Beauty

Cinderella glanced at the antique wall clock of ball room. 'Only fifteen minutes to twelve'. Her thin legs tapped with beat. A warm hand round her waist and shoulder. She looked into the dark eyes of Prince. He was charming and chivalrous, swooned by the beaty of her maiden. But magic would end by midnight, Cinderella should leave. She tried to utter, but in vain. The smile of prince was captivating. In past years, she had never felt this radiance of love. Cupid has struck Cinderella and her prince.

'Dang…Dang…Dang…" both hands of clock united. The magic would end now, all her jewelry would vanish, her glittering dress would turn to a tattered old cloth and the prince would be horrified. She resisted the prince's hand and ran out of the ball room. Prince ran after her, he couldn't understand her maiden's haste.

"Madam...stop…stop, please." Yelled the Prince.

But Cinderella didn't turn back. She was afraid to reveal her identity.

'Would her price ever find her?' Cinderella thought, continuing her pace.

'If the love is true, he would' she grinned. Between her thoughts Cinderella trembled on the stairs, her shoe got off. She couldn't help, but run wildly.

"Citizens of Endra kingdom; son of his majesty Edrondo Endra, Prince Charles Endra has chosen her bride. But before celebrations, there stands a mystery. Whoever fits into this golden shoe, shall be our princess." Announced an elderly valet, with a missing tooth but transparent loud voice. He stood near the Prince in a chariot, with the shoe held high. The Prince was half-anxious to never find his love, but looked around to get a glimpse of her lady.

"Prince, prince..the prince, THE PRINCE…." four men of not more than three feet with flowing beards, miniature fingers and red pointed caps, peeped through bushes.

"Dis fine prince can help Snow White" said one wide-eyed dwarf.

"Taken to Snowy, Snow White…Snowy." Repeated other dwarfs idiotically.

Dwarfs guffawed like lunatics. They have found the prince who could wake Snow White from her profound sleep.

On a coffin, which looked like bed lay a beautiful lady. Her complexion milk white, skin pale and bloodless, hairs golden and curly. She resembled epitome of elegance. The seven dwarf and the prince with the toothless valet stood astonished.

"Prince of Endra, the shoe" valet held the shoe high, his head half bowed.

The prince knew the shoe won't fit. But he tried apathetically. Snow White's feet were an inch smaller.

"Sir now we must move" said the valet.

The prince looked at Snow White's pale lips. He wanted to bring Snow White to life.

"Kiss her, sir" eldest dwarf uttered "that could bring her to life".

"Kiss, kiss kiss…." All dwarfs yelled in unison.

The prince recalled the face of Cinderella. The exquisite smile that lights her face, blood red lips, sparkling eyes and her ethereal glow.

His thoughts conflicted. He must choose one of them as her lady. Cinderella and Snow White, both prettier than the other.

The prince sat on a rock, in solitude. His thoughts lingered over the beauty of two woman, both incomparable. He has fallen in love, twice.

Woods around were silent, except occasional fluttering with wind. Midst the tranquility came a melodious voice. It was faint but pious like a holy prayer.

"Aaaa..aa…Aaaa…aa, you always be my love" the voice became deeper like an ocean.

The prince wanted to hear more. Her voice was heart, every beat filled with life.

"Oh my Rapunzel, your melodious voice. You love me so much. Do every chores for me. Take care of this ugly old lady. And you believe me so much. You are a lady to be loved. You are the one who could bring treasures to houses." Said an lady with wrinkled face and white hairs.

"Rapunzel….hmm....Rapunzel" Repeated prince, with a smile.