ROOPCHAND - The Prose

'The Dancing Women', or 'The Nachnewalis,' is the name given to the women who used to dance in the courts of the Mughals, entertaining them with grace and elegance. Over the decades, these women became known as the Nats, a name derived from the terms 'Natyam' or 'Nritya,' both meaning dance.

THE STORY OF A DANCING GIRL:

In a village steeped in tradition and culture, there lies a unique society where women hold the reins of power. This village stands out for its matriarchal structure, where men are visitors from distant cities, seeking the pleasures offered by the women of the village. It is a place where the birth of a girl is a cause for great celebration, for she is seen as the bearer of the family's inheritance and legacy. This inheritance, however, is not land or wealth, but a trade—an ancient and sacred profession that involves the sale of their bodies and the provision of pleasure.

In this village, the birth of a girl is met with joy and anticipation. The mother and the other women of the village rejoice, knowing that she will continue the family tradition, which they believe honors their ancestors and pleases the gods. The women's trade is seen as a sacred duty, a way to connect with the divine by serving men and producing offspring, especially daughters, who will carry on the legacy.

One such woman, pregnant by an unknown man, finds herself filled with hope and happiness as she carries a fetus. She eagerly waits for the day she will give birth, praying for a baby girl. One midnight, her labor pains begin, and she cries out in agony. Hearing her cries, the women from nearby homes rush to her side, surrounding her and offering their support. In the absence of hospitals, the women rely on their knowledge and experience to assist her in childbirth. In a dark room, with only a flickering candle to light the way, the woman gives birth. The sound of a baby's first cries brings smiles to the faces of the women, especially the mother, for she has given birth to a baby girl.

As dawn breaks, the tiny baby girl is brought out of her home. Her grandmother, the matriarch and leader of the village, takes her into her arms. With pride and reverence, she declares, "God has blessed me with an heir, who shall follow and lead our tradition into the future. She shall continue to make our name proud and lead our league." The grandmother names her Chanda, meaning Moon, for she was born at midnight, just like a beautiful moon shining in the night sky. The women of the village adore Chanda, knowing she will be the royal queen of their community.

Chanda grows up surrounded by love and lavishness. Her grandmother, mother, aunts, and cousins work tirelessly, earning money by selling their bodies and providing pleasure to men. Despite the pain and suffering they endure, they take pride in their work and the legacy they uphold. Chanda, observing their dedication, becomes certain that she will follow in their footsteps.

Every morning, Chanda bathes and dresses beautifully. She applies makeup, wears kohl and lipstick, and adorns her hair with roses. She puts on bangles, a diamond-studded necklace, and anklets that produce melodious sounds as she walks. The women teach her how to dance gracefully, lure men with her eyes and movements, and understand their desires. Her grandmother and mother train her diligently, ensuring she becomes the perfect heir to lead their league, a legacy established by the women before her.

As Chanda grows older, she becomes more confident in her role. She embraces the traditions and teachings passed down to her, recognizing the importance of maintaining the family's honor and legacy. She understands the sacrifices made by the women before her and is determined to uphold their pride. The village continues to thrive under the matriarchal rule, with Chanda poised to take on the mantle of leadership. She knows her journey will be challenging, but with the unwavering support of the women in her life, she is ready to face whatever comes her way.  

One fine day, when Chanda goes to the market in the city to buy perfume and dresses for her 13th birthday, it was her first time going to the city, and she was so excited. Chanda and her grandmother took a chariot ride towards the city market. Her eyes glimmered with happiness and excitement overloaded. As they reached the city, Chanda saw so many people, busy streets, and the bustling marketplace. As Chanda walked towards the perfume shop with her grandmother, her eyes caught sight of a group of girls her age, all dressed in matching uniforms. Each girl carried a bag and clutched a few books in her hands. The sight intrigued Chanda, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her.

"Who are those girls, and where are they going?" Chanda asked her grandmother, her voice filled with wonder. Her grandmother, however, did not share Chanda's enthusiasm. A frown creased her forehead as she glanced at the group of girls. "Those girls are headed to school," she said dismissively. "They are ruining their reputation by trying to educate themselves and aspiring to become something like men. A girl's place is at home, not in a classroom."

Chanda was taken aback by her grandmother's harsh words. She had never heard of concepts like education, school, or dreams of becoming something beyond the confines of home. The idea of girls striving for more than just domestic life was a revelation to her, and it stirred a whirlwind of thoughts in her young mind. As they continued walking, Chanda couldn't shake off the image of the girls in uniforms, their faces determined and their steps purposeful. What could be so important that they would face societal disapproval to pursue it? She wondered if there was a world beyond her small, familiar surroundings—a world where girls could dream, learn, and achieve.

Chanda's thoughts lingered on the notion of education and what it might mean for her own life. Could she, too, aspire to something greater? The questions swirled within her, marking the beginning of an inner journey that would challenge the traditional beliefs she had always known. Her grandmother's disapproval lingered in the air, but Chanda felt a newfound sense of curiosity and determination. She decided that she wanted to learn more about this mysterious concept of education, and perhaps, one day, become something beyond the roles that society had defined for her.

Chanda's curiosity about education only intensified as the night wore on. She lay in bed, unable to sleep, her mind racing with thoughts of the girls she had seen on the street, their books clutched tightly in their hands. The more she thought about it, the more determined she became to understand what education truly meant. The next morning, Chanda's resolve was unshaken. She approached her mother with a barrage of questions. "What is school like, Mama? What do the girls learn there? Can education help me become something important, like those girls I saw?"

Her mother paused, her face reflecting a mix of surprise and uncertainty. She had never been asked such questions by Chanda before. Struggling to find the right words, she remained silent, unable to provide the answers her daughter sought. Chanda's mother had never experienced the world of education herself, having grown up in a time and place where girls were seldom given the opportunity to attend school. The concept of dreams beyond domestic life was foreign to her. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to guide her daughter, but she also felt the weight of societal expectations that had shaped her own life.

Despite the silence that followed her questions, Chanda's determination only grew stronger. She realized that if her mother couldn't answer her questions, she would have to seek the answers elsewhere. The image of the girls in uniforms continued to inspire her, and she vowed to find a way to learn and discover what possibilities education could bring. Chanda's journey was just beginning, and with each step, she felt a growing sense of empowerment. She understood that the path ahead might be challenging, but the spark of curiosity that had ignited within her was now a beacon guiding her towards a future she had never imagined.

Chanda's restlessness grew with each passing day. Her curiosity about education became an unyielding force within her. She began to ask questions to the men who visited her house for pleasure, hoping they might have some knowledge. However, they laughed at her inquiries, dismissing the idea of a girl like her attending school. "School is not for you," they would say, their words tinged with mockery. But Chanda was not easily dissuaded. Her desire to learn more about education only strengthened. She found every possible excuse to visit the city again, eager to uncover the mysteries that lay beyond her familiar surroundings. This time, she ventured into the city alone, her heart pounding with anticipation.

As she wandered through the bustling streets, she once again spotted the girls with their school bags. Summoning her courage, she approached them and began asking questions about their experiences in school. The girls, sensing her genuine curiosity, welcomed her with open arms. They shared stories of their daily lessons, their favorite subjects, and the dreams they harbored for the future. In a short time, Chanda formed a bond with these girls. They became her friends and allies in her quest for knowledge. Seeing her relentless curiosity and determination, they decided to take her to their school. They believed that witnessing the vibrant world of education firsthand would give Chanda a clearer understanding of what it meant to live one's dreams.

As they led her to the school, Chanda's excitement grew. She stepped inside the school gates, her eyes wide with wonder. She saw classrooms filled with eager students, teachers passionately imparting knowledge, and bookshelves brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. For the first time, Chanda experienced what it felt like to be in a place where dreams were nurtured and possibilities were endless. Chanda's visit to the school was a turning point in her life. She realized that education could open doors to a future she had never imagined. The image of the girls in their uniforms, the lessons being taught, and the camaraderie among the students filled her with hope and determination. She knew that she had to find a way to become a part of this world, no matter the obstacles she might face.

Chanda's journey was just beginning, but with the support of her new friends and her unwavering curiosity, she felt more empowered than ever to pursue her dreams of education and a brighter future. As she stepped into the school, Chanda's heart raced with excitement. The walls were adorned with colorful charts and drawings, and the classrooms buzzed with the lively chatter of students. She observed teachers explaining lessons, students raising their hands to ask questions, and the joy of learning that filled the air. Chanda was mesmerized. Her new friends showed her the library, filled with books of all kinds. Chanda ran her fingers over the spines of the books, feeling a sense of wonder and possibility. The girls explained how education opened doors to knowledge, dreams, and opportunities. They shared their aspirations to become doctors, teachers, and leaders, and Chanda felt a spark of inspiration ignite within her.

That night, Chanda couldn't stop thinking about the school. She knew she had to find a way to pursue education, despite the societal norms and her family's expectations. She decided to talk to her grandmother about her newfound dream. With determination in her heart, Chanda approached her grandmother and expressed her desire to go to school. Her grandmother's face darkened, and she sternly rebuked Chanda. "Our tradition is our honor, Chanda. We do not need education to uphold our legacy. You will follow the path laid out for you by your ancestors," she declared with finality. Chanda's heart sank, but she didn't give up on her dream.

Despite her grandmother's disapproval, Chanda's curiosity about education remained strong. She began to secretly read books borrowed from her new friends, hiding them under her bed. She would study late at night, using the flickering candlelight to read. Her passion for learning grew with each passing day. One day, Chanda's secret was discovered by her mother. Instead of scolding her, her mother saw the determination in Chanda's eyes and decided to support her in secret. She helped Chanda find ways to study without her grandmother knowing. With her mother's support and the help of her friends, Chanda continued her education in secret.

Chanda's journey to education was fraught with challenges, but she remained resolute. She knew that knowledge was the key to breaking free from the cycle of tradition that bound her. With each book she read and each lesson she learned, Chanda felt herself growing stronger and more capable. Chanda's determination to study had grown so strong that she couldn't resist the urge to learn, even under the watchful eyes of her family. She secretly asked her new friends to teach her, sneaking books and pencils into her room whenever she found a chance. While others were busy with their men, she would dive into her studies, her mind ablaze with newfound knowledge.

One day, as her maids cleaned her room, they discovered the stash of books and pencils. They immediately reported it to her grandmother, setting off a chain of events that would change Chanda's life forever. Chanda was summoned to the women's assembly, where she faced her grandmother's wrath. The elders scolded and verbally abused her for daring to dream of education. Chanda's heart broke as she cried out her desire to learn, to become something more than the confined life she had known. "Education has shown me that the trade our ancestors have been doing is immoral. We need to change. Outside our village, people would stone us to death for what we do," she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. Her words only fueled her grandmother's anger. "Enough of your nonsense!" her grandmother bellowed. "You will be punished. Tomorrow, you will be anointed as my heir and given as a sacrifice to the men. This has been your childhood dream, and it is time for you to fulfill it."

Chanda's heart filled with fear. The realization that her cherished childhood dream was, in fact, a living hell struck her hard. The more she learned, the more she understood the harsh reality of her situation. She wanted to escape this fate, but her room was locked from the outside, leaving her trapped. Determined not to succumb to this dreadful destiny, Chanda began to hatch a plan. She knew that running away was her only chance to break free from the oppressive traditions that held her back. Her mind raced as she devised a way to escape and seek a life where her dreams of education and self-fulfillment could become a reality.

Chanda's journey was far from over, and the road ahead was fraught with danger. But with her unyielding spirit and newfound resolve, she was determined to find a way to break free and pursue the life she had always dreamed of. Desperately searching for a way out, she glanced around her room and noticed the open window. An idea sparked in her mind. She grabbed one of her large sarees, tied it securely to a pillar, and used it to swing down from the window. She fell to her knees in the backyard but quickly got up and ran, her heart pounding with fear and determination. She escaped the eyes of the women guards and navigated the village with ease, knowing every hidden corner from her years of living there.

Chanda had no other destination in mind but the city, where her friends who taught her to read and write resided. In the middle of the night, she ran with all her strength, her fear of the darkness overshadowed by her fear of the ritual her grandmother planned for her. As dawn approached, she reached the city gate, exhausted but determined. She made her way to the school gate and waited there, feeling cold and thirsty.Hours later, a man's voice woke her. "Beta, what are you doing here? What happened to you? Where are your parents?" She woke up, scared and silent, waiting for her friends to arrive. As time passed, she saw her friends approaching the school. She ran to them but fainted from exhaustion.

When she woke up, she found herself surrounded by her friends and teachers. They asked her what had happened, and she recounted everything. The headmaster, however, reacted angrily. "You are  an untouchable. Go away from this place!" he shouted. Chanda was heartbroken. Tears streamed down her face as she realized the harsh reality she faced. Despite her courage and determination, society's prejudices still stood in her way. However, she was not ready to give up. With the support of her friends, she knew she had to find a way to continue her education and fight for a better future.

One of the lady teachers felt pity for Chanda and spoke up to the headmaster, asserting that his actions were unethical. She ran towards Chanda and hugged her tightly, offering comfort and support. The teacher then took Chanda and her friends to her home, providing food and milk to nourish the tired and scared girl. The teacher and her friends were determined to help Chanda out of her dire situation. Chanda expressed her desire to stay away from her village and continue her studies. The teacher agreed, and her friends were overjoyed that Chanda could stay with the teacher and pursue her education. 

The next day, Chanda was elated as she prepared for her admission. She took a bath, dressed beautifully in clothes given by her friends, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. As they approached the school, her eyes sparkled with hope and the promise of a brighter future. However, the headmaster's face displayed arrogance and hatred as he regarded Chanda, the daughter of a prostitute. During her interview, when filling out her admission form, she was asked about her father's name. Chanda hesitated and then explained that she had no father. The villagers referred to children born from illicit activities as "Roopchands," meaning "Born with a few coins." All girls born in the Nat community carried this tag.

Hearing this, the headmaster coldly stated that without a proper father's name, her admission would be declined. Chanda felt a wave of anger and heartbreak, but she said nothing and silently left the room in disappointment. Her teacher and friends, waiting outside, could see the anguish on her face and sensed the rejection she had faced. The teacher, determined to stand up for Chanda, marched into the headmaster's office to confront him, but he was already on a call. The teacher realized that the headmaster's decision was final and that Chanda's struggle was far from over. Before that fateful moment, when the teacher went to the headmaster's office to plead Chanda's case, she overheard him speaking on the phone with Chanda's grandmother. The headmaster informed her of Chanda's whereabouts and urged her to come and take Chanda back. Realizing the impending danger, the teacher quickly returned to Chanda and urged her to run.

As they fled, Chanda asked the teacher what was happening, but the teacher remained silent, the urgency of the situation clear in her eyes. Chanda sensed that something was terribly wrong. As they ran, they were suddenly confronted by five large chariots blocking their path. Chanda's heart sank as she recognized her grandmother sitting in one of the chariots. Her entire world seemed to crumble before her eyes. Her grandmother stepped out of the chariot and walked towards her with a stern and unforgiving expression. Chanda stood frozen, unable to react. The slap across her face was swift and brutal, causing her nose to bleed. The force of the blow sent shockwaves through her body, and she felt a mixture of pain and helplessness. Without a moment's hesitation, her grandmother grabbed her arm and dragged her forcefully into the chariot. Chanda's teacher tried to intervene but was restrained by the women's bodyguards, leaving her powerless to help. The chariot took a sharp U-turn and sped back towards the village, leaving Chanda's dreams shattered in its wake.

As the chariot raced through the fields, Chanda's eyes filled with tears. She watched the flowers sway in the wind, free and beautiful, a stark contrast to her own situation. Her heart ached as she realized that the freedom she had tasted, even for a brief moment, was slipping away. Chanda's spirit, however, remained unbroken. Despite the harsh reality she faced, she knew that her journey was not over. With each passing moment, her resolve to break free and pursue her dreams grew stronger. She vowed to find a way to escape the oppressive traditions that sought to bind her and to seek a future where she could live her life with purpose and dignity.

Chanda reached her village, where her mother was waiting for her. She ran towards her mother and hugged her tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. Though her mother's heart was breaking, she stood still, determined not to cry in front of her daughter. Chanda's grandmother, however, showed no mercy. She dragged Chanda from her mother's arms and threw her to the ground, commanding the waiting women to clean her up and dress her like a bride for the rituals. Chanda screamed, begging them not to do this to her, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The ladies bathed her in warm water, cleaned her thoroughly, and dressed her up, applying makeup, kohl, and red tint on her lips to lure men that night. She wore a beautiful dress and looked like a royal queen, adorned with jewels and glimmering dust particles.

As night approached, Chanda's fear intensified. She was carried down the stairs, her heart pounding with terror. Her grandmother sat on the crowned throne, with her mother nearby, and the nawabs seated in their designated places. Chanda could sense their cruel intentions through their leering eyes and twisted minds. As the night wore on, Chanda's world became a living hell. She was forced to endure the unspeakable cruelty of the 23 nawabs, her body and soul shattered by their brutality. As the last nawab left her, Chanda's body lay broken and still. 

Her mother, who had been waiting outside, rushed into the room and found her daughter's lifeless body. She cradled Chanda's body in her arms, tears streaming down her face. "My dear Chanda," she whispered, "You were not born with a few coins, a mere transaction. You were born of my moon, my beautiful, radiant light. You were my everything, my reason for living." The mother's eyes filled with tears as she held her daughter's lifeless body. In that moment, she wanted Chanda to know that she was more than just a label, more than just a child born into a cruel fate. In that moment, the mother's grief was all that existed. She held her daughter close, mourning the loss of her precious child, and the brutal fate that had been inflicted upon her.

"तू चन्द रूपाइयों से जन्मी - रूपचंद नहीं

बल्कि चाँद सी रूपवती - रूपचंद हो"