As the need for social distancing threatens the livelihood of sex workers, some are using Whatsapp and Google Pay to work from home Riya has two names.
One Hindu, one Muslim. It’s an old trade practice, nothing to do with the rising xenophobia in recent years. “We do it for our lovers," she explains, “to account for their religious sensibilities." Riya used to see up to six clients a day, any one of whom could turn into a lover. “And as you know, humein apne customers ke hisaab se chalna padta hai.
Warna customer nahi aayega (We have to go along with the wishes of our customers. Or they won’t come back)." Riya is a sex worker.