Shadows on the Bridge

November 2007
Kolkata

It’s dusk. Early winter and thus the mild (and apologetic) blanket of chill at this hour. You could take the bridge to the left. There were shanties underneath and a rubble filled waterbody. The shadows hovered on the pavement bordering the bridge along both sides. Still shadows and bustling ones. The still ones were voluptuous, in various degrees of undress. Most were dark in complexion with gorgeous make ups – red lips, painted up and untied disheveled manes. The wisps of rough hair floated in the evening wind, escaping…trying to. Only they could not escape…try to. The bustling shadows belonged to young men…their bodies were glistening with a film of sweat – sweat of eagerness and hunger. They were busy showing off the standing-silent shadows to interested ‘parties’. They were haggling over the price – negotiating and compromising. The shadows kept silent. They were not allowed to decide upon their fate. The ‘parties’ took turns to gaze intently at each silent-shadow; scrutinize its every angle, every curve. The painted eyes and blood red lips, the cheap ornaments adorning her wrists and breasts, the mounds of breasts themselves. The curve of the hips and if possible, the shape of the legs. Looking at the often semi-covered breasts gifted them a strange surge of adrenal. They would feel good to touch…and the silent-shadows would not say anything. They had been paid for. Bought. The ‘parties’ selected one and placed the order. The happy moving-busily shadow gave them the receipt. Said he would get her delivered to their address.

Parties came and went.
Orders were taken and the maal delivered.
Right time.
Right place.
Promises kept.

The semi-dressed silent-shadow remained silent…
Perfect body, perfect price.

The semi-dressed silent-shadow remained silent…
Even when she was held by four men at a time
Even when she was carried aloft by four men at a time – two drunk
Even when she was immersed in the Ganga, to the accompaniment of drunken men and deafening dhaak beats…

She was still silent. Till she was no more…