Belle

 Synopsis

This novella that I strive to write is a fairytale reimagined. In this work, the cherished heroine of the well-loved ‘Beauty and The Beast’, Belle, has taken on a new, more coming-of-age avatar. She is no longer a euro-centric beautiful princess who falls in love with a captor of another species, but an everyday girl of a fictional town Villeneve, in the 18th century who, with her wit, presence of mind, a little training and a little magic (to keep the fantasy alive), manages to overthrow a tyrannical ruler and unite two lovers. But what becomes of the “beast”? 

He happens to be Belle’s grandfather, King Adam, the once-upon-a-time ruler of Villeneve, who made mistakes in love, to save his face. Consequently Cursed by Belle’s heartbroken but powerful grandmother Sundari (who belongs to a tribe that had migrated from the mystical island of Jambudweep centuries ago), he turns into a beast, until he learns to love and is loved in return. But- and here’s the catch- the love is not entailed to be romantic. So we know how Belle (if you haven’t guessed yet, Belle is a namesake of Sundari) releases him. And yes, the lovers mentioned before are Adam and Sundari. 

What happens to Belle’s love interest? Would it be a surprise if I reveal to you she doesn't have one? She’s, after all, an everyday teenage girl, who faces unrequited love but doesn’t have to be married, I hope, for the success of a female-centric novella in the 21st century. 

                                                         1

The tale begins like any other, in a land far, far, away, in a small country house in the suburbs of Villeneve. I still remember the day as if it were yesterday. A cool autumn breeze, filled with the fragrance of dry leaves and ferns, the land a beautiful chestnut– the weather outside could not be that of our home. I stood with my father and two elder sisters, surrounding Mother, who was about to breathe her last. My forlorn father led my sobbing sisters out, whispering to me to stay; Mother wanted to have a private word. A girl of no more than eighteen, I put on a brave face and sat next to my poor mother. I could barely fight back my tears. 

It had been a tough couple of years for us; a needless war fought by our monarch costing my dear brothers’ lives, followed by the dreadful epidemic that sucked the life out of Mother. The once robust woman was now thin and frail, pulling out a key from under her pillow with difficulty. Her voice raised to barely a whisper, and she spoke, “ Belle, this is the key to a hidden safe in my closet.” she coughed blood into her handkerchief before continuing, “there rests a diary with thick leather covers; I want you to read.” She paused, her breath raspy and eyes bloodshot. The speech had taken a toll on her. I winced inwardly, wondering whether death would do her good, ease her out of the terrible pain she had to endure. 

Holding my hands, she continued, “ We come from a great lineage, love. The Forbidden Forest at the edge of our kingdom wasn’t always ominous. It was once ruled by none other than one of my, and in turn, your ancestors.” Mother never talked about her obscure past. Moreover, what she revealed came as a surprise, because we belonged to the peasantry, the class that nurtured slaves, not rulers. I continued to listen, awestruck. “You don’t know it yet Belle” she continued, “but you are born for greatness. I can see it. You too shall know it once you read that diary. I’m sure you shall- for you’ll garner a lot more from it than I could ever.” I could only wonder what her mysterious words meant, as Mother could speak no more. She smiled and closed her eyes. A lone tear slid down my cheek. I hastily wiped it away with my sleeve and shouted for the nurse. She rushed in and checked her pulse, confirming what I already knew. 

Mother was of this world no more.