Dhavi: A tale of three

When wrong meets right

It was always strange how whenever I found myself in a peril, the first person I'd think of visiting was someone I barely knew.

Young girls, often impressionable, are advised to seek the wise words of their darling mother. However, the person I always found myself approaching, was often the opposite of an acceptable motherly figure.

"Troubled thoughts lead to a troubled girl. And we all know what that leads to..." I never thought such words of wisdom would come from someone with a precarious cigar joint hanging from corner of their mouth.

Well, I suppose as she always told me, some of the wisest advice comes from people least expected.

I wonder if that logic applied to notorious, jerk faced thieves as well. I also wonder if that applied to me as well.

"I wish", I muttered incoherently as I made a swift turn at the end of the alleyway and onto the main road. I could hear the faint giggles and murmur of spontaneous chatter in the distance.

As I trudged on forward, the familiar smudged colors of the withering buildings and the sight of hanging garments, leaving the image of a stained rainbow in my mind, marked the clearing.

Looking at the deathly bright orange hanging in the sky, it seemed there was yet time for the notorious red district to come alive. All seemed rather mellow and subdued at the moment; the complete opposite of its description at night.

Yet then again the tacky sign at the marking the entrance of the renowned brothel; the sight of many fear memories, brought an odd sensation in my chest.

Entering the main courtyard, I scurried across making my way to the second floor, climbing up the dingy staircase. On my way to resting place for the performers, I passed several giggling girls and boys; all in varying stages of undress.

Shaking my head at a sight I was now used to, trudged up the final flight of stairs to reach my destination, glad to rid myself of the awkward experience.

As I arrived at the doorstep of my second favorite hangout, I entertained the idea of what my mother would have said if she had never kicked the old bucket.

"A girl from a respectable family would never even raise her eyes to look at a brothel, let alone pass by it."

Well ole mommy would have quite the surprise if she found out that her prized daughter was not only visiting a brothel, but also was im cahoots with the owner.

Mingling with queen of destruction herself. (At least that's what she truly believed). Raziyah begum. My most prized companion and fellow sympathetic of my cause.

A thirty two year old owner of the Anaand inn and brothel. Best known for her acquired reputation as best dancer that ever walked the streets of Chittorgarh and known to most of her admirers as the "Arabian beauty".

As I strolled in through the unassuming entrance of the common room, the enrapturing sight of the glimmering chandelier and eye-catching colorful designs marking the walls, never once failed to catch my eye.

However, instead of taking in the foreign yet familiar sights, my eyes were steadily trained on my closest friend, like an arrow on its path to its target; with nothing but its goal in sight.

I simply couldn't help myself as a smile graced my features as I scurried towards Mumtaaz, flinging myself into her waiting embrace.

The elegant woman dressed in the finest silks, adorned with glimmering jewels, to the surprise of most, softened her hardened kohl set gaze as she tightened her hold of her loved companion.

"Brilliant timing meri jaan" she purred in my ear, as she stroked my untamed hair, glancing over my figure like a mother estranged from her treasured offspring.

Her materialistic gaze seemed to lessen the pressure against my chest, as my yearning for nurture seemed oddly satisfied in her presence.

Happy with her inspection, Raziyah returned to her previous position on the decorated lounge couch, resting with the stature of the esteemed head of a pride of lions.

I watched as her loving filled gaze turned hard, almost venomous as she sweeper the area, daring any of her maidens to speak up.

With a final scathing glare of jealousy and confusion, most of the fair maidens lowered their gaze, resuming their work; succumbing to the dominating gaze of their respectable leader.

Turning her attention back towards me, Raziyah snapped me out of my reverie as her mouth took a mischievous tilt, her eyes twinkling with a questionable intention.

I felt myself sober up, my suspicion levels raising to the roofs, only to be brought to an abrupt ending as she purred once again, "So my love, how's the notorious thief these days."