Magazine and The Melody of Kindness

Once upon a time, in a snowy town in Russia, lived a happy little girl named Magazine. She had bright eyes, a sweet smile, and loved to sing. Magazine lived with her kind parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malam, in a small warm house. Snow always covered the trees and roads, but their home was full of laughter and music. Magazine was in Class 3 at Sant Mary School. She liked learning science the most. Her science teacher had curly hair that bounced when she walked. Magazine thought her hair looked like soft dominos. The teacher always smiled and told fun stories while teaching about stars, plants, and magnets. But Magazine’s biggest love was music. She could sing soft, sweet doll songs—little songs she made up herself. She also played a small guitar that had pretty star stickers on it. Her best friend was her pet cat, Mishka, who followed her everywhere—even to the gate of her school!

Magazine missed her grandparents. Her mother’s parents lived in Rajasthan and sent her colorful bangles and puppet toys. Her father’s parents lived in America, and they told her stories over video calls. Even though they were far, Magazine always felt close to them in her heart.

One morning, Mr. Malam said, “Let’s go on a trip! I have booked a taxi. We are going to the Russia Hotel in the snowy mountains!”. Magazine jumped with joy. She packed her pink jacket, her sketchbook, and of course—her favorite guitar. As they rode in the taxi, she sang a doll song called “Gudiya ka Sapna” (The Doll’s Dream). The driver smiled and turned off the radio. “You sing better than the songs on the radio!” he said kindly.

The hotel looked like a winter castle. It had big glass windows, soft beds, and even a gingerbread model of the Kremlin! The air smelled like chocolate and cinnamon. Magazine’s eyes sparkled with happiness. She met many new children at the hotel. There was Chhotu, who loved throwing snowballs, and Pary, who had acted in a movie called Dhanak. Everyone was friendly and fun. They played in the snow, drank hot cocoa, and laughed all day.

That evening, the hotel had a Talent Show. Magazine was nervous, but her mother held her hand and said, “Just sing from your heart.” She walked to the stage with her small guitar, sat on a chair, and sang softly. Slowly, the room became quiet. People stopped talking. Even the shyest children listened. Her song made everyone feel warm and happy inside. Soon, Chhotu started clapping. Pary hummed along. Even a little girl named Leya, who never spoke, began to sing. Magazine’s music made them all come together.

At the end, the hotel manager gave her a badge that said “Melody of Kindness”. Magazine smiled the biggest smile of all. The next morning, she helped build a snow princess castle, shared her crayons with a little boy, and sang goodbye songs for the hotel staff. Everyone thanked her.

When she went back to school, her science teacher asked, “What did you learn on your trip?”

Magazine said, “I learned that music and kindness can make new friends and bring smiles to everyone!”

Avika Pandey

A State of Bliss - Artwork by Adyashree Rout