Last night, just like all previous nights before, I had the most intense dream. It was relatively more unique than others envisioned before, and I know this because it jolted me out of my REM sleep. And then it kept me awake for the rest of the night…
I saw that I was at a party and like any other socially awkward situation, I was trying to keep human interaction to the bare minimum acceptable levels. The moment I found my favorite corner spot to nurse my drink and enjoy some “me-time”, I got tapped on the shoulder by my doppelgänger! I suspiciously checked my glass and performed a quick mental calculation of the number of tall ones downed so far. Yet, this guy kept standing there, patiently staring, and his large eyes eliciting a response from me. (FYI – it is scary to see yourself staring at you – more so when it’s in a dream!)
I nervously introduced myself and in reciprocation, learnt that was ‘The Genie’. Trying not to be judgmental, I inquired about his purpose. He enthralled me by granting me the proverbial three wishes – a job he seemed to be doing since time immemorial across all movies and fairy tales alike.
Although my first instinct was to ask him how he manages to do such a drab and high-pressure job, without any scope of a promotion, increment or bonus, I somehow refrained. It was our first meeting after all! Instead, like a well-trained MBA-turned-consultant, I tried to negotiate more wishes and also understand the underlying ‘catch’ in the deal. When satisfied that there wasn’t any, I tried the second tactic of buying more time. When you know that you have three wishes that have a guarantee of being fulfilled, you need to ensure that only golden words are uttered.
That’s when my Friend From The Heavens mentioned the T&C – I had to ask for the first three things that come to my mind. If I paused or stuttered, the wish will be invalid. He added – in a fine print sort of way – that this wasn’t just a test of my quick wit, but also of my character and ambition.
That statement hit me hard as a giant ball of concrete right in the gut. I have been trained to think on my feet but this situation demanded an answer – while running on a treadmill (at a speed of 15), on top of a Formula One car, with a 10 kg load of C4 explosive strapped to my groin. I instantly started to regret to drinks consumed that evening. But then, it occurred to me that life’s best decisions are always made under the influence of some substance.
That’s when I let go my fear and power of rational thinking. For a change, I started to think from my heart rather than mind, and then the words just flowed. From what I recall, these are the wishes I asked him for:
- Grant me the ability and resources to travel far and wide, to see unique places and absorb immersive experiences that will make memories for a lifetime, those that I can recount along with my companion in my sunset years through photos, anecdotes and a generous dose of a humor.
- Grant me longevity and the perfect functioning of my five senses to live life to the fullest and soak in its sights, enjoy the love of well-wishers, hog on the local delicacies wherever I am, enjoy the music and words of my partner and to smell the different substances that I enjoy.
- Grant me the power and perseverance to follow through my passion till eternity – be it the thirst for knowledge, or the quest to write out my innermost desires, or to love Her like no one has seen before.
I tried to be as creative as possible (perhaps overstepping my boundaries in the process) and provided him an additional, somewhat simpler but an all-encompassing wish, only if he wasn’t able to fulfill any of the above.
I asked him to make me the person on whom at least one book is written, or a movie is made or even one statue is erected in a popular city. That way I’ll be assured that my life was well lived, on my own terms and in the process, I will be able to set an inspirational benchmark for others.
The Genie looked at me in a sort of disbelief that is shown in movies when the protagonist discovers the ghost.
People usually ask for tangible things like a big house, a pretty wife, unlimited money, the best sports car or a yacht. Such wishes can be easily fulfilled because these items are found off-the-shelf. Apparently, what I had asked for was the equivalent of a customized order and that would take time for the Forces to put together. I was duly informed that the nature of my wish also required me to put in some effort from my side. I’d have to admit, I did have a bit of Buyer’s Remorse upon hearing that, but then, since when did one achieve great things without any struggle?
As I was mentally evaluating the pros and cons of my wish list, I took a sip of my whisky. When I looked up, my friend was nowhere to be seen in that party. Last I remember, it was 2:30 am when I woke up and I have been awake with my thoughts ever since…