Night had fallen over the isolated temple courtyard, the air thick with the scent of incense and burning torches. Naina stood completely naked in the center of the small stage-like platform, her body still marked from the morning’s intense session — fresh welts, dried haldi stains, and faint chilli burns glowing on her fair skin. Her heart raced with a twisted mix of shame and dark excitement as Panditji entered with Keshav, his most devoted follower, by his side.

“Uth aur taiyaar ho ja, meri nangi randi,” Panditji commanded with a knowing smile. “Aaj raat teri public shudhikaran pooja hai. Mere saare fellow pandits aa rahe hain. Tu unke saamne bilkul nangi khadi rahegi… har cheez dikhegi — teri chut, gaand, aur doodh bhari choochiyan. Rule 1 yaad hai na? Hamesha nangi, hamesha ready.”