As the chanting reached a crescendo, the men's hands grew bolder, their touches more daring. Priya gasped and shuddered as they tore at her wet clothing, the flimsy fabric ripping easily in their eager hands. Soon, she was left bare and exposed, her nudity on full display for the leering men.

Mr. Singh raised his hands, silencing the chanting women. He turned to Priya, his eyes glinting with a dark hunger. "The ritual demands a deeper cleansing, my dear. You must be purified from the inside out," he said, his voice a low rumble.*