The courtyard of the Singhania haveli was a sea of leering faces, the air thick with the smell of cheap liquor, sweat, and raw anticipation. In the center, on a slightly raised platform, stood Meera. She was completely naked, her skin glowing in the flickering torchlight. Her hands were bound behind her back with coarse jute rope that bit into her wrists, forcing her shoulders back and thrusting her young, firm breasts forward for all to see. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to her pale, trembling skin.