No. It’s not the start of a joke.
Yesterday two eunuchs walked into the ladies-only gym that Jen is managing and began to demand money. They threatened that they’d put a curse on the business if we refused. First of all, we felt their entry on the premises might be a violation of the gym’s women only rule, but we weren’t quite sure, and we didn’t really want to dive into the details there, if you know what I mean. Secondly, we probably wouldn’t give even if they asked nicely. So Jen just politely refused. When the eunuchs started shaking their hands in the air and clapping one of the gym employees begged Jen to give them 50 rupees (about $1.25 USD) out of fear of what they might do next.
(It should be noted that the ‘eunuch thing’ is a regular part of Indian life. We’ve just never seen it first hand. It is quite normal for eunuchs to walk into businesses, weddings, hospitals, or even plague train travelers, by demanding money and then baring their private parts to those who refuse. Or they will also threaten a curse of poverty or death, which usually convinces people to give.)
In the end, Jen just refused and said she could never give away money that belonged to the business. And then she invited them to come again when the owners return in January. :-)
(Dear owners, if you’re reading this, smile. Today is Thanksgiving after all. And get ready to meet the local eunuchs on your return to India.)
Hello! We are the Brays. And we love Muslims.
Ha Ha! Yes this is the owner speaking. All I can say is THANKS. Sorry Jen had to deal with that. That can be intimidating. I did laugh when I read it.