Oh my God!! Is it real? wondered Arika. The mermaid swam and sat on a rock beside the water. Arika stared her with stunned eyes. The mermaid was beautiful with a long green tail. The mermaid then spoke softly in her calm voice.
"Happy birthday Arika!"
"Who are you" asked Arika, a bit scared.
"I am the mermaid fairy....I came in front of you, because of your love for these fishes.... and I am very pleased with you, my dear friend. I am going to give you a gift, which is a very special power."
Arika was patiently listening to the magical creature. The mermaid continued.
"I am giving you a power that you always desire to have. You could see anyone's true wish!! You just have to bring that person to this lake and on the surface of the water, you can view the image of their wish. But only you can see it, none other can see it or be aware of it. This works for only one person, who is standing next to you. Remember one thing that if you tell anyone else about your power or about me, then your power will dissappear forever. So be very careful. I hope you like your gift Arika."
Arika was overjoyed and thanked the mermaid. The mermaid then vanished into the water. Arika looked at the water and was amazed to see the water so cleaned and sparkling as never before. She could clearly see her own reflection. Her fishes were still swimming in the water. Then she gazed above the sky, to see the castle, which was lit bright by the candles in the dark starry sky.
