DURGA

A new girl is brought to Santragachi brothel, a red-light area in Kolkata. It’s 6 A.M. but there is complete silence in the locality, for none sleep at night there and so, start their day by noon. The owner of the brothel, Champa murmurs while examining the girl, “It is doubtful that her lean and thin physique can attract clients, but her innocent face, big eyes, and long hair may go in favor of her.” The deal is finalized. 50,000/- is handed over to the pimp.

The girl is perplexed, unable to figure out where her lover has fled after commanding her to stay in the strange house where there are all ladies as if it's a women's hostel.

In the evening, the girl is ordered to apply loud makeup and wear a glittering gown. She refuses to obey because she has never worn such kind of indecent outfit. Champa is an experienced lady. Whenever a new bird is entrapped by male hunters, she trains the fresher one sometimes politely and sometimes brutally. She asks the girl her name and laughs hysterically when hears Durga. She says, in the field of prostitution ‘Durga’ is the most inappropriate name as women are neither courageous nor pious. However, it is true that for creating the Durga idol, the soil of the brothel is mandatory.

Champa renames her ‘Bijuli’ which means Lightening. She then explains to Durga her duty, “You are now part of this world where women earn through seducing men. As a novice, seduction will be taught to you together with singing and dancing.” She further threatens her, “There is no way to escape from here. So, accept the reality and co-operate with us to run the brothel smoothly without throwing any tantrums. “

Bijuli’ pleads, “Let me go to my village as I have done my life’s biggest mistake by trusting a few days known stranger.”

But nothing has melted Champa’s heart. Durga regrets eloping with a person who turns into a pimp. Her true tender feelings for the fake lover transformed into deep hatred. Sadly, not only for him but for the most pious feeling of Love. She can never trust anyone in her life again.

Bijuli is kept in a small, dim-lighted, heavily perfumed room. At 10 P.M a client enters. Champa has asked for double money from him, for the girl is rebellious. She knows that men rejoice in victory over tough challenges. She is sure he will take time at least, half an hour. But to her uttermost surprise, he is out of the room just after ten minutes. She asks him if everything is fine. He replies, ‘Yes’ and leaves the premise without any complaint.

The next morning, Bijuli is non- rebellious as if she has accepted her destiny. Champa is relaxed to see that without creating any drama, Bijuli is under control. 

In the afternoon, both have their lunch together. Bijuli asks her if she can instruct the children of brothels during the daytime. She has done her matriculation. She further highlights the miserable condition of the children. Instead of going to school, they litter around with the local goons. Engaging them constructively is very important to lead them to a dignified life. She is allowed. 

That night, once again, a client, sent to Bijuli’s room, comes out in ten minutes and leaves. Champa is totally confused. How can a girl, who is sold to the brothel unknowingly and is forced to do skin trade, handle the clients so perfectly? The reason behind Bijuli’s calm behaviour is a matter of curiosity for Champa now. She decides to check how the girl treats the customers.,

One late evening Champa’s close associate Badru knocks at Bijuli’s room. He looks horrible, completely drunk, and speaks in a rough tone. Bijuli greets him with confidence and behaves friendly. He is astonished to find Bijuli different from the other girls. He doesn’t feel that he is in a room of brothel. Instead, it seems like a closet of a normal house. She gently asks for his phone to show him an interesting movie clip. He assumes it must be some erotic one. He readily agrees and gives his phone to her. She searches for something and what is displayed on the screen is a big shock for Badru.

Durga is one of the most efficient undercover police. Her profile is opened in front of him. She calmly utters, “You are the right hand of Champa. Your details are sent to the police headquarter. Silently leave the premise, and surrender to the police waiting outside. If you disclose my identity to Champa, your stay in jail can be extended for an indefinite period.” He is so scared that he promises he will keep the secret under wraps. 

Champa is assured that Bijuli will never create any trouble. Within a week, Durga finds a new teenager who is kidnapped and sold in the brothel. She immediately alerts the police. Without any delay, a police force raids the area. Champa is clueless about who is the informer.

The time has come. Durga reveals her identity. She appears with the girl and other women. Champa screams at her to go inside but stops when the police are saluting Bijuli and following her commands. Champa is arrested together with her associates. She utters, “I have never expected you as a police officer.”

Durga asserts, “You should never judge a book by its cover.”

Champa looks at that thin and lean girl who has the most suitable name. She is indeed Durga - a rescuer, killer of demons, and an eradicator of evil practices.