Beauty and the Beast

Once upon a time there was a merchant who lived with his three daughters. One day before going to the market, he asked each of his three daughters what they would like as a gift on his return. The first daughter replied a brocade dress, the second asked for a pearl necklace, but the youngest and prettiest of all, whose name was Beauty said to her father "All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me!"

After finishing the work the merchant set off for home. However, a sudden storm blew up, and his horse lost his way in the howling gale. The merchant now had lost all hope of reaching a safe place to stay for a while. Suddenly he noticed a bright light shining right in the middle of a wood. As he went nearer, he saw lightening palace.

"I hope to could get some shelter there for the night," he said to himself. When he reached the door, he found it open, but still he asked ‘Is there anyone’, but there was no reply. He slowly went inside. On the dinning table a splendid dinner was ready to be served. The merchant still shouted for the owner of the castle. But no one came, and so the starving merchant sat down to have the meal.

After having the delicious meal, he went upstairs, where the corridor led into magnificent rooms and halls. Fire was burning in the first room and a soft bed looked very inviting. It was quite late so the merchant could not resist and he went to sleep. Next morning when he woke up, an unknown hand had placed a cup of coffee and some fruits bedsides him.

The merchant after having breakfast went downstairs to thank the person who provided tea and fruits to him. But he could not find anyone so he went towards the garden where he had left his horse. There he saw a large rose bush. He remembered his promise to Beauty so he bent down to pick the rose. All of a sudden a horrible Beast appeared from the rose garden. The angry Beast shouted at him, "Ungrateful man! I gave you shelter and food and you are plucking my favorite flowers. Now I shall put you to death for this slight!"

The merchant fell on his feet and asked him to forgive him. He further clarified that the rose was not for him but for his daughter Beauty. The Beast thought for a while and said, "I shall spare your life, but for this you have to bring me your daughter!" the merchant was so terrified that merchant he promised that Beast to do so.

When the merchant reached home, his three daughters ran to greet him. But they were quite surprised to see him crying. Why are you crying father said the eldest daughter? So he told them of his dreadful journey, Beauty immediately replied that I can do anything for you father so you don't worry. The merchant hugged his daughter and then they both went towards the palace.

The Beast welcomed Beauty graciously, which was quite surprising. Beauty was frightened of the Beast in the beginning but day by day her horror was gradually fading. She was given one of the finest rooms in the palace. She sat for hours, embroidering in front of the fire. And the Beast would sit, for hours on the other end observing her. Soon little conversation started between Beauty and the Beast. Days passed, and Beauty and the Beast became good friends.

One fine day, the Beast asked the girl to be his wife. Beauty didn’t know what to say. Instead of marrying such an ugly Beast I would rather die, she said to herself. But at the same time she didn’t wanted to hurt Beast. "I really can't say yes," she began shakily. "I'd so much like to..." The Beast interrupted and said its ok! Life went on as usual.

One day, the Beast presented Beauty with a magnificent magic mirror. When Beauty peeped into it, she could see her family, far away. "You won't feel so lonely now," said the Beast. Beauty stared for hours at her distant family. She became quite worried and kept weeping for her family. The Beast saw her crying so he asked "What's wrong? So she told that "My father is very ill and close to dying. I wish I could see him again, before it's too late!"

But the Beast only shook its head and went away. After sometime, he returned back and said “If you promise to return back in seven days then you can go to see your father!". Beauty replied “I swear! I swear and she went to her fathers house. Everyone at home was happy to find her back especially her father. She told them about the kindness of Beast. Soon her father also recovered from illness. Beauty was happy at last. However, she had failed to notice that seven days had already passed.

One night she saw a terrible dream that the Beast was dying and calling her in great agony. She rushed to the palace; the Beast was in the garden his eyes were shut as if he is dead. Beauty threw hugged him tightly. Don't die! I'll marry you . . ." these magical words turned the ugly Beast's into a handsome young man.

“I've been waiting for this moment since a long time, he said. Then he told his story to Beauty that an evil witch turned him into a monster. The witch had told that the true love of a woman who will accept me as I am, could transform me back into my real self. I am so glad to have you in my life.

Soon Beauty and the Beast married each other and lived happily forever.