March 24, 2011

Batul and the Rumpel, By Rumjhum Biswas













“What is this machine?”

“No business of yours!”

“No but sir, does it work?”

“You’ll see.”




Shorty disappeared, leaving Batul dumbstruck for a whole week.


“I am a poor man,” said Batul. “But my parents love me. They will sell all their buffaloes to pay you. My sisters will sell all their jewelry to pay you Shortyji. My brothers will shave of their moustaches in penance. Please sir.”









“Rumpel Stiltskin,” he said steadily, though weakly.


“One generation away? How many generations are you?”

“What do you mean that’s me paw, that’s me paw? Money’s paw!” said Batul getting upset. “Here I am being tortured, just because you want some fun and games. Not fair! I tell you, it’s not fair. You’re a liar! You promised. What you’re doing is nothing short of cheating! That’s what! You’re a cheat!”



Shorty guffawed.

“Rumpel Shortchange!” squeaked Batul, trying hard not to burst into tears. “Rumpel Shortchange!”




Batul prostrated himself and thanked Hanumanji profusely.

Rumjhum Biswas writes fiction and poetry. Currently she lives on the outskirts of Chennai where local and migratory birds still fly around and do their bird things.


Anonymous said...

Batul and the Rumpel, By Rumjhum Biswas

I absolutely loved this story. It had me guessing the whole time what would happen to poor Batul. Batul was made fun of for his shortness his whole life and all he wanted was to be taller so he would fit in. A strange person appeared named Shorty who tried helping Batul using a “growing machine” get taller. Much like the original “Rumpelstiltskin” Batul and the guess Shorty’s real name in order to be returned to normal. It was apparent that Shorty was a con artist that allowed Batul to guess his name as Rumpel Shortchange. I liked that this story was a type of spin off from the original tale and that it was unique in which it was related to the “Rumpel” name. Much like the original story Batul was also conned and left unhappy. Batul was left shorter than ever just like in “Rumpelstiltskin” where Rumpel was left without a child. I feel bad for both characters but I also feel like they both learned the lesson not to trust people who seem to be caused by magic and wonder.
-Tiffany P.

Anonymous said...

This story was an interesting twist on Rumpel Stiltskin. Though his name isn’t Rumpel Stiltsking in this story the name still holds power. Names have always been thought to hold power over beings such as witches and demons. I would have to say I believe that the Rumpel Shortchange in this story would be more like a witch and it seems that wherever a Rumpel Stiltskin character shows up there is a lesson to be learned. Everyone tries so hard to fit in and be accepted when they should just be themselves and try to be accepted for who they are. Batul was accepted by his siblings who cared for him and helped him yet he still wanted more. He wanted to be something he was not so people would like him. This story is a warning to be careful what you wish for.
Paige F.