Jill was sitting in a park. Another crappy day. Of course, what could she expect apart from falling with the name like Jill. Tumbling was inherent in her name itself. First a lost boyfriend, then the fight with her best friend and now the firing from this job. Can the life give her something else for once? She wanted to shout at the heavens for the partiality it showed? God could give a beautiful life to some but why it had to be so hard to her? Why could not God give her a Fairy Godmother, like He had given to Cinderella?
Suddenly, there was a sound of ticking under her bench. Before she could even think anything, there was an explosion. Jill thought she would die then and there but nothing happened. She looked around. Her heart was still thudding but she heaved a big sigh of relief. She must have lost her mind. She was just settling again to rest herself when she felt a touch on her shoulder. She whirled around in fear and saw a very old lady standing there. The lady was wearing a patched skirt and white blouse with a woolen jacket. She had a kind of bad on one of her shoulder. Jill looked at the shining sun and jacket again. She thought this old lady must be a beggar “Yes, Auntie? You were asking something?”
“I..was not asking for you. I was sitting before fire, mending my skirt when you asked for me. Why can’t you people let me rest? I have been working for past 565 years. Now what do you need?”
Jill was totally confused. “I need something from you? Look Auntie, you must be mistaken. I don’t need anything from you. I don’t even know you.”
“You silly girl!! I am Mariam. Did you or did you not ask for Cinderella’s fairy Godmother? Now I am here. Tell me what can I do for you?”
“Cinderella’s Godmother? You mean you are from Cindy’s time. That must explain this weird dress of yours. “Jill couldn’t help herself at the joke by fate. She felt a smile tugging her lips. This old lady must be soft in her head.
“Young people have forgotten respect for elders. You doubt me silly girl? Let me prove myself to you. I may be old but my magic is still intact.” The old lady took a stick out of her bag and started waving it. For few minutes, nothing happened. And then there was an explosion, and few withered roses appeared in Jill’s hand. The old lady started crackling and Jill frowned at the flowers. She started searching around for something but gave up trying after few seconds.
“Auntie, this magic can be done by anyone. And why did you not remove the thorns from the roses if you had to make them appear so suddenly? Where have you hidden my paper? It was important. I have to apply for job there.”
“What paper? I do not know about any paper. And why did you threw away my flowers? They might be little withered and thorny but they still were magical flowers. You still do not believe me, eh? What shall I give you to make you believe me? Cinderella wanted new clothes. Shall I give you the same. That would make you happy, wouldn’t it?” ” she waved her stick again and Jill felt clothes around her changing in shape. Suddenly instead of comfortable Jeans and shirt, she was wearing a gown and corset. It was so tight she felt as if she would die of suffocation.
She gritted her teeth, and turned to the old lady, “What have you done to my jeans and shirt? They were my favourite. And if you had to give something, why did you give me the gown which is three sizes smaller? Why could not you gift me the new shirt from Mango or something? Change me back now.”
The old lady put her hands on her hips, “Will anything going to satisfy you or not? Things were so easier in Cinderella’s time. Anything I gift her sufficed and whatever I give you is less. Alright, I will change you back.” This time Jill was expecting the explosion. She was back to the jeans and shirt. She knew she must be dreaming but her dreams had also lost their sense of direction.
“So, now you believe me? I have given you enough proof? Now tell me what shall I do to make you happy? You have rejected flowers, and dresses. What will you like then? A carriage to go anywhere?” She did something with her wand again and there was a carriage with two horse tied in it. Jill felt warm. This was no simple magic. May be she was Cinderella’s Godmother and she did not realize the century had changed.
“Mariam Auntie, I do not want to sound ungrateful but have you heard about the car? ”
Mariam’s forehead was furrowed with lines as if she did not understand what Jill was talking about. Jill continued, “I thought so. Do you have any idea what interior designer does?”
Mariam shook her head in negation. ”Hey silly girl, what car and decoration are you talking about? Tell me what you want?”
“Nothing that you can gift me Mariam. I guessed I prayed for a wrong century Fairy godmother. You go back and say thank you to whoever you report to. Tell them I will manage without their help as well.”
Mariam looked at the girl and started sobbing ,”Is this because of my old age that you do not want me? I am not worth anything now. I messed up with everyone else except for Cinderella.”
Jill felt helpless before her tears. She thought to God, “Another tumble?” She shook her head and went to hug Mariam. “No, Mariam. I do not know about other cases but you did not fail me. See, now I know that fairies do exist and God does listen to our prayers. That is enough for me. Now, go and mend you skirt and if you get time, you can knit some sweaters for me too.”
Mariam looked at Jill with teary eyes. “Are you sure I have fulfilled my purpose with you?” Jill agreed without any doubt showing on her face.
Mariam beamed, “I will leave then silly girl. I will add you to my successful cases. And I will surely send you some sweaters. You keep well. Bye.” There was another explosion and Jill was alone in the park, smiling at the silliness of everything.