Soul [Complete]

Soul

"Those who never believe in magic will never find it" - Roald Dahl.

I'm invisible. Not in a superhero kind of way—that would at least make things interesting. No, my invisibility is the kind that leaves you unnoticed, drifting through life without anyone really seeing you. Living in the shadows isn't glamorous or heroic like Batman. It's just lonely. And honestly, I just want someone—anyone—to notice me, someone other than my best friend, K.

Call the devil, and he appears. It's K, short for Kerim.

"Happy Birthday, beautiful." he sings out to me.

Oh, yes. It's 13 July today, my birthday.

I turn to see Kerim standing in the doorway, his usual charming smile on his face and a small cupcake in his hand. He is the guy of every girl's dreams, but to me, he's just Kerim, my best friend since childhood.

"Thanks, Ker," I say, forcing a smile. He's always so full of life, effortlessly popular, while I remain hidden in the background.

He steps closer, lighting the single candle on the cupcake. "Make a wish, Hayaat. Think about that one thing that you want most in the world."

I close my eyes, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. What do I wish for? Popularity? Fame? Notoriety? No, I don't want any of these. I just want to be seen. To step out of the shadows and be noticed, not just by Kerim, but by others too. But even as I think this, I know it's not that simple. My introverted nature is my safe haven, and the thought of stepping out into the light is both exhilarating and terrifying.

"This is silly, why would my wish ever come true."

"Just make a damn wish, Mouse."

I close my eyes again. 'I wish I could meet someone who would see me for who I am. I wish for a fierce, unhindered kind of love. A love so deep, that it hurts. I wish that to someone other than K, I wasn't invisible.'

Opening my eyes, I blow out the candle, the small flame flickering out like my unspoken hopes. Kerim watches me with those kind eyes that seem to see right through me, and yet, I still feel invisible.

"I wish all your wishes come true, Mouse. Any special plans for today?" he asks, sitting down next to me.

"Not really," I reply, trying to hide my smile. "Just a quiet day."

He nods, understanding as always. "Tonight is your birthday party. You are invited."

"No, seriously? My birthday party? No way. I've been at this college for a whole year now, and I'm still completely invisible to everyone."

"Who said that, Mouse? You are not invisible. I do notice you."

"You don't understand, K. It's different. But, thank you."

He reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Always, Hayaat. You're my best friend. That'll never change."