Twisted Tale of Cinderella

By Divya Behl

Everyone knows the classic Cinderella story: the beautiful girl, the wicked stepmother, the glass slippers, the royal ball, and, of course, the prince. But have you ever considered another perspective, the stepmother’s perspective, my perspective? Let me tell you the truth, and I know you will start seeing things differently. 

When I married Cinderella’s father, life was peaceful. He was kind and provided for us. My two daughters, Anastasia and Drizella, were well cared for and happy. But then, disaster struck. Cinderella’s father passed away, leaving me with three daughters, an old mansion, and mounting debts. Life was no longer as easy as it had been, but I did my best. Now, let’s talk about Cinderella. Everyone sees her as this perfect, sweet girl, but let me tell you, she wasn’t quite as flawless as people think. While my daughters worked hard to learn proper manners and how to behave in society, doing curtsies, Cinderella spent her time daydreaming. Talking to animals and humming while doing chores. Birds are nice, but they don’t help with sweeping the floor. So, yes, Cinderella was asked to help around the house, as it was necessary for someone to manage the chores. 

Then came the ‘Royal Ball’. The entire kingdom was buzzing with excitement. My daughters spent weeks preparing, choosing gowns, rehearsing curtsies, and making sure everything was a picture of perfection. Cinderella wanted to go, and I told her, “Finish your chores first, and then you can attend.” She agreed, and I thought that would be the ned of it, as it seemed like a reasonable request. But then, a Fairy Godmother appeared. A Fairy Godmother! It was the kind of thing you’d never expect, at least not in the real world. Anyways, what I saw next blew my mind. With a flick of her wand, Cinderella was transformed into a princess, wearing a gown that shimmered and glass slippers, which, to be honest, looked more like a great way to trip than to dance. Can you imagine moving in those? Then, she turned pumpkins into carriages, rags into curtains, and mice into chauffeurs. All I’ve ever managed with pumpkin is either soup or pudding! At the ball, the prince immediately took a liking to Cinderella. But when the clock struck midnight, she simply disappeared, leaving behind a single glass slipper. Suddenly, the entire kingdom was on a mission to find the girl whose foot would fit that slipper. And where did the prince’s search lead him? Right to our doorstep. Anastasia and Drizella tried the slipper, but of course, it didn’t fit. Just when I thought it was all over, Cinderella appeared, calm, glowing, and wearing the other glass slipper. Naturally, it fit perfectly, and she was whisked away to the palace.

But here’s the part no one talks about: ‘What happened to us?’ Did Cinderella ever stop to think about the woman who tried to hold everything together after her father passed away? Did she ever consider the family she left behind? Apparently not. Off she went to the palace, and we were left behind. Now, I know I’ve been called the “wicked stepmother, “ but was I really wicked? Or was I simply trying my best to make the best of a difficult situation? Every fairytale needs a villain, doesn’t it? And in this one, that villain just happened to be me. But always remember, every story has two sides. 

By Divya Behl