The Princess in Brown Uniform and Black Shoes

Radhika wanted to be a princess. She did not have the fair skin of Snow White; neither did she have the long hair of Rapunzel. 

"Please give me everything that you gave Cinderella", she wrote to her Godmother. Would Godmother, who seemed to be ever so busy, oblige? Would Radhika ever become a princess?

 

The Princess in Brown Uniform and Black Shoes

Radhika longed to be a princess. But she could never be one. She knew it. 

"I do not have the fair skin of Snow White; neither do I have the long hair of Rapunzel. I can never be a princess", she told herself.

But suddenly, one day it struck her - She had a Godmother! Godmother could give her a pair of glass shoes, a golden gown and a chariot just like the ones she gave Cinderella. And then she too would become a PRINCESS!!

She dashed home and wrote to her Godmother.

Mother,

I want to be a princess. Please give me everything that you gave Cinderella.

Love,

Radhika

She tied the little paper to a branch of the wishing tree in the neighborhood temple. Some people tied tiny swings, others tied threads smeared with turmeric, but Radhika preferred to write to her Godmother. 

Many days passed by. Radhika waited and waited. But Godmother did not turn up.

Godmother has many prayers to answer. She was a terribly busy person. 

Radhika wrote again, 

Mother,

 Just give me a pair of glass shoes and a golden uniform. A school-going princess anyway would not need a chariot or a gown. 

Love,

Radhika

Many days passed by. Radhika waited and waited. But Godmother did not turn up. 

Gold is very costly. Godmother too would find it difficult to acquire gold.

Radhika wrote again,     

Dear Mother, 

Just give me a pair of glass shoes and a glittery uniform. A princess does not really need a golden outfit. But please be quick because the school will start soon.

Love,

Radhika

Many days passed by. Radhika waited and waited. But Godmother did not turn up. 

She wore an elder girl's old uniform and shoes. She looked at herself in the mirror.

Radhika wrote again, 

Mother,

You are right. Glass shoes might break and a glittery uniform might not look too good to school. Give me whatever you think would make me a princess.

Love,

Radhika

 

                                                *** At School **

Manju, the little boy lost his way to his class. He stood there crying. Radhika helped him find his way back. It meant that she would reach her own class a little late, but she did not mind.

"You are my princess-akka", the little boy told her.

Ramya forgot to bring her lunch to school. She was hungry. Radhika shared her idlies with her. It meant that she would be a little hungry till she went back home, but she did not mind.

"You are my princess, dear", her friend hugged her.

The school peon, Sriram Uncle had to carry many books to the Principal. Radhika helped him with a few of them. It meant she would reach home a little late, but she did not mind.

"You made my day, little princess", smiled the old man. 

She dashed home and wrote to her Godmother.

Dear Mother,

Thank you. Now I know what it means to be a true princess. 

I do not have the fair skin of Snow White, neither do I have the long hair of Rapunzel. Not even the glass shoes and golden gown of Cinderella.  I am the princess in a brown uniform and black shoes. I promise to continue to be one, a true princess. 

Love,

Princess Radhika