A-Z April Challenge 2015: C for CINDERELLA’S LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER

C for Cinderella
Google Images

Cinderella stepped into the coach drawn by six white horses, feeling beautiful. She was a princess for the night, all thanks to the Fairy Godmother. She lifted the hand mirror that was on the cushion beside her and checked her face once more. She couldn’t help but be fascinated by how lovely she appeared. There wasn’t a streak of coal on her rosy cheeks. Her lips appeared luscious while her eyes shone with excitement. Prince Charming will definitely notice her, wouldn’t he? 

She looked at her feet encased in dainty slippers made of glass. She was used to running around in threadbare socks. But the transformation was just incredible. Cinderella couldn’t take her eyes off her feet as she stepped out of her grand coach. A footman gave her his arm and escorted her into the palace’s ballroom. She walked in, confident, quite thrilled to be the cynosure of all eyes. Her red ball gown caught everyone’s eye in the light of the chandeliers; her slippers tap-tapping as she walked on the marble floor. 

Prince Charming came forward to greet the beautiful woman who had arrived late for the dance. He had never noticed her before. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he lifted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and went to greet her. Taking the glass in his left hand, he lifted her small white hand to his lips in greeting, his eyes holding hers steadily. Cinderella’s left hand went to her fluttering heart, drawing his attention to her bare shoulders. Without a word, Charming pulled her into his arms as they began to dance. Champagne glass in hand, Cinderella danced with the Prince, completely unaware of the jealous glances from the other women – young and old. 

As he plied her with more champagne, Cinderella got rather tipsy and forgot all about her promise to get back home by midnight. When the clock began striking twelve, she came to her senses and started running towards the entrance or tried to. Her feet refused to co-operate while her glass slippers kept sliding off her feet. In a hurry, she bent down to remove them off her feet, to help her run better. The slipper on her right foot flew out of her hand and landed afar on a cushioned chair while the left slipper stayed with her. Did Cinderella wait to find out what happened? Of course not!

She rushed out of the door and reached the garden, only to be snarled at by a couple of footmen. Where did this ragged urchin spring from? The King would have their hides if he found out. Without making a noise, they lifted Cinderella bodily and dumped her outside the ornate gates. It took her all of four hours to walk back home. 

Mind and body bruised, Cinderella wept over her loss. Why did she have to go to the palace that night? It only made her crave for the life of a princess that could never be hers. She recalled the pretty picture they had made – Prince Charming in his princely attire and herself in the red ball gown, holding a glass of champagne, dancing to live music. Sigh! She looked down at the glass slipper that she had carried back with her. 

Alas, it had turned back into a ragged sock! 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: B for BAKASURA VS BHEEMA

B for Bakasura vs Bheema
Google Images

The earth trembled from the sound of the snores emanating from the sleeping Bakasura. He had been completely satisfied with the meal the villagers of Ekachakra had sent him the earlier day – five jugs of wine, one cow, two goats, a few baskets of fruits and vegetables along with two huge containers of cooked rice. Even better was the hefty man who had brought the cartload of food. Bakasura snored louder, a smile on his harsh face as he dreamt of the next meal he was to receive that very day.

He woke up a few hours later, thirsty. His huge hand reached out to the last jug of wine that he had retained for the morning and drank it in one single gulp. Sitting, he was as tall as most of the trees in the forest and taller than some. Raising a paw of a hand to scratch his beard, Bakasura turned towards the direction of Ekachakra. The sun was riding high in the sky and it was on its way down. Where was his food?

Bakasura rose to his feet, knocking a few trees down, without making an effort. He took a couple of giant steps towards the village and let out a roar. It was followed by an uproar as animals and birds that stayed a few miles away, took away in a hurry, not wanting to fall prey to the asura. 

Bheema, who was sitting about a hundred feet away, heard the roar. A smile on his face, he continued to eat the food that he had brought from the village – the cartload that was meant for Bakasura. 

Taking a whiff, Bakasura smelled human flesh and walked towards Bheema. The sight that greeted him made the asura roar again, as he beat his fists against his chest. Though hugely built for a man, Bheema was barely half the size of Bakasura. How dared he eat the food meant for the asura? 

The villagers quaked as they heard Bakasura’s roar. They turned anxiously to look at Kunti and her four sons, surprised to see them smiling. Soon, they heard a keening sound of pain. That surely must be Bheema. The old Brahman who should have sent his son that day, had tears in his eyes. He had sinned by sending his guest in the place of his son. Will God ever forgive him?

A few hours later, the villagers of Ekachakra came out to see the strangest sight. Bheema was dragging the heavy cart that held the corpse of Bakasura. Cheers rent the air as the crowd celebrated the death of the asura who had been killing the people one by one. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Jayantiblogsphere

The Multicolored Diary by Zalka Csenge Virág

Author Stephen Tremp

A-Z April Challenge 2015: A for ARJUNA’S FOCUS

A for Arjuna (with Drona)
Google Images

Drona was out early in the morning with all his students. Excitement was rife as they were set to enter an archery contest that their teacher had planned for them. Duryodhana was clear that this was one opportunity that he did not plan to miss to outwit the third Pandava. He was quite sick of the way their teacher played favouritism with Arjuna. He waited along with his brothers and cousins, impatient for the contest to begin.

Yudhisthira came forward to take up the challenge. Drona pointed to a wooden bird that he had placed on the highest branch of a tree and asked the eldest Pandava Prince what he was able to see. “I can see the sun’s rays falling on the bird Acharya. The bird is partly hidden amidst the branches.” Saying this, Yudhisthira let go of his arrow that went and pierced the branch next to where sat the bird, quite unharmed.

The Kauravas laughed even as the four Pandavas commiserated with their eldest brother. Next, it was Duryodhana’s turn. He was prancing about in nervous excitement, overconfident of winning. Even before Drona could explain what was required, he said, “You want me to hit the bird, right? Just watch me do just that.” His arrow pierced the main trunk that was about two feet away from the wooden bird. He walked away in a temper, refusing to look at his smirking cousins in the eye.

After a couple of more tries by Bheema and Dushashana, it was Arjuna’s turn – the teacher’s favourite. Arjuna walked forward to stand next to Drona. “What do you see, my son?” asked Drona. 

“A black eye,” replied Arjuna. He did not hear the Kauravas’ laughter. Duryodhana and his brothers spoke among themselves, wondering what kind of a fool was the third Pandava. Couldn’t he see the bird? They were sure he was going to fail the test. 

A proud Drona gestured for Arjuna to release his arrow. Standing there majestically with his feet apart, the right one a few inches ahead, Arjuna’s head was raised to the skies, his eyes focussed completely on the wooden bird’s eye. His hands were steady as he strung his bow and held it at the ready, the tip of his arrow shining in the morning light. Uttering a short mantra, Arjuna released his arrow that landed exactly in the spot suggested by his teacher – in the bird’s eye. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Jayantiblogsphere

The Multicolored Diary by Zalka Csenge Virág

Author Stephen Tremp

Book Review: METRO DIARIES by Namrata

My Review

Metro Diaries is a collection of twenty tales written by Namrata aka Privy Trifles and they are all about love. I had to read this one as I just love the romance genre. 

I must say that Namrata has written a beautiful collection of love stories in all its forms and the many facets of relationships between couples. 

Some of the stories that I really liked are: 

Love Thy Dreams - It is the story of Abhi and Kavya; their love that holds steady over time and distance. Love blossoms in their pre-university days and holds good till the end. 

Then, Now and Forever - This one just got better. A short story of Ron and Anna; where he learns to live his life again through a letter written by his grandfather, his namesake. 

You & I - I simply loved the relationship between Zahir Khan and Radhika, their trust in each other. It’s the kind of love that’s ready to wait for a decade before tying the knot. Awesome! 

Once in a lifetime - The story is a poignant tale of love between Nitya and Ansh. The author touches the reader’s heart by the way she’s woven the words. Too good! 

While I have mentioned the above four, I must say that all of the tales are well-written and has something for the reader to take away. 

Some quotes from the book that I really enjoyed reading: 

"Love thy dreams, always, for they are the fuel that will drive you to your goal. I just helped you, but with your passion no dream of yours can remain incomplete.”

"Silent breeze, rustling leaves, and a faint music in the heart, Reminiscence of the beautiful time spent together, Wish I could hold you back today, tonight, and forever; Or maybe just pause the time and let you go away never!"

“I don’t know how, why, what, where and when. All I know is you have changed my world completely. You made me smile, which I had forgotten how to; you made me live when I had left it long back; most importantly, you made me love when I thought I would never be able to love, ever again. Today all that I want is to grow old with you and wake up in your arms every day, staring into your beautiful eyes, knowing that you are mine. Marry me, please!”

While the book has been very well written, I think that it needs a better editor and a tighter proofing. Except for that, it makes for a breezy and enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in PDF format from the author in return for my honest review. 

Blurb 

Love is one of the most amazing feelings on this earth, one that makes you the most powerful person or the most helpless person in a split second. These stories capture those feelings of despair, longing, love, lust, desire, want, dejection and admiration to create deja vu. Hold onto your hearts as you flip through these pages and take a walk down the memory lane as "Metro Diaries" will revive your innermost feelings and imbibe in you the magic of love. Touching, amusing and deeply moving, Metro Diaries - Love Classics are tales that will hold you from start till end.

Grab Your Copy

Flipkart | Amazon.in 

About Namrata

Namrata is a prolific blogger known by the name Privy Trifles in the blogosphere who romances life through her writings and aspires to make love the universal language. She dons various hats between that of a contributing author to 6 anthologies a reviewer for leading publishing houses an editor to various books and a columnist. Apart from that she is also the editor for an online magazine called Writer's Ezine. Having mastered the nuances of finance till recently she also held the title of an investment banker closely to let it go to embrace her love for writing fully.

Stalk her @

Website | Twitter | Facebook 

Film Review: CINDERELLA

I loved the film!

Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Derek Jacobi, Helena Bonham Carter
Director: Kenneth Branagh

As no one in my family was keen on watching fairy tale films, I decided to go to Cinderella (2015) all by myself at Cinemax Sion. 

THE STORY

Adapted from Grimm’s Fairy Tales, the film is the story of Ella (Lily James) who is the only child leading a peaceful and loved existence along with her parents (Hayley Atwell and Ben Chaplin). Sadly, her mother falls ill and on her deathbed, makes Ella promise to lead a courageous and kind life. Later, her father gets married to the recently widowed Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and brings her home along with her two spoilt daughters Drisella (Sophie McShera) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger). There is no peace in the household from this point.

Soon, Ella’s father goes on one of his trips, never to return. Insisting that she cannot afford the servants, Lady Tremaine sends them away and makes Ella do all the work. When her face gets dirty with the ash from the fireplace, the stepsisters begin to call her Cinderella. Cinderella has a miserable life until she happens to meets Kit (Richard Madden) in the forest. She believes that he works in the palace while he is actually the prince. The rest of the story follows the fairy tale and is about the grand ball given at the palace, the fairy godmother helping Cinderella attend the ball till the prince manages to trace her back with the one glass slipper that remains with him.

MY PERCEPTION

Though I have read so many versions of this tale and also have watched the animated version of Cinderella, I must say I was hooked from the first scene. The house Ella grows up in, in the middle of the meadow, is a treat to watch. Her friendship with all the farm animals is nothing short of beautiful.

Lily James has done a commendable job of acting as Cinderella – courageous and kind indeed. Cate Blanchett is just perfect as the wicked stepmother and so are Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger as the spoilt stepsisters (though the two were a mite too loud). Richard Madden plays Kit aka Prince Charming. He looks gorgeously handsome and fits the role of a prince in love. I was happy to see that there was more of him in the film than in the original fairy tale. 

The best scene is when the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) converts the pumpkin into a gorgeous golden carriage, the mice friends of Ella into four white horses, two lizards into footmen and the goose into the coachman. I am sure children would love to watch this one for sure. 

The film runs for just 1 hour and 46 minutes making it a total joy packaged in less than two hours.

VERDICT: A must see if you are fond of romance; fairy tales and magic. I loved it. 

*Silly
**Shaky
***Smart
****Snazzy 
*****Super  

Recipe: KADAI VEGETABLE

Kadai Vegetable

Kadai Vegetable is a favourite of mine when I order food at restaurants. They are made best at the many Shetty restaurants in town. This dish is basically a mix of vegetables in a thick gravy with a few pieces of paneer (cottage cheese) thrown in. I decided to make my own version at home and believe me, it turned out to be finger-licking delicious. It can be served with rotis, naans or pooris. 

INGREDIENTS

Cauliflower – 150-200 gm (cut into flowerets)
French Beans – 50 gm (cut into ½” pieces)
Carrot – 1 (cut into ½” pieces)
Peas – 1 handful
Capsicum – 1 large (cut into squares)
Haldi powder (Turmeric powder) – ¼ tsp
Mirchi powder (Red Chilly powder) – 1 pinch
Garam Masala Powder (Mixed spices powder) – ¼ tsp
Salt to taste
Sugar – ½ tsp
Cream – 1 tbsp
Chopped coriander leaves – 1 tsp
Oil – 3 tbsp
Jeera – ½ tsp
Paneer – 100 gm (cut into small cubes or the way you like it)

For masala

Onion – 2 large (chopped)
Green chillies – 3 
Ginger – ½” piece
Garlic – 4-6 (peeled)
Tej Patta (Bay leaf) – 1
Kadi Patta (Curry leaves) – 5-6 leaves
Coriander seeds – ½ tsp
Jeera (Cumin seeds) – ½ tsp

For gravy

Tomato – 2 medium (chopped)
Cashew nuts – 4 (soaked in water for half an hour)

METHOD

1. Cook the cauliflower, beans, carrot and peas with half a glass of water, a pinch of salt and a pinch of haldi powder. 
2. Take a kadai (saucepan) and keep it on the gas on a low flame. Add the oil and once hot, shallow fry the chopped paneer and remove when golden brown. Keep it in a serving bowl. 
3. Now let the jeera crackle in the remaining oil. Then add the cut capsicum and shallow fry.
4. Add all masala ingredients in a mixer and grind to a smooth paste. Add a bit of water only if required as you grind the masala.
5. Once the capsicum is fried, add the masala to it and stir fry.
6. Add tomato and soaked cashew nuts to the mixer and grind into a smooth paste.
7. Add salt, sugar, haldi powder, mirchi powder and garam masala powder to the cooking mixture. Stir well and allow it to cook for a couple of more minutes.
8. Now add the tomato gravy to the kadai and mix thoroughly before adding salt and sugar.
9. When it begins to boil, add the rest of the boiled vegetables along with the water they were cooked in. (There shouldn’t be too much water. Only half a cup as mentioned above. If there is more, some of it needs to be drained away or the kadai vegetable will become too soggy).
10. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes before adding beaten cream and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and switch off the gas.
11. Pour the cooked vegetables in gravy into the serving bowl contained stir fried paneer cubes. Mix well before serving hot with rotis, pooris or naans as you choose.

I promise you that the Kadai Vegetable tastes as delicious as any hotel recipe that you have tasted. Apart from the cutting of veggies, the dish is quite simple to make. 

*The above quantity is enough to serve two large portions. 

A-Z April Challenge 2015: THEME REVEAL

Photoart: Fifi Ananda 

My THEME for A-Z April Challenge 2015 is Short Stories based on MYTHOLOGY.

It was last year that I discovered that there is something called A-Z April Challenge. I got pretty excited and began blogging alternate healing therapies from A-Z. Sadly, my mother fell ill and I took off to my hometown. Her passing away on April 14, 2014 brought my Blogging Challenge to a full stop.

This year, with my parents’ blessings (I know Amma-Appa that you are watching me from up there), I am planning to take up the A-Z April Challenge 2015. I am confident that I will complete it as I have already begun planning it a month ago.

A-Z April Challenge 2015

India is rich in culture, tradition and mythology. Folk lore prevails in abundance. I would say that India is the land of Vedas; Puranas; Itihasas; Gandharvas; Yakshas;  and no less than 33 crore Gods & Goddesses. I am hoping to tap all that rich heritage and come up with mythological short stories based on them. If I run short of characters from Indian mythology, I plan to borrow from other countries as well as from Grimm’s Fairy Tales. 

And I plan to visit a minimum of 10 blogs participating in the challenge this year. Hope to meet a lot of bloggers and make new friends around the globe!