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'.
Bu hikaye Champak dergisinin February Second 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Champak dergisinin February Second 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap

The Helmet Headache
Momo mouse was frantically running towards his burrow when he bumped into his friends Mimi and Rini under the peepal tree.

The Green Initiative
Dadi, why doesn’t the gardener uncle water the plants anymore?” 7-year-old Reyansh asked his grandmother.

NAYAN'S TREASURE
Nayan drove his vehicle past the gravelly mountain, along the log forest, and waded through the muddy water body before stopping in front of the towering grey steps.

Dr Zebra’s Scribble Trouble
Dr Zebra was well-known in the jungle for his medical skills.

THE HOLIDAY HOBBY PUZZLE
Sandhya had her vacation plans all sorted. First on the list was joining a painting class to pursue her passion for painting.

Nani's Quick Fix
Priyansh loved visiting his grandmother, whom she whenever he had school holidays.

The Puppy Plan
10-year-old Sunny was a menace. His parents Gopal and Meera tried to keep an eye on him, but he always dodged them and caused trouble.

Dhruv and His Basket of Mango Reveries
The golden morning light stretched its fingers through the windows of a little house in the bustling city of Vadodara, Gujarat. Dhruv, a ten-year-old boy with sparkling eyes, was already awake, his heart dancing with excitement.

A Mother's Day Surprise
Rohan always looked forward to Mother's Day with great excitement.

Kaa, The Thirsty Crow
Nine-year-old Akul was eagerly waiting for his cousin Karan, who was coming over to stay with him as his Mom and Dad were going away for the weekend.