Golpo for Amolika series : The Story of Cinderella (with a twist!)

Once upon a time there lived a girl named Ella.

Her mother died when she was a child. The father had to be away for work, so he sent Ella to his sister’s place.

The sister or Aunt Molly was not good to Ella at all. She made her do all the household work – washing, cleaning, scrubbing, cooking, fetching water and even chopping firewood. Poor Ella worked hard all day long. She was not even allowed to go to school.

The hard work made Ella look shabby all the time. Her hands were rough, her hair matted, her clothes torn, and there was ash (from the cooking she did) all over her.

Aunt Molly had a daughter named Eureka. The mother and daughter made fun of Ella and laughed at her condition. They even called her Cinderella, cinder meaning ash, as Ella was always covered with ash and soot from the kitchen work.

Ella was a strong girl; she did not pay much attention to all these taunts. After work, when her aunt and sister retired to bed, she would stay awake and study by the kitchen lamp. She had managed to hide few books her father had given her. If Aunt Molly got to know, she would surely tear them.

Ella knew she would not stay in this house for ever. She was just waiting for an opportunity!

And it came soon!

The king was getting old and he wished the Prince to marry soon and ascend the throne. To find a suitable bride for the prince, the king decided to host a royal party and invited all the young girls of his kingdom. His idea was that the prince could choose a suitable wife, the future queen, for himself.

When the news reached Ella, she was very happy. She wanted to attend the royal party to dance and enjoy. She had never gone out anywhere and this was one such opportunity. She knew that the prince would not choose a common and ordinary girl like her, hence she was not too worried about any party makeup or dress.

When Aunt Molly came to know of Ella’s plan, she started screaming.  

“Are you out of your mind, no one will allow such a dirty and filthy girl as yourself in the royal palace. You will stay home and finish all the work; I will take Eureka there. Is that clear?”

This made Ella sad! 

Yet, she did not lose hope. Something in her told that she would surely meet the prince that evening.

Ella was busy washing utensils when she felt a cool and fragrant breeze blowing about. She felt the presence of a kindly light in the kitchen. She heard a tinkling sound and a soft laughter from near her.

She thought she must be dreaming and rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, she was startled to see a fairy standing next to her. The fairy smiled and gently caressing her said, “Don’t worry Ella, you shall surely attend the royal party. Now close your eyes for a minute please.”

Ella did as she was asked. When she opened them, she found she was wearing the most beautiful silken gown, a colorful tiara studded with diamonds was nestled on her head, and on her feet were silver shoes.

Ella thought she must be dreaming again. The fairy gently scolded her, “Ella, you must hurry up in case you wish to meet the prince. A carriage is waiting outside to take you to the palace. Please have fun.”

Ella thanked the fairy and was about to leave when the fairy stopped her.  She said, “Wait a minute Ella. I am sure you will have a great time at the party, however, remember this magic spell will wear off by 12:00AM. Please come back before that, after 12:00AM you will become the original Ella.”

Ella nodded in agreement and hurried to the waiting carriage.

As she reached the palace gates, the guards thought she was a princess from another kingdom. When she went in, everyone stared at her in surprise. No one looked as elegant as Ella that evening.

When the prince saw her, he immediately wanted to dance with her. Ella had a great time. She enjoyed as never before. She sang and danced, had good food and made many friends.

Dong, dong, dong, dong…

What was that?

Suddenly Ella remembered.

Good Lord!

The royal clock was striking twelve!

In all the joy of the evening Ella had completely forgotten about the magic spell and what the fairy had told her.

What should she do now?

She dropped whatever she was doing and bolted for the door. She had to reach the carriage somehow before the clock struck full twelve.

She muttered to herself, “Hurry up Ella, hurry up, else it will be too late.”

It was too late by then! 

The clock had struck full twelve.

The magic spell ended, and Ella froze.

She was her original self – shabby, messy hair, torn clothes and ash all over her body!

The prince’s jaw fell open!

The musicians stopped playing!

In the entire hall there was pin drop silence!

Everyone stared at Ella in disbelief!

Then someone started screaming.

It was Aunt Molly.  “Ella, how dare you come here, I had asked you not to. Have you finished all the household chores? Wait till you return home, and I shall show you your rightful place.”

Eureka felt ashamed and started sobbing.

By now, the other girls had formed a circle around Ella.

Shame! Shame! Shame!

They mocked her and made fun of her.

Ella stood still; her head held high.

She was not embarrassed of her condition.

She rather looked proud.

Finally, the prince spoke.

“Silence everyone! Not a word anymore. If I see or hear anyone making fun of Ella, I shall get the person arrested.”

He then turned to Ella and offered her a seat. He asked the royal servants to get her a glass of water.  Once Ella was comfortable, he gently asked her to tell him her complete story.

Ella told him everything…

How Aunty Molly made her work and not let her study…

How Eureka made fun of her…

How eager she was to attend the royal party…

How the fairy helped her…

At last, she told the prince about the magic spell.

The prince listened to Ella in rapt attention. After she had narrated her story, he realized how brave Ella is.

“Ella, tell me how I can help you?” he asked. “If you wish, I can get your aunt and sister imprisoned for the way they have treated you,” he added.

Ella knew this was the chance she had been waiting for long.

She smiled at the prince and said, “Thank you Sir, I do not wish my aunt and sister to go to jail, I forgive them.”

She further added, “I want to study further. I want to become a doctor so that I can help the poor and the needy.”

The prince was very happy and really felt proud that someone so brave lived in his kingdom. He ensured everything Ella wished for.

Today Dr. Ella is the royal physician. She nursed the old king back to life when he fell very sick.

She is loved and admired by all for being kind and courageous.

She is a role model for all young girls in the kingdom.

The fairy’s magic had finally cast its spell.