I slumped on my cushion, engulfed by desolation, contemplating the entirety of my life's journey and recognizing the profound absence of a single fulfilling relationship. I was going to be thirty-five in a few days, and I had no single person to share my happiness with. Just like my colleagues at work would say, I'm rigid, uptight, overly serious, and find it difficult to engage socially.
Throughout my years of existence, I'd always allowed my birthdays to slip by without significance, treating them as ordinary days devoid of any means to make myself feel uniquely celebrated. But this time, I intended to do better, to prioritize my happiness just this once in my entire life.
The gentle awakening of a new day brought forth an overwhelming excitement, igniting a fire of positivity within me. It was indeed a good start for the day. How long I'd yearned to finally feel this way.
But then I checked my phone, no calls, text messages, or emails from anyone. How bad must I have been? No one bothered to call, not my colleagues at work, and not even my mom. I guess my mom was still angry over the fact that I couldn't get myself a man, and probably she'd given up on me too, or maybe I'd failed her woefully. My head was consumed by a deluge of those thoughts.
Trying to get my mind back to the moment, I sprang out of bed, hurried to the bathroom, freshened up as I made myself for the day ahead, and excited about venturing to the mall to pick up various food items for a memorable birthday meal.
In the mall, I carefully chose the food items I needed for my meal when my focus was diverted to a jar. The jar gleamed like a dazzling gem, its shimmering exterior captivated my gaze, drawing me closer.
Picking it up, I tenderly traced my fingers over its smooth surface, completely marveling at its enchanting luminosity. "This look enthralling," I said, carefully loosening the lid of the jar, revealing the mesmerizing sight that awaited my eyes.
The jar was filled with an awe-inspiring display of shimmering starlight and a dainty and stunning girl adorned in a princess-like attire, resembling a magical being appeared before my eyes, leaving me utterly speechless.
"Who is this?" I gasped in shock.
"Happy birthday to you, Miss Lily!"
"What? Do you know my name? What kind of a being would live in a jar? Who are you?" I tremblingly asked, hoping to get answers to all my questions.
"Do not panic, I mean no harm. I'm a genie, and I'm here for your sake."
"How do you mean?"
"I'm here to grant your wish, but it must be a coffee-related one. Make a wish and it would be granted."
"By the way, do not let this jar slip away. It's a beautiful one, so take it along with you. Be sure you only make coffee with it," the genie continued.
For a moment, I stood dumbstruck. What could I possibly wish for?
"I wish to perpetually bask in the euphoria a coffee brings," I immediately said.
"What a brilliant wish, Miss Lily. Your wish has been granted. Go and have a fun-filled birthday celebration." the genie finally spoke.
Getting out of the mall, I bumped into a being, and my whole food items fell to the ground.
"Are you blind or some.........." I was left aghast as I looked into his eyes. His charming eyes were unfathomable, and I couldn't help but marvel at his exquisite masculinity. Immediately, a connection sparked between us, and I could see from the way he looked at me too. I guess that was the beginning of our unending love story and a journey to my newfound happiness.
All thanks to the genie.
Thanks for reading.
