Of Fashion & Lectures - By P V Gouri

Written By: P V Gouri

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Of Fashion & Lectures," P V Gouri crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of fairy tales with introspective themes of self-discovery and independence. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this short story invites readers into a reimagined world where familiar characters like Cinderella and Virginia Woolf engage in profound dialogue. The story explores the nuanced considerations of a life lived under societal expectations versus one molded by personal choice, all within the elegant frame of creative storytelling.

About the Work

P V Gouri's short story delves into the transformation of Cinderella, juxtaposing her traditional fairy tale existence with a modern quest for self-identity. The narrative unfolds through an engaging dialogue with Virginia Woolf, a literary figure known for advocating women's independence. The story's tone shifts from nostalgic to revelatory, as Cinderella confronts her past and embraces a future filled with promise and autonomy. Rich imagery and thoughtful prose guide the reader through an epiphanic journey, ultimately celebrating the empowerment found in creativity and self-expression.

Of Fashion & Lectures

Original Submission by P V Gouri

Of Fashion and Lectures

After her long honeymoon, Cinderella’s thoughts were fixated on something. She wanted to make a biopic or a book about her life. Before meeting Walt Disney, she wanted to get an opinion from her childhood friend, now a very famous writer, Virginia Woolf. She reminisces her beautiful childhood memories with Virginia and how it abruptly ended with the passing of her parents. Removing all those painful moments away, she stood in front of her office, The Woolf’s Court. ‘Ring the bell twice’, it said. Being an obedient woman, she did what was written. Virginia opens the door and says, “I knew it would be a woman”. Cinderella asked, “How?”. Virginia answers, “I’ve never had a male who rang the bell twice”.

After a momentary laughter, the two women went inside. Virginia asks, “So to what pleasure do I owe you, my Queen?” bowed Virginia. Cinderella laughs,” Jokes apart, I wanted your opinion about something interesting”. Virginia gave all of her attention towards her questions,” And that is?”. Cinderella takes a deep breath and tells her, “I want to make a biopic about my life. Written or Visual is just a secondary question. I want all the girls and ladies to dream about the life I have and make it a successful one as well. To have courage and kindness, a Prince as their husband and a royal or rich lifestyle, forever”.

Laughing in a mocking manner, Virginia asked, “And how do you know that they want to live a life like yours? I certainly don’t. What if there are women who want to be independent, financially and socially?”. Cinderella was shocked to hear that kind of a response and defensively answers,” Not everything has to have a feminist ideology, Virginia. You came from an affluent household. You were home-schooled. Not everyone is as educated as you are. Or privileged as you are.” Virginia senses the tone of anger and answers calmly, “This isn’t a debate, Cinderella. I’m merely questioning you about why you think that your life is the benchmark of all the women out there? You cannot generalize the mass”. “My stepmother used me as a maid and treated me like an insect. I did all their chores without sighing or complaining. I didn’t have a voice. I dreamt that someone would save me from this misery and it happened. I got my Prince and I’m very happy about that!”, exclaims Cinderella.

Virginia said, “You know more than anyone else how badly and roughly you were treated by your step-family. You know how you were just a maid and how they humiliated you for entering the Royal Ball. You know how you kept silent when you were supposed to talk back and fight. You know how they stole your magic glass slipper to get the profit out of it. You merely danced with a complete stranger and fell in love with him. Sure, he is the prince but what if in the future, you don’t blend with his choice of life? Love happens in different ways to different people, so I can’t change your views on that. I don’t know how your mind works now, but I do know how your mind worked when we were kids. Your love for dresses. You can make a living out of it, you know. Rather than being a Royal Queen, you can be the Queen of the masses. For that, you need a room of your own. Your own space.”

It was an epiphanic moment for Cinderella as she started questioning how she viewed her life. How narrow minded she was that she wanted to make a film or a book out of her difficulties when she barely did anything to come out of it. How can that help all the lovely and competent girls out there? She remembered her lonely time spent with threads and needles, all the colours and glitters, buttons and scissors. And how happy she was! After a long pause, Cinderella answered, “My dear Virginia, I’m so sorry for talking rudely to you. I was being defensive when I should have been analysing”. Virginia answers, “Now that’s the start. Talking back isn’t a sin. I’m sorry too, for not considering your deprived conditions, you know, before you became a Queen”.

After their reunion got over, two major events had taken place. Cinderella’s journey back to the palace wasn’t just a mere physical act, but rather a mental one. Everyone knows about the sad and lonely yet beautiful Cinderella being a victim of family drama. Everyone knew about her marriage with the Prince. Everyone knew the circumstances she was living in. But, no one knows what and who Cinderella is. No one knows her capabilities as a figure of society. To ink her print is to pour her hidden but never forgotten fashion designing skills that were usually headed by the males. She can be the change and that change can be felt without the presence of theatres and libraries. She imagined giving tutorials to young girls on how to be independent, financially, socially and fashionably.

Thus, Atelier of Dreams was born with much popularity and she became the Queen of the mass. Virginia sat back on her seat and thought about the conversations that took place a moment ago. Fashion, Independence, Talking back, a Room of One’s own. The Woolf’s Court and herself bloomed with a vision. A lecture in the University of Cambridge and later turned book, marks the beginning of the birth of A Room of One’s Own.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar offers a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents. This competition celebrates diverse voices and innovative storytelling across multiple genres. Participants have the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, inviting both readers and critics to explore new literary landscapes. The competition fosters a community of creativity and appreciation for the written word, all while championing the importance of global artistic exchange.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to P V Gouri for sharing "Of Fashion & Lectures" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful short story not only revisits beloved characters but also challenges readers to reflect on themes of independence and self-worth. We look forward to seeing more of Gouri's creative endeavors and wish them all the best in their future writing journey.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.