decided to leave the brothel. As he advanced for the corridor, he felt a sudden tap on his shoulders. A young man, wearing a vicariously bright floral shirt has stopped Emraan. This man always had a wicked smile on his face which never faded away.

The Man said, "What happened uncle? Where are you going without enjoying a for a night? Is it your first time?"

Emraan just nodded in reply.

The man greeted Emraan and said, "My name is Praveen. I own this place."

Emraan just kept quiet, feeling shame and guilt at the same time.

Praveen understood Emraan's uneasiness. He said to him, "Uncle! It is okay to have desires, specially at your age. One man can never be satisfied with one single woman. Look at me! I had sex three times today."

Emraan glared in disbeleif.

Praveen continued, "I have heard, the Quran forbids prostitution. But beleive me Sir! Pleasure knows no religion!"

Emraan abruptly said, "Offer me the best, you have. I am going to pay as much as you say."

Praveen understood he has got himself a rich customer and probably his lucky strike for today.
Praveen understood that the time has come again to reveal his ace card. He told Emraan to follow him. Praveen led Emraan to a more secluded part of the house. Praveen stopped in front of a vibrantly coloured room. He gave a knock and the sound of unlocking the door was heard from inside. Praveen smiled at Emraan and said, "Payment only after deal is complete."

Emraan entered into the room. What he found in the room was exactly the opposite of what he has expected. Inside the room, sat a young girl child, not more than fourteen years of age. She had a darkish complexion with smooth long hair. The Kajal strokes on the edges of her eyes were smudged a little, probably with tears. Provocative attire made her more attractive and  charming.

Emraan owned this girl for one night. She was his possession for the night. Emraan walked in the room and sat beside the girl. The girl hesitated, knowing she will again have to sell her body for an old man's desire.

Emraan said,"What is your name child?"

The girl was amused to hear the word 'child' from a client. She smiled a little and answered in a flirtatious tone, reminding her job, " Sarita is my name." Saying, she stood up, advancing to loosen the knot of her dress.
Emraan resisted and said, " You do not need to."
Saritaa was surprised. She has never seen any client who refused her to get undressed. Saritaa was confused and amused at the same time.
She sat beside the man and started playing with his hair. Emraan smiled a little.

Emraan asked, "What is your age?"
Saritaa smiled and replied, "Twenty One".
Emraan said,"Oh Come On Child, tell me the truth, I am not going to report to the police."
Saritaa looked at Emraan's eyes and saw something which made her tell the truth which she was never supposed to tell, "I am fifteen."

Emraan felt sick. He just sat there for a while. Suddenly Saritaa asked Emraan what his name was.
"Emraan Ehsaan. I work for a private firm near this area."
Saritaa said, "You are different from all other men who have come here."
Emraan said, "How many men came here till now?"

"Not much, I am not used much by Praveen. He says I am his ace card. I have been living here for a year and a half but only six men came here, only the aged ones, whose sudden desire for young flesh forced them to hunt on young child."

Emraan remained quiet for a moment. He finally said, "Why are you doing this child? You could earn your living by some respectable means."
Saritaa laughed with her heart. 'Respectable?'
The man who eneterd into a whore house is saying about respect? Saritaa offered Emraan beetle leaf, more precisely, A paan. Emraan took it from Saritaa and gulped it at one go.

It was nearly two o' clock. Sarita laid her head on the bed while Emraan retired to a broken sofa beside the bed.

They talked. Talked about the brothel, about Praveen, about Emraan's wife but nothing on the sexual level. After sometimes Emraan noticed Saritaa fell asleep. Emraan took a deep breath and forced himself to sleep.