Did you go to “buy” the AIDS?

Image from the google

The air outside was cold. People were either rushing for home or seeking warmer places to hitch in. Thimphu city had suddenly become unfriendly to many people wearing thin clothes.

And the opposite was in the Drayang. Sweats were dripping down and people were in their best thin clothes. Amidst the loud music that penetrated our ear drums, we, I and my friends sat down holding our breaths. Our ears became warm and we started sweating too.

We had just gone to see what happens in the Drayangs as it was first time for most of us. The idea popped up while we were at the town. We thought it was good (sometimes) to be out late night and see the night life of the town. The decision was unanimously made.

What a business strategy. No sooner did we get into the room, we were offered a free cup of tea. And to add, we had the luxury to choose Suja or Ngaja. I asked for Suja and we were cordially served.

The next came a book and a pen with a nagging (seen through physical appearance) girl. We were asked to request songs. I paid Nu 100 and requested for a song. She performed my request and followed the others’. After watching the programme for sometime, it was time for us to return home. The cold air once again blew against our face and the winter grew in my heart.

On my way back to my place, a friend of mine called me up and asked where I had been. I told her that I was at the Drayang. “Did you go there to “buy” the AIDS?” she asked me. I had no answer to her question. But I feared if AIDS had transferred to me because I watched the girls sing and dance. Does this happen? I do not know! Do Drayang girls sell AIDS? I do not know!

I believe it is our mind that shape things and see things. If we see Drayang workers as sex workers, they become unintended victims. We do not know who the girls are! We do not understand their problems! What could have driven those young and energetic girls to the Drayangs? If they had lucky yet rich parents like ours, would they ever be working in the Drayangs which we consider bad? If what we do is considered job, why is their not? As far as I am concerned, whatever you do to earn money to make a survival is a job: a job that gives you life and breath. And life and breath is what you need to live.  

When I gave the money to request the song, I gave it thinking it would help the girl who requested the song. If they can collect more, they get bonus at the end of the month. And by helping her through the little earnings of mine, she would be better off one day. And with her becoming a better citizen, the society becomes healthy. There is no waste in the things you give with prayers. I never thought I went there to buy the AIDS. I knew Drayang as the room of entertainment and not the source of AIDS. Are we not thinking wrongly?