The Slut-Accidental Interview

“Finally after this assignment submission our internship will be completed,” said Jaya. "Yeah, you are right. By the way, did you get the appointment of the person you are going to take the interview with?" her friend asked. “I struggled hard to get his appointment for tomorrow evening but just for an hour. I don't want to miss the meeting because it's not that easy to get a chance to meet him again," she replied. "Then start early. It's better to wait than to miss the interview," she suggested. "Obviously, how can someone miss an opportunity to meet such a noble, reputed, and one of the few freedom fighters that are still alive? Anyways all the best for your assignment,” she said. “You too,” her friend replied.

“Come on Jaya, you can do this, this is your first-ever interview and don’t ruin this being nervous,” she motivated herself. “Excuse me, I’m Jaya a journalist. I have an appointment with Mr. Sadanand at 8 pm. could you please take me to him,” she asked a man. “Mam please wait here, I will get back to you,” he said. “Sure,” she said. She has been waiting for two hours and then the man came with the not-so-good news. "Sorry mam but you can't meet him right now his health is deteriorating and doctors are suggesting hospitalizing him immediately," he said. “Oh no, that’s so sad to hear and it's okay I will take a leave now, thank you” she left.

"It's already 10 pm, I have to submit my assignment the day after tomorrow and it's hard to find a popular face like him in this short span and take the interview," she worried sitting in the auto-rickshaw. “What are you bothered by??” a woman sitting beside asked her. She introduced herself and told everything. “Don’t worry, you still have a complete day and I hope you will figure something out,” she consoled her. “Thank you. May I know who you are and what are you doing at this time?” she asked. “I’m like a moon and my work never allows me to appear in the day,” she smiled sarcastically. “Then I must know about it,” she asked. “I’m a streetwalker and are called sluts, whores and prostitutes with love by our society,” she said in a hard tone. Jaya remained silent. “What made you do this?” she asked slowly. “No one ever wants a life without respect but sometimes life itself pushes us into deep waters without any life jackets. The ones who dare will survive and the rest will drown,” she replied sharply.

“I’m from a small village, my father was a chronic alcoholic. My mother was a daily wage worker, she worked hard to fill our hungry stomachs. I have three more sisters, one elder and the other two younger. My elder sister was mentally unstable so I used to take care of my sisters when our mother leaves for work. Suddenly our father died of jaundice as the infection was spread into the blood. But we never felt any difference as he was just a burden to our mother. Within a very short period we had our greatest loss…the moment our lives became upside down…our…our mother….she died at work in an accident,” she broke into tears. She gently moved her hand over her shoulder. She wiped her tears and started again.

"I used to go to work where my mother worked. One day the owner asked me to go to the town along with some other girls where we will be paid more. At first, I denied his offer later I agreed as I wanted to join my younger sisters in a good school and treat my elder sister. In the beginning, everything went well but soon they asked us to go out with unknown persons if anyone refused to go then they hit them with sticks and rods and are forced to go. They stopped sending money to our families and made us fast until we agree”. "Why don't you file a case against them??" she asked. "Who would take our complaints? The ones who should stop and stand against are themselves ordering us for dinner." She said.

She was shocked and asked, "Do you ever think of coming out of this ocean?" "Even if we try… who do you think will accept us with the same respect we lost years ago??… One thing I never understood for years is why do we alone call sluts and why not the so-called reputed men who do the same as we do every day??” she questioned her. "My stop is ahead," she said. "Here?? But this place belongs to…," she stayed quiet. "What's going on in your mind is true and I wish u will find a new person for your assignment. Bye take care," she left. “I already got one,” she whispered.