Harem, a Dark Erotic Novelette Read Online Free Page A

second before he replaced the expression with his usual peaceful patience.  "Gita, it is so difficult for me to explain it all to you."  Manu sighed deeply.  "So many curious questions you have!"
    "I'm sorry, Manu.  I don't mean to frustrate you with my questions.  Never mind," I replied.
    "No no, it's OK, Gita.  Hmmm…  Where to begin?  Well, you remember I told you that we were both born into a certain world."
    "I do!  I remember that, Manu!  But I still don't understand!"
    "Your mother and father wanted this life for you from the time that you were born," Manu explained patiently.  "In a harem, you will always be honored and protected.  Cared for.  You will have everything your heart desires.  That is what they wanted for you.  So they spent your life grooming you for the opportunity to become a harem girl."
    It was my turn to sigh.  I leaned my chin dejectedly in my hand.  "I'm still not sure I agree with their philosophy," I muttered.
    Manu smiled and patted my hand.  "Time will tell, Gita.  You will see.  At any rate, similarly to you, my parents also saw this life for me.  But obviously, as a man, I can't be in a harem.  Nor did we come from the sort of wealth that I could ever hope to have a harem of my own.  But they had a plan for me as well…"
    I stared at Manu, hanging on his every word. 
    "Gita, do you remember that summer after our third grade year?  After your parents took you out of school?  I was gone for a while…"
    I nodded vigorously.  "I do remember, Manu!  I remember your face when you returned, you were…  Different.  You seemed sad."
    Manu nodded.  "My parents sent me away to have surgery that summer.  So that I could be assured a spot in this life."
    "Surgery?   So young?  What kind of surgery?  I'm sorry Manu, I still don't understand."
    In a voice barely audible, Manu answered.  "I'm a eunuch, Gita."
    The puzzled frown did not leave my face as I continued to stare at him.  I felt like groaning in frustration.  Questions that made no sense with layers of answers…  That made no sense.  The confusion seemed endless. 
    "Do you know what that is?"
    I shook my head.  "No."
    Manu lowered his eyes, his cheeks burning.  "When I was nine, a surgery was performed on me to remove my sexual genitalia."
    I reeled backwards, choking on a violent gasp.  "Dear God, no," I whispered, outraged.  My stomach bubbled, hot bile searing the back of my throat.
    Manu's eyes darted around; hoping no one else was eavesdropping on our conversation, though they already knew about him anyway.  It was still difficult for him to speak it aloud.  "Gita, please!  This is so difficult for me to tell you."
    I became quite literally consumed with rage and began to shake violently, hot tears spilling down my face.  I hated Manu's parents at that moment.  I hated my parents for knowing this about Manu and not telling me, not doing anything to protect him.  My eyes were suddenly open to the world I was now a part of. 
    Most of all, I hated Shekhar Kulkarni.
    Manu took my arm and gently led me from the table and out of the cafeteria.  Outside in the hallway, he hugged me briefly, but I felt no warmth in his embrace.  Just perfunctory comfort.
    "Gita," he began pulling away.  "It is OK, I promise.  I've had a wonderful life.  I've never suffered anything other than some temporary pain after the surgery.  I am a close confidant to one of the most powerful men in India, and therefore I am powerful.  I exchange this gladly for romance or a family of my own.  The harem is my family."
    "And because of all this, Gita," Manu continued.  "I was able to ensure your placement here.  I was able to make sure no other harem picked you, where you may have been abused or brutalized.  I knew for years your parents planned to sell you to the highest bidder.  So, I made sure the one who bought you was the one where I could be there.  Every day.  Watching.   Protecting you!"
    I stumbled