This piece describes a casino and the people who place stakes there.
‘Lotus City’, the perfect place to either drown in your sorrow or to test out your fate, has become the absolute landmark of this decade for the youngsters. From outside, it might not seem like anything more than an average city pub, but entering in there was like travelling into a whole different world.
The windowless, clockless room, filled with illuminating and neon irradiating slot machines was what made people go crazily frenzy, creating a visible contrast between the ones who were entering and departing. In the lobby, one look at the populace; their attire: blazer, tie, ironed shirt and trousers and black shiny shoes along with their courtly etiquettes would have reflected their striking resemblance to a person who is given high respect. On the other hand, at the exit, those who were once the same in terms of their character had parted long ways with their sincerity. Their untidy untucked shirts and untied ties along with their lack of sobriety were making it impossible to imagine them with their former formal personae. It was as if this place was meant to get rid of the mask that humans have been wearing.
Every now and then, I would catch sight of an attendant bringing beverages and snacks to those portraying opulence. To be honest, half of the times I wasn’t even able to guess who might have been whom. But this wasn’t what caught my attention, rather the freshly made refreshments that were being served had left me spellbound. The aroma coming out from them was enough to make you drool over that food, but the way they were being presented, the exquisiteness by which they were cooked and served were absolutely stunning. I had definitely seen such things on television, but witnessing it, in reality, coaxed me to settle down at that very spot to relish the extravaganza of the place.
While I was walking nearby the slots, I could clearly see the deranged look on those who had been on a continuous losing streak. Every bet that they played was considered by them to be their last one. Each one of them would first bring their coin close to their lips and start entreating for it, then flicker their portentous amulet into the machine. As they reached towards the lever, I could clearly see sweat trickling down their sleeves. After pulling the lever, they would instantaneously shut their eyes, losing their consciousness in their world of fantasy where there win had been guaranteed, and wouldn’t wake from that dream until their ears were summoned by thunderous exclamations. Timidly they would open their eyes just to sulk before one more defeat.
On the other side, I could also witness ecstasy at its prime. The initial expressions had been the same, but this time, they would open their eyes to welcome the fortune. Their eyes almost popped out to see the three 7 lined up in a row. The jingling and clattering racket created by the gleamy glistering garnished gold coins and that satisfying arcade-style music originating from their slot machines pumped their hearts and inflated their egos. The victory was then showed off: a huge cigar in one hand, a beer can in the other, chest held high and a smirk on the face as if they were pitying others. Altogether, this exhibition of pride couldn’t have possibly stopped the humblest man to turn a blind eye on that person.
The mayhem created hypnotized everyone. Even the stakes on other machines who had been trying to invoke the godly spirits to use some sorcery on their machines would have dared to displease their deity and take a peek at what the commotion was all about.
It is actually a good thing that I have never been enticed to stake my money on luck because believe me, the irresistible ambience formed in casinos is practically impossible to grow immune to. The temptation of winning a lottery, the attention received when the floor floods with coins, the jealousy raging in others’ eyes and feeling of being the conqueror of the entire casino can force anyone to return to rags from riches.
-Manan Daga