The Hall of Magical Mirrors
Champak|February Second 2024
It was the Games period. Along with the other students, Riya headed towards the football field.
Kusum Agarwal
The Hall of Magical Mirrors

A student said, "Hey, we forgot to bring the football." Pooja covered her mouth and giggled, "Why do you need a football when Riya is here!" Then, gesturing towards Riya, she said, "Come on, Madam Football!"

Everyone burst into loud laughter. As always, Riya felt ashamed and had tears in her eyes at being fat-shamed.

Ria was a very cheerful and well-mannered girl. She loved to dance and was a bright student. However, she was unhappy because she was overweight compared to other children in her class.

She often heard whispers and giggles behind her back on the space she occupied while sitting, the food in her lunchbox, the size of her clothes, or someone would laugh at the bicycle tyre flattening under her weight.

Though she pretended that the comments on her larger body build did not disturb her, from inside, her self-confidence shattered every time someone commented on her build. She developed an inferiority complex. She preferred to keep to herself most of the time and didn't enjoy participating in school events. She believed people would make fun of her if she went on stage.

She often skipped meals together for days and exercised for hours to lose weight.

However, all her efforts were in vain.

Riya's mother said she shouldn't worry much about her body shape. She encouraged Ria to focus on her health, studies, and other activities.

However, it was all futile. Riya remained unhappy and didn't like making friends with anyone.

One day, while returning from school, a strange shop caught Riya's attention.

The signboard read, 'Magical Mirrors'.

This story is from the February Second 2024 edition of Champak.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February Second 2024 edition of Champak.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CHAMPAKView All
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Champak

FINDERS, KEEPERS

Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...

time-read
3 mins  |
November Second 2024
A Dog Named DOT
Champak

A Dog Named DOT

Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...

time-read
4 mins  |
November Second 2024
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
Champak

THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION

10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...

time-read
4 mins  |
November Second 2024
TARUN'S TALE
Champak

TARUN'S TALE

\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...

time-read
4 mins  |
November Second 2024
The Forest Lesson
Champak

The Forest Lesson

Once upon a time, in a deep, green forest humming with life, there lived a fox named Foxy. Foxy was known for his sharp mind and charm, yet he often exaggerated his adventures. His best friends were Sandy sparrow, Rosy rabbit and Timmy turtle...

time-read
3 mins  |
November Second 2024
The Story of a Visionary
Champak

The Story of a Visionary

A few years after India's independence, the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as 'Chacha Nehru,' visited a small village...

time-read
3 mins  |
November Second 2024
Poppy and Karan's Masterchef Mummy
Champak

Poppy and Karan's Masterchef Mummy

\"What have you made this time, Mummy?\"...

time-read
3 mins  |
November Second 2024
The Mighty Mouse
Champak

The Mighty Mouse

Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.

time-read
4 mins  |
October Second 2024
Halloween Costume Party
Champak

Halloween Costume Party

Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.

time-read
3 mins  |
October Second 2024
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Champak

A FAIR EX CHANGE

Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.

time-read
3 mins  |
October Second 2024