KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 02

In the long running COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps longer than Rapunzel's hair, we will be able to see many stories. These real stories do not feature in school books. Before diving into 2020-2, let us reflect on what stories we have read in the past.

The three characters of Disney, Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel, are celebrated globally. Right from the time of their origin, their stories still carry the same amount of magic.

Cinderella was a poor, hardworking girl and struggled for a balanced diet. Rapunzel ate well everyday, but freedom was inaccessible to her. Snow White was loved by her father but almost got killed by her step mother.

If Rapunzel's story were to continue even after living happily ever after, that is, after getting married with a thief, the couple of children born to her would have kept her busy.

The second story would probably have her as a queen with short hair, equally popular, and now appearing even in textbooks.

Cinderella would have lived the life of a queen, too. She might have had the privilege of wearing all kinds of beautiful dresses. Also, she might have kept the remaining unbroken sparkling glass shoe in her living room as a souvenir. She would probably set an example of a fashion designer, brilliant wife, mother and an amazing queen to her king.

Snow White's life might have finally come to peace. Prince Charming might have kept her happy. Her snow-like white skin would still be the same and beautiful. Snow White would have started a forest conservation campaign with her seven dwarfs.

In real life, when Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel go out on a cold evening, they will not be under a time limit to return by midnight. Magic will not stop working even after midnight, but definitely, their dresses and make-up will require some touch- up. Rapunzel will complain about having abundant hair fall. Snow White might say she recently started a skin care routine for dark circles and pigmentation. Cinderella will have moved on to sneakers and is no more interested in heels.

In a few more decades, when they also grow old and go on a night out, they might laugh at their younger self. But what other people think and comment about them would have minimal effect. Importantly, they are vaccinated and carefree about their body images.

Their talks would have concluded on being the self and not letting themselves be compared with others. They will probably say that the things we think exist mostly in our head.

So don't listen to what people say about you, just do what you want to do if that brings you peace and happiness.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 3, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.