by Jet, M
Next, I was taken back into the beauty parlor, still nude. The blonde woman went to work on my mass of black curls while two other women massaged warm almond oil into my skin. The massage would've felt good any other day, but having slept in the most comfortable bed of my life, I felt remarkably well already, given the odd circumstance.
I could feel eyes all over the room scrutinizing my naked body and I shivered from the hostility that invaded me. However, the workers seemed oblivious to it as they began applying elaborate henna art to my feet and hands. I closed my eyes and tried to pretend that I was somewhere else.
After the art came the application of makeup to my face and styling of my hair. It seemed like eternity that I remained still as women made me a work of art from head to foot. When it was finally finished, Padma gave me the temporary saree I'd been assigned, told me to put it on, and look in the mirror.
A hush fell over the room as I walked in front one of the many full length mirrors in the salon. I gasped sharply at the image I beheld. I scarcely recognized the striking creature that was my own reflection staring back at me. My skin glittered with an ethereal glow. The henna spiraling around my wrists and ankles looked like breathtaking works of art. My hair fell in a mass of perfect ringlets down my back; some of it expertly perched atop my head in a crown of purple flowers. My face was accented with vivid, colorful makeup. And in the loaner garment, all my shapely curves were now visible and I felt a warm tingle begin within me.
"Beautiful…" Padma whispered.
***
"Are those girls tasting food before the other girls eat it?" I whispered incredulously to Padma.
Padma chuckled as I stared around the room. "Try not to stare, dear," she said in the first kind tone she'd used with me.
But I couldn't help it. It was lunch time, and for the first time, I saw all the women together. There were gorgeous women representing what seemed like every nationality in the world, all dressed in the revealing garments. Then, there were another set of women, all seeming very young, and in less revealing garments. Another set of women still, all seemed much older, and also wore less revealing garments. The younger and older women all seemed to work in some way to serve and pamper those of us in the middle. In total, there must've been more than fifty of us.
"You'll learn, dear Gita, there is a specific structure to this home. The competition here can be fierce. Occasionally, even dangerous. Some women here are so hated; tasters have been employed to taste their food for them before they consume it, in case the food is poisoned."
My stomach turned. "Poisoned? But, then, what happens to the taster if the food is poisoned?"
Padma elicited a thin smile. "Gita, it is these girls' duty to serve us. They do it happily."
I frowned at Padma's mysterious non answer, her customary way of responding to my questions. "But Padma, I don’t understand? What is it exactly that we're competing for? The attention of your son? I haven't even seen him!"
Padma laughed. "Oh, you'll all receive his attention, don't worry. But, the fact is, my son has yet to take even one wife. So it isn't just attention you'll compete for. It is his love. And the reason you haven't seen him yet his because you haven't been invited yet. Men do not come into the harem. The word means forbidden; sacred. We live here to be protected and honored. No man sets forth here. When Shekhar wishes to see you, you will be beckoned."
Part 3
A week passed and I tried not to think of my loneliness. The other women rarely looked at or spoke to me, other than servant girls. I tried to make friends with them, but the servant girls were painfully shy. Every morning I was subjected to the rigorous beautification process, yet no mention was made of meeting Shekhar. I was allowed to roam the harem and found several things about it I enjoyed such as the incredible library, and the giant swimming pool and sauna. But, mainly I kept to myself, and did as Padma told me.
One afternoon, I was told to report to a certain room where I had not been before. Inside the room was decorated more posh than any room I'd ever seen in my life with intricately embroidered rugs and golden gilded wallpaper that I suspected was probably real gold. Candles flickered all around the room and soft beautiful music played. There were some cushions scattered about on the floor, but other than that no furniture in the room. No people either. As was becoming common, I was confused and didn't know why I'd been sent here. So I took a seat on the floor and waited.
Not too much later, the door opened slowly and Manu walked in. My heart skipped a beat to see a familiar, friendly face. But seeing him only intensified my confusion. "Manu! So good to see you! What are you doing here?"
Manu smiled kindly. "Today is the beginning of some training for you."
I frowned. "More training? I have been trained to death! To do a lot of nothing," I grumbled petulantly.
Manu grinned and patted my cheek gently. "There there, Gita. You will understand so much over time, and why all these things are so important, alright? Trust me. Please. As I told you, I brought you here, and I will watch you, and keep you safe," Manu promised softly.
My frown deepened hearing his promises since I hadn't laid eyes on him even once in a week. It seemed hard to believe he was really watching me.
Manu's face became serious. "Now, let us begin. Gita, some of this may be… Uncomfortable for you. Just try and remember, it is important. And it is only uncomfortable because it is new. But soon, it will be extraordinarily pleasant for you. Please rise," Manu said.
I began to tremble slightly, consumed by an odd feeling as I deftly jumped to my feet.
"Thank you," Manu said. "Now please, disrobe."
My cheeks flamed with instant heat. Take off my clothes? In front of Manu, a brother to me? But slowly, I did as I was told until I stood there naked before him, and shivered as the air licked my skin. By instinct I wanted to use my hands and arms to cover myself, but I sensed that I should leave my hands dangling at my sides. Manu inspected me with no expression on his face, as though he were sizing up a product for sale.
"OK," Manu continued. "Gita, today I am going to prepare you for some things you may expect when Shekhar summons you. How you are to behave. And how you are to respond to him. Again, I know this is all very new to you, so please, remember… Don't be afraid."
Every time he said not to be afraid, I trembled more.
"Sometimes, I will come for you, and I will take you to the part of the house where Shekhar lives, to his bed chambers. He will expect you to be displayed in a certain manner when he enters the bedroom. So that is what we will work on first."
I was beginning to hate the mention of that name. I couldn't imagine why on Earth we were talking about me going into his bedroom when I would not even know him if I passed him on the street. However, it was apparently protocol in this strange world, and I did trust my friend.
"There are specific positions to be used, and you may select the one that suits you at the time, unless you are told otherwise. The first thing you will always do is disrobe in Shekhar's room."
Complaint burned in the back of my throat and tears sprung to my eyes. But I said nothing.
Manu got down on the floor on his knees. "For this first position, you will want to make sure you keep your back to the door. Please do as I do."
Hesitantly, I joined Manu on the floor, roosting on my knees. At least it wasn't painful, with my knees sinking into the plush carpeting.
"There will be a round rug in front of his door, and that is where you will do this. Now, please lower your face to the floor while keeping your buttocks up."
I stared wild-eyed at Manu, blushing furiously. I wanted to ask questions. I wanted to protest. He waited patiently, prepared to respond to whatever I might say. After a long hesitation, I instead just did what he told me, slowly lowering my face to the floor. As I bent, I could feel myself begin to spread at my center and I knew I was terribly exposed. But Manu did not move to look, only continued to wait for me to comply.
"You may turn y
our face to the side so that you rest on your cheek. This is meant to be pleasant and comfortable for you." I almost laughed at that comment. Though physically I wasn't terribly uncomfortable, emotionally I was raw. "Now, spread your arms out over your head, your palms flat on the floor, and your fingers spread."
Manu waited as I moved to comply. Then he scooted over behind me, but oddly I sensed he still wasn't looking at the private parts of me, though they were there for the taking. He put one hand on my hip, and his other hand slid quickly between my thighs. He gently used that hand to separate my thighs. Then he immediately pulled his hands away from me.
"While in this position, you will spread your legs as wide as you can, and this is how you should be when Shekhar enters."
I gulped in shallow, rapid breaths and stayed in the position until Manu spoke again. Then, he took me through several other possible positions, ending with one where I lay on a cushion in front of the door with my knees bent, my thighs spread far, and my hands cupping my full breasts. When he told me that was the last one, I began to cry.
Manu's face fell. "Oh Gita, please, do not cry! I know it's all terribly confusing to you, but you have to believe me, you will understand in time! And you will be happy behind your wildest imaginings." Shadows crossed Manu's dark eyes. "It's all I've ever wanted for you."
Manu produced a tissue from his breast pocket and offered it to me. What I really desired was a blanket to cover my naked body.
"I'm going to show you one more thing today, Gita, to help you begin to understand the beauty of things you will feel and learn here. To give you a tiny taste, of treasures you never knew existed. You trust me, do you not?"
I nodded tearfully. "Yes, Manu. I trust you."
Manu moved and took a seat between my spread legs, being careful not to brush his body against mine. "I am going to touch you now, Gita. Just relax. Be patient. Allow yourself to become lost in the sensation."
My heart quickened once more, but I nodded. Manu extended one finger and delicately placed it between my legs. He applied a whisper of pressure to a part of me that I'd never known existed and instantly, my midsection seemed to melt in a flood of warmth. "Ooooh," I whispered, my eyes growing wide.
Manu smiled his friendly smile. "It feels good?"
I nodded shyly as Manu stared into my eyes without ceasing the gently swirl of his finger. "This part of you is called a clit," Manu said matter of factly. "It is OK if you make noise. Shekhar will touch you here sometimes, and he will enjoy the sounds of your pleasure."
I moved my hips slightly as Manu intensified the pressure on my clit. He moved his finger in a fast, perfect rhythmic circle over this part of me that tingled and grew hot. I was breathing heavily and my eyes fell closed as my head spun with the powerful sensation that was building in my mid-section. This was unlike anything I'd ever felt before in my life. When my eyes popped open for a moment, I saw that Manu was looking away from me, and still no part of him touched any part of me other than his one finger. I closed my eyes once more and resolutely decided to do what he'd instructed; lose myself I did.
In only seconds, my hips bucked suddenly as I thought I was going to lose control of my bladder. But something else happened instead, something that sent me over an invisible edge and before I could pull it back, a fractured scream escaped me and I fell back heavily into the cushion. A thin sheen of sweat coated my entire quaking body, and my thighs shook uncontrollably like butterfly wings. Manu pulled away from me instantly and stood up, the picture of composure. I was embarrassed about my outcry.
"Don't worry, it's normal to cry out, Gita," Manu said as though reading my mind. "You are free to express your feelings however you must in those moments. What you've just experienced is called an orgasm. This is the only orgasm you will ever experience again without Shekhar. But don't worry, he will give you many, and in a thousand different incredible ways."
***
I was overjoyed when Manu joined me for lunch after the training session. I caught the glances and small smiles from some of the other women, and my cheeks once again blazed as I suspected they knew what had just happened to me. As we sat together eating, we discussed old times and caught up.
"Manu," I said. "I have a question."
"Yes, Gita?"
"Well, on my first day, Padma told me men never ever come into the harem. Not even Shekhar himself. So then, why are you here?"
Sadness darkened Manu's sweet face for just a second before he replaced the expression with his usual peaceful patience. "Gita, it is so difficult for me to explain it all to you." Manu sighed deeply. "So many curious questions you have!"
"I'm sorry, Manu. I don't mean to frustrate you with my questions. Never mind," I replied.
"No no, it's OK, Gita. Hmmm… Where to begin? Well, you remember I told you that we were both born into a certain world."
"I do! I remember that, Manu! But I still don't understand!"
"Your mother and father wanted this life for you from the time that you were born," Manu explained patiently. "In a harem, you will always be honored and protected. Cared for. You will have everything your heart desires. That is what they wanted for you. So they spent your life grooming you for the opportunity to become a harem girl."
It was my turn to sigh. I leaned my chin dejectedly in my hand. "I'm still not sure I agree with their philosophy," I muttered.
Manu smiled and patted my hand. "Time will tell, Gita. You will see. At any rate, similarly to you, my parents also saw this life for me. But obviously, as a man, I can't be in a harem. Nor did we come from the sort of wealth that I could ever hope to have a harem of my own. But they had a plan for me as well…"
I stared at Manu, hanging on his every word.
"Gita, do you remember that summer after our third grade year? After your parents took you out of school? I was gone for a while…"
I nodded vigorously. "I do remember, Manu! I remember your face when you returned, you were… Different. You seemed sad."
Manu nodded. "My parents sent me away to have surgery that summer. So that I could be assured a spot in this life."
"Surgery? So young? What kind of surgery? I'm sorry Manu, I still don't understand."
In a voice barely audible, Manu answered. "I'm a eunuch, Gita."
The puzzled frown did not leave my face as I continued to stare at him. I felt like groaning in frustration. Questions that made no sense with layers of answers… That made no sense. The confusion seemed endless.
"Do you know what that is?"
I shook my head. "No."
Manu lowered his eyes, his cheeks burning. "When I was nine, a surgery was performed on me to remove my sexual genitalia."
I reeled backwards, choking on a violent gasp. "Dear God, no," I whispered, outraged. My stomach bubbled, hot bile searing the back of my throat.
Manu's eyes darted around; hoping no one else was eavesdropping on our conversation, though they already knew about him anyway. It was still difficult for him to speak it aloud. "Gita, please! This is so difficult for me to tell you."
I became quite literally consumed with rage and began to shake violently, hot tears spilling down my face. I hated Manu's parents at that moment. I hated my parents for knowing this about Manu and not telling me, not doing anything to protect him. My eyes were suddenly open to the world I was now a part of.
Most of all, I hated Shekhar Kulkarni.
Manu took my arm and gently led me from the table and out of the cafeteria. Outside in the hallway, he hugged me briefly, but I felt no warmth in his embrace. Just perfunctory comfort.
"Gita," he began pulling away. "It is OK, I promise. I've had a wonderful life. I've never suffered anything other than some temporary pain after the surgery. I am a close confidant to one of the most powerful men in India, and therefore I am powerful. I exchange this gladly for romance or a family of my own. The harem is my family."
"And because of all this, Gita," Manu continued. "I was able to ensure your placement here.
I was able to make sure no other harem picked you, where you may have been abused or brutalized. I knew for years your parents planned to sell you to the highest bidder. So, I made sure the one who bought you was the one where I could be there. Every day. Watching. Protecting you!"
I stumbled backwards. "Sell me?" I whispered. "To the highest bidder? I… My…" I didn't know what to say. "I can't leave?"
Again the sadness passed over Manu's face and he tried to hide it. "Not easily, no. But, that's what I've been trying to explain to you! You won't want to leave, Gita! Your life here will be Heaven on Earth! I promise you this!"
I glared angrily at Manu. "Oh yes, Heaven," I growled. "Like your life here? Where you bring women to orgasm with no satisfaction of your own? Where you live your life among women. No, among WHORES because your parents made sure you could never do anything about your urges?"
Manu looked stung, as though I struck him. "I have no urges, Gita," he said softly. "Having this done to me at such a young age, I was spared all that confusion."
Against my control, I released a peel of wicked laughter. "Spared?" I seethed. I shook my head. "Given what you just made me feel, Manu Gadhavi, back there in that room… I can tell you, it's very sad that you see it that way."
I turned and stalked angrily away.
***
Another week passed by in much the same way. Endless primping. Exercising. Hostile stares and hushed voices. Then, one afternoon, I saw a new girl at lunch with Padma. She had the same wide eyed, frightened look about her that I'd had on my first day. I'd never seen anyone like her. She was petite with toned, wispy limbs. Her black hair hung perfectly straight down her back and glistened in the dim lighting. Even without any styling or adornment, her hair was a striking frame for her delicate face. Her black eyes were made up with smoky brown makeup and she had expressive arched eyebrows. Pouty, full pale pink lips moved as she whispered to Padma and I saw she had sparkling white, perfectly straight teeth. My breath caught in my throat as I watched her. I caught glimpses of her throughout the day, but never got a chance to speak to her.