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Dinner was a simple affair and quite early too. Again, lots of fresh vegetables, dal, and
rotis. Granny insisted that they shut shop by 9 PM. They had a tall glass of warm milk
and some seasonal fruits.

For the next three months, this became a routine for Malini. Healthy 3 meals a day, good
8 hours sleep, exercise, yoga, and simple hobbies worked wonders.

Malini was feeling very active and happy—she had lost a whopping 21 kgs in 3 months
and was back to her slim self. Instead of the dark circles, her eyes were sparkling. That

evening, the sun was sinking lower in the sky, crickets were chirping, and the air was cool.

They heard the noises of an incoming convoy of vehicles and people. Yes, it was the end
of 3 months and as promised the king and the queen were coming to pick Malini up.

The king and the queen stood at a distance and in the twilight, they could see a slender
girl sitting with Granny. Was she their Malini?

They found the transformation hard to believe. Malini ran up to them and enveloped
them in a huge bear hug. It was such an emotional moment.

‘O king, as promised, here’s Malu—err the princess.’ Granny said.

‘Thank you so much, mother. This is such an amazing transformation not just about

shedding those extra kgs, but also in attitude, outlook, and approach’. The queen broke
down.

‘But, how did this happen, Granny?’, the king wanted to know.

Granny and Malu looked at each other and said in unison -’It’s a secret’.

The king passed a law in Mayapur that children must eat healthy food and take up at
least one form of sport or hobby. They must exercise regularly and do yoga. Also, they
must reduce the amount of time that they spend on social networking sites.

Further, all families must take care of the elders and give their advice and thoughts due

respect. The king appointed officers to monitor these activities.
The people of Mayapur became healthier and fit with a good respect for elders in the

family.

As for Granny, she refused to come to the palace with shut shop: end an activity
Malini. She found peace and happiness in living life whopping: extremely large
enveloped: covered or surrounded
simple. something completely
detox: to stop taking something
As for the princess, she spent every weekend at Granny’s unhealthy for a period of time, in
order to improve your health
place—two days of complete digital detox and being with
nature.
—Lakshmi Venkat

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